Source: http://www.torontosun.com/2012/01/12/health-canada-looks-at-regulating-traditional-chinese-medicine

"Our government has benefited from ongoing discussions with the traditional Chinese medicine community. Since a growing number of Canadians are using traditional Chinese and other natural health products, I’m looking forward to learning more about how we can help ensure Canadians have access to a wide range of safe and effective options,” said Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq.

There are currently more than 1,400 traditional Chinese medicines authorized for sale in Canada.

"I am confident that this new committee will provide a valuable link to traditional practitioners, manufactures and retailers, helping us stay abreast of this exciting and interesting field,” said Parliamentary Secretary Colin Carrie.

The mandate of the new committee is to give Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorates advice on emerging issues such as import and sale of Chinese medicines.

The use of Chinese herbs and remedies is thousand of years old, said Edwin Wung, who sells Chinese herbs at the Pacific Mall.

"In Canada, many like alternative medicines. We will work to move forward to improving products in Canada and ensure proper facilitation of the imports and sales,” Wung said.