Drugs and health products legislation and guidelines
Health Canada develops and enforces regulations under Government of Canada legislation. The Department consults with the Canadian public, industry and other interested parties in the development of laws that protect health and safety. We also prepare guidelines and policies in order to help interpret and clarify the legislation surrounding drugs and health products.
In this topic...
- Biologics, Radiopharmaceuticals and Genetic Therapies
- Compliance and Enforcement
- Drug Products
- Environmental risk management amendments to the Food and Drugs Act
- Medical Devices
- Natural Health Products
- Precision regulating: Amendments to the Food and Drugs Act
- Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act
- Regulatory Requirements for Advertisements
- Veterinary Drugs
What is Legislation?
Legislation refers to laws, called Acts, which are enacted by Parliament, the legislative arm of government. There is also subordinate legislation where parliament delegates its law-making powers to other bodies (for example, Regulations or Rules).
What are Guidelines?
Guidelines are departmental policy and recommended standards or statements that derive from Legislation. They do not have the force of law or regulation.
What information is Available?
From this section, you can access new, reviewed and recently changed legislation and guidelines that are relevant to Health Canada's programs and responsibilities.