Bill S-247: An Act to establish a national framework on food allergy

Short Title Short title 1 This Act may be cited as the National Framework on Food Allergy Act . Interpretation Definition 2 In this Act, Indigenous governing body means a council, government or other entity that is authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, community or people that holds rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 . National Framework Development 3 (1) The Minister of Health must, in consultation with provincial and territorial government representatives responsible for health and with Indigenous governing bodies, relevant healthcare professionals, patient groups and other relevant stakeholders, develop a national framework on food allergy. Contents (2) The framework must identify measures to reduce the incidence and risk of food allergy, including measures to (a) ensure that those affected by food allergy can receive timely diagnoses and care; (b) integrate evidence-based practices for preventing food allergy, including early allergen introduction, into national public health initiatives; (c) ensure reliable access to essential medications — including epinephrine devices — and treatments for food allergy; (d) improve access to accurate ingredient information to enable safe food choices; (e) improve public awareness of food allergy and anaphylaxis , as well as society’s critical role in ensuring a safer, more inclusive environment for those at risk; and (f) support research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of food allergy. Advisory Board Appointment of members 4 (1) The Minister of Health must establish an advisory board and appoint no more than 15 members to hold office during pleasure for a term not exceeding three years. The term may be renewed for one or more further terms. Chairperson (2) The Minister must appoint one of the members as chair of the advisory board. Role of advisory board (3) The board is to advise the Minister on any matter related to food allergy. Representation (4) The Minister may appoint to the advisory board any person with relevant knowledge or expertise, including (a) federal, provincial and territorial government representatives responsible for public health; (b) representatives from Indigenous governing bodies; (c) representatives from food allergy advocacy groups and other related advocacy groups; (d) health care professionals; and (e) people living with food allergy and their caregivers. No remuneration (5) No member of the advisory board is to receive remuneration for the performance of their duties. Meetings (6) Advisory board meetings must be held at least twice annually, at times and places to be determined by the chair. Reports to Parliament Tabling of framework 5 (1) Within 18 months after the day on which this Act comes into force, the Minister of Health must prepare a report setting out the national framework and cause it to be tabled in each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the report is completed. Publication (2) The Minister must publish the report on the Department of Health website within 10 days after the day on which it is tabled in Parliament. Report 6 (1) Within three years after the day on which the report referred to in section 5 is tabled in both Houses of Parliament, the Minister of Health must prepare a report on the effectiveness of the national framework in reducing the incidence and risk of food allergy and the Minister’s conclusions and recommendations regarding the framework. Tabling of report (2) The Minister must cause the report to be tabled in each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the report is completed. Publication (3) The Minister must publish the report on the Department of Health website within 10 days after the day on which it is tabled in Parliament.