Amanda DeYoung, Celiac Canada Advocacy Support, January 28, 2026
Thank you to everyone who signed and shared Celiac Canada’s federal e-Petition: Food Affordability, Tax Fairness and Celiac Disease (e-6853). Thousands of Canadians living with celiac disease and their families have spoken and with an impressive total of 33,870 signatures, it is clear we have harnessed support from a significant amount of Canadian’s who believe in our mission.
With the closing of Celiac Canada’s federal petition calling for a fair and meaningful tax credit to offset the high cost of gluten-free food, our message is now moving directly into Parliament
It is important to remember that the closing of the petition is not the finish line. Instead, it is the moment our advocacy enters its next and most critical phase (outlined below).
1. The Petition is Presented in the House of Commons
Once Parliament returns to the House of Commons, our sponsoring Member of Parliament (MP) Sonia Sidhu will formally present Celiac Canada’s petition in the House of Commons.
2. The Petition is Sent to Privy Council Office (PCO)
Once the petition is presented in the House of Commons by MP Sonia Sidhu, the federal government is legally required to issue a written response within 45 calendar days.
The petition is sent to the Privy Council Office (PCO) during this time for review. PCO will make arrangements with the appropriate government departments and agencies for the preparation and collection of responses
3. Tabling of a Government Response
Each petition receives a government response within 45 calendar days after it has been presented to the House of Commons. Responses are posted under their respective petition’s page shortly after their tabling in the House.
When the government’s response is released, Celiac Canada will:
These next steps may include direct meetings with MPs and Ministers, calls for further review, and continued pressure leading into the next federal budget. Celiac Canada will keep you informed on the government’s response and up to date with next steps.
Every signature sent a clear message: Canadians with celiac disease deserve fairness, affordability, and recognition of the real costs of medically necessary gluten-free food.
Canadians with celiac disease do not choose a gluten-free diet. It is a medical necessity—and one that comes with a significantly higher cost at the grocery store. The current tax measures do not adequately reflect these realities and place an unfair burden on individuals and families already managing a lifelong autoimmune disease.
Thank you for adding your voice and standing with us. Together, we will continue pushing for change.
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