CCA President issues letter to Minister of Public Safety regarding access to gluten-free food for people with celiac disease in quarantine. – December 7, 2021
CCA Executive Director weighs in on woman with celiac disease who went 40 hours without food in quarantine.
Celiac Blood Test Covered by OHIP for next 5 Months in Ontario
After 10 years of advocacy work by staff and volunteers the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) National office, we are pleased to share a new pilot program by the Ontario Ministry of Health will cover the cost of initial blood screening to help diagnose celiac disease (CD) in Ontario at any approved community-based laboratory. The dates for the Pilot Program are November 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022.
Ontario has been the ONLY province in the country not to cover the blood screening test for CD. This is despite the tests being part of standard clinical practice around the world. The announcement was made in a November 1 Info Bulletin.
CCA Advocates for Allergen Labelling on Natural Health Products
Over the past four years, CCA has been one of the major stakeholders working with Health Canada to help advance the introduction of priority allergen labelling including gluten on natural health products. This is a major milestone and innovation according to Health Canada representatives in a recent online session for the launch of the new clear and plain language labelling regulations. Up and until now, natural health products were not required to list any allergen, gluten, or aspartame ingredients leaving the celiac community for serious adverse reactions to products they were ingesting to help improve health. Allergen and gluten identification is now seen as high priority for Health Canada as it reviews new regulations thanks to the work of stakeholders.
“CCA was pleased to be an important stakeholder at the table over the past number of years to help offer our community’s perspective on the importance of clear labelling for people with adverse reactions to gluten. We are pleased to support the regulatory changes to have clear allergen and gluten warnings on natural health products – a long overdue change. We hope the government will move forward with the proposed amendments but also review our additional recommendations for better testing and monitoring, improvements to online retail sales and allergen and gluten disclosures on prescription medications.” – Melissa Secord, National Executive Director
After the public consultations are completed, the government will review the feedback and make its recommendations to the Treasury Board for approval and publish in the next year.
CCA addresses celiac disease patient challenges to Ontario medical round table
The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) recently sought recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders from patients, other health care professions, and patient groups like the CCA. They are developing recommendations to table with the Ontario Government to help drive key themes to transform the healthcare system which is broken and strained under the weight of the pandemic. Their theme- It’s time to Recover, Rebuild and Rebuild Smarter.
Click HERE to learn more about the OMA recommendations and key points addressed by the CCA.
CCA Resources Now Available in Punjabi and Arabic
TORONTO, June 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of its ongoing effort to help Canadians suffering with celiac disease in the country’s diverse ethnic communities, the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) today announced the release of Punjabi and Arabic language versions of its “What is Celiac Disease” and “Living Gluten Free” brochures. Both resources provide the Canadian Arabic and Punjabi communities with vital information about the disease, getting tested and dietary tips.
Click to learn more about the Punjabi resources. Click to learn more about the Arabic resources.
Listen to Shelley Case on CBC Regina radio on celiac disease
Lighting Up the Night for Celiac Disease on May 16th
International patient organizations unite to raise awareness of genetic autoimmune disease.
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Sunday, May 16, iconic buildings all over the world, including those in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Boston, Edmonton, Nashville, and New York City, will be lit up in green to raise awareness for International Celiac Disease Awareness Day. Among the Canadian buildings that will be bathed in green light are the CN Tower (Toronto), Olympic Stadium (Montreal), Prairie Wind at Riverplace (Saskatoon), Calgary Tower (Calgary), Epcor Tower (Edmonton) and BC Place (Vancouver).
Click here to learn more.
Shine A Light on Celiac International Site
CCA is setting the record straight – celiac is not pretend
TORONTO, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — May is Celiac Awareness Month and the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is setting the record straight for Canadians suffering with celiac disease.
CCA adds patient voice to Agriculture Canada and Agri-food review of Canadian Grains Act
Access to safe food starts with the safe growing practices for gluten-free grains and ensuring their safe distribution and handling along the food production cycle.
Click to read submission. Click to view Agriculture Canada Consultation
April 30, 2021
Canadian Celiac Association Joins Glutino on Easter ‘Save Me for Gluten-Free’ Food Drive
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the Easter long weekend approaches, the attention of Canadians will soon turn to preparing special ‘bubble-safe’ dinners with loved ones, but for people with celiac disease, who also rely on food banks, this time of year painfully underscores their struggle to source safe food, a problem made worse by the pandemic. Click to learn more.
-March 31, 2021
Canadian Celiac Association Launches Holiday Survival Campaign with Nairn’s
Resources Address Gluten-Free Food Insecurity, Dietary Guidance and Mental Health Challenges During Pandemic – Click to read more.
-December 17, 2020
CCA’s Professional Advisory Council issues statement on celiac disease and COVID-19
The novel Coronavirus has caused some questions among many groups including people with celiac disease. Click to learn more.
-December 15, 2020
Canadian Celiac Association offers up to $30,000 for celiac disease research
Requests for research proposals are now open to February 15, 2021 Click to learn more.
-December 2, 2020
Is gluten a problem?
If gluten is a problem for you, it could be celiac disease. CCA teamed up with the Toronto Star and other digestive health disorder groups to raise awareness. Click to learn more.
-November 28, 2020
CCA celebrates the life of Dr. Oats
Vernon Burrows, an Officer of the Order of Canada, passes at age 82 leaving a legacy of the first gluten-free oats in the world.
-November 19, 2020
A Canadian research team conducts first global study of COVID-19 and Celiac disease
Canadian Celiac Association partners with McMaster University
At the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, a team of researchers from McMaster University—in partnership with the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA)—sought to determine if people with celiac disease were at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. This is the first large-scale global study of its kind and was led by Dr. Maria Pinto Sanchez at McMaster University.
Click here for link to release on wire service
Meet the new CCA President
CCA’s new President, Janet Bolton, and Executive Director, Melissa Secord had a chance to share some of the exciting work of the CCA over the past summer and upcoming fall with Sue Jennett on her “A Canadian Celiac Podcast.” Sue is the president of the CCA Kingston Chapter and offers a regular podcast that often features CCA thought leaders and updates.
Click here to listen to Janet Bolton http://bit.ly/Ep138CCAPresidentJanetBolton
Click here to listen to Melissa Secord – http://bit.ly/Ep135CCAUpdate
CCA Professional Advisory Council releases statement on gluten in medications
Gluten in Medications – Published July 2020
July 7, 2020
Health Canada warns Canadians with celiac disease and gluten disorders on products originally destined for the United States
CCA and Coeliaque Quebec alerted Health Canada about issues with its decision in April in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to allow Canadian manufacturers of food service items destined for the United States to be sold in Canada. The concern is specific to products made with barley or rye. In the United States, only the top eight allergens are listed by their plain name and rye and barley are not one of them. The issue is mainly with barley as ingredients such as malt or yeast extract, which are derived from barley, would not necessarily be known by consumers to contain gluten. Health Canada has issued an advisory to manufacturers to ensure their redirected products are labelled correctly but there is a risk that products could be missed. CCA recommends consumers be alert to larger-sized packaged foods and/or with English only labels to help identify these US products. Although they feel the risk is low, Health Canada has issued a consumer advisory.
June 15, 2020
CELIAC ORG TO REPLENISH CANADA’S FOOD BANKS WITH GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS DURING PANDEMIC
Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Partners with Promise Gluten Free
TORONTO, May 15th, 2020 – For Canadians with celiac disease who are increasingly relying on food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic, securing gluten-free foods has become more difficult than ever.
-May 15, 2020
CCA surveyed thousands of Canadians with celiac to see what they know about oats.
-May 2020 – Click for summary of results
Food Labelling for Some Barley Based Ingredients
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently issued an advisory to allow some food products to be sold in Canada that were previously destined for the United States market.
While health and safety related labelling requirements such as Canada’s enhanced labelling regulations for gluten sources still apply, CCA has flagged some potential issues with BARLEY. There is a potential risk that food produced in Canada but packaged and labelled for the United States might not identify barley containing ingredients, as required on food sold in Canada. Consumers and purchasers should be alert to malt and yeast extract ingredients listed on US labels. Malt is barley based. Yeast extract can be found in soups, sauces, seasoned chips and other savoury products.”
CCA Notice of Annual General Meeting
The CCA will be holding its Annual General Meeting in accordance with its bylaws on Saturday, June 6, 2020 via online meeting. Only voting chapter members and National Directors are required to attend. Special guests may be included but must be requested in advance to the CCA President. Please contact president@celiac.ca
-May 8, 2020
Gluten-free Campaign Asks, “How Do You Sandwich?”
-May 5, 2020
Celiac Campaign Delivers Relief To Canadians Living With Condition During Pandemic
Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Launches Resources to Help Canadians Navigate COVID-19.
-April 30, 2020
CCA offers new resources for food banks and list of locations for those in need
CCA National teamed up with its local Chapters to identify food banks and agencies offering gluten-free food along with developing resources for food banks that would like to support our food at risk individuals. Click here.
-May 1, 2020
Ottawa gluten-free verified dining establishment adapting through COVID-19
CTV Ottawa took time to feature Ottawa’s La Dolce Vita on how it’s thriving during COVID-19 and offering delicious and safe gluten-free food. Check video here.
April 22, 2020
CCA included in over 200 charities seeking protection during COVID-19 outbreak
Over 200 major charities form Emergency Coalition to save sector and maintain support to Canada’s most vulnerable. Click for more.
COVID-19 resources
CCA has developed a special page to host our resources for the Canadian gluten-free community. Click here.
Food Insecurity and celiac disease
During this difficult time, people with celiac disease may find themselves losing their jobs, facing financial challenges and need to access a local food bank or service agency. Click here to learn more.
Oats Research Survey
The Canadian Celiac Association’s Professional Advisory Council would like to learn more about the oat consumption of Canadians who must eat gluten-free. The survey will only take 1-2 minutes.
Deadline: March 25, 2020
CCA National Board seeks directors for 2020-2022
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is seeking nominations for positions whose terms will run from appointment to June 30, 2022. Click here for details. – January 12, 2020
Dr. Mohsin Rashid on the key differences between celiac disease and a wheat allergy
Celiac disease, Wheat allergy… what’s the difference? While symptoms can overlap, celiac disease and wheat allergy are two distinct disorders. Click here to read.
NHL draft prospect shines light on success after diagnosis
“He’s got to the stage where it’s under control,” said Marr, whose department lists Kakko as the top European prospect. “He knows what his limits are. He knows what he needs to do to be at 100 per cent. As long as (his diet) is managed and well managed, I don’t think it’s going to influence the decision on draft day.” Click here to read the story.
-June 20., 2019
CCA Pushes For OHIP Coverage of Celiac Blood Test, Amongst Other Awareness Day Initiatives
For International Celiac Awareness Day, the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) plans to meet at Queen’s Park at 10:30 a.m. to call on MPPs to support OHIP coverage for the IgA TTG serological test for celiac disease. Click for details.
-May 16, 2019
National survey to study confidence in ‘May Contain’ food labelling in Canada
Celiac association asks gluten-free consumers and dietitians to weigh-in
Mississauga, ON – The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) as part of its May Celiac Awareness Month activities launched a nation-wide survey of gluten-free consumers and dietitians to gauge the confidence and understanding of the use of the ‘May Contains’ labelling on Canadian food products. Click for more.
-May 10, 2019
Daytime CBC Radio – Not even a crumb of gluten, living with celiac disease.
Listen to this great interview with Montreal pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Terry Sigman, and her 11 year old patient on the challenges of diagnosing and managing celiac disease.
May 3, 2019
CCA launches national ‘may contain’ labelling survey for gluten-free consumers
The Canadian Celiac Association’s Professional Advisory Council has launched a research survey to better understand consumers who require a gluten-free diet and their attitudes towards ‘May Contain’ labelling on food products sold in Canada.
-May 2, 2019
New Labelling Requirements Coming to Beer
CCA among key stakeholders that called for changes to beer labelling to protect consumers.
Mississauga, ON. May 1, 2019 – The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is lauding the announcement today from Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency that a part of the new compositional standards for beer will be a requirement for allergy labelling including gluten by December 14, 2022.
-May 1, 2019
Delays in celiac disease diagnoses costly for Canadians
Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Launches Symptom Quiz to Help Undiagnosed Canadians Avoid Years of Unnecessary Suffering
-May 1, 2019
CCA releases guidance for primary care providers on the gluten challenge to improve diagnosis rates
How much gluten must be consumed by a patient after being on a gluten-free diet (GFD) in order to be accurately tested for celiac disease? Learn more.
-April 15, 2019
Canada’s iconic buildings to display green for Celiac Awareness Month this May
May is Celiac Awareness Month in Canada and May 16 is internationally recognized as Celiac Awareness Day. This year five major cities across Canada will display green lights to mark the occasion. Click here for details – April 2019
Young adults and their food choices study
The laboratory of Dr Anne-Sophie Brazeau of School of Human Nutrition at McGill University is currently looking for adults with and without type 1 diabetes who are 18 to 29 years old to participate in a study on food literacy. The main objective of the project is to understand the motivations and barriers of young adults with type 1 diabetes in integrating their knowledge of nutrition into practical skills. This study involves answering a questionnaire lasting about 25 minutes.
CCA responds to proposed amendments to Canada’s vodka standards
CCA’s Response to Proposed Changes to Vodka Standard. -March 14, 2019
CCA is hiring.
We’re looking for a Fund Development Coordinator. Click here to learn more. – March 13, 2019
CCA urges changes to federal taxes before federal budget
CCA President issued a letter during the pre-budget consultations to Finance Minister Morneau. Read the letter here. -March 2019
CCA releases results of Agri-Food Canada funded study for access to gluten-free grains
CCA releases project highlights for enhancing access to Canadian sources of certified gluten-free grains and testing protocols. Read more… – February 4, 2019
New Canada Food Guide: What is the impact if you are gluten free?
Health Canada released its new Food Guide to public. For Canadians who require a gluten-free diet, CCA offers direction on key nutrients and food sources that need to be carefully managed. Read more… – January 23, 2019
CCA wants to know what is your Celiac IQ?
Would you know how to accurately diagnosis celiac disease? This is the question CCA is asking Canadian healthcare professionals at the Family Medicine Forum being held in Toronto this week. Learn more and take our test. -November 14, 2018
CCA National response to proposed amendments to beer composition standards
As the voice for people adversely impacted by gluten, CCA has issued its formal response to the proposed changes to beer composition standards. Click link for CCA Response Click to view proposed amendments -September 7, 2018
Management of Bone Health in Patients with Celiac Disease: A Practical Guide for Clinicians
The Canadian Family Physician Journal has published a review article to be used as a practical guide for clinicians when managing and monitoring bone health in patients with celiac disease. -June 14, 2018
Health Canada Report on Celiac Disease
Health Canada published a report on celiac disease and the gluten connection to increase awareness for Celiac Awareness Month. The report discusses prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. -June 4, 2018
Minister of Health’s Statement on Celiac Disease Awareness Month
The Minister of Health made a statement in support of celiac awareness month. She discusses the large impact the disease has on an individual’s quality of life and how it affects a large portion of the population. Read it here. -May 29, 2018
Lack of OHIP coverage for celiac test causing costly increases in treatment delays and health risks for Ontario patients
Adult patients in Canada with undiagnosed celiac disease can expect an average delay of 11 years before receiving an accurate diagnosis of their condition,1 while the typical delay for children is 1 year. 2 Celiac disease – an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of foods containing gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) — affects 1 in every 100 Canadians, but only 10 to 20% of patients with the disease have been diagnosed.3 It’s a situation the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is aiming to change, especially in Ontario, which is the only province that currently doesn’t cover the blood test necessary for detecting celiac disease under its provincial health insurance plan. -May 3, 2018
Canadian Celiac Association is asking Canadians to #GoBeyondTheGut
May is Celiac Awareness Month and the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is urging people to #GoBeyondTheGut and to be alert to the “atypical” (non-classical) features of celiac disease. -May 1, 2018
Update: Sobeys Inc. Sensations by Compliments brand Pecan-Crusted Cheesecake Collection Reinstated Quickly
On April 4 2018, with the assistance of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Sobeys initiated a recall for their Sensations by Compliments Brand Pecan-crusted Cheesecake Collection from the marketplace because it contained wheat which was not declared on the label. Click the link for update. -April 4, 2018
Ontario Legislature petition for celiac blood testing
Ontario is the only providence in Canada that does not cover blood screening under provincial health insurance unless it is specifically performed during an in-patient hospital visit. People with Celiac disease didn’t choose to have this disease, they deserve to have the test covered by OHIP. Delayed diagnosis causes lack of treatment which leads to nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures and the development of cancer. It also leads to the risk of developing mental health problems. When a person with celiac disease is diagnosed early, the individual’s health returns to the normal rate, it reduces their visits to doctors and hospitals and unnecessary diagnostics testing. Ontario Provincial health coverage (OHIP) for IgA TTG serological test for patients with Celiac disease. Please download our petition, get your friends and family to sign it and either mail it back to the CCA or send it to your local MPP (original signatures only, photocopies or scanned petitions will not be accepted).
CCA issues statement on NIMA gluten sensor
The Canadian Celiac Association’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC) was asked to review the NIMA Sensor device as it was recently launched in Canada. -March 15, 2018
Stay heart healthy and gluten free – tips from Dr. Jennifer Zelin
Having celiac disease can make healthy eating a challenge. The dietary restrictions of a gluten-free diet, and the symptoms from recently diagnosed celiac disease, can make it difficult to choose healthy dietary options and maintain physical fitness. Dr. Jennifer Zelin shares some tips… -February 15, 2018
Gluten-free claim to be removed from General Mills Cheerios sold in Canada (Revised)
The Canadian Celiac Association has learned that the words “gluten-free” will be removed from all Cheerios packages sold in Canada commencing January 2018. -October 26, 2017
CCA response to CFIA Beer Consultation
In July 2017, the CCA was invited to comment on our concerns with beer labelling. Members of our Professional Advisory Council prepared a response on behalf of the CCA Board of Directors. -July 2017
Deep Frying Gluten Alert
The myth that frying wheat products makes them gluten-free is endangering people with Celiac disease. -April 2017
Canadian Celiac Association Professional Advisory Council position statement on consumption of oats by individuals with celiac disease
The safety of oats in individuals with celiac disease has been extensively investigated. Health Canada has reviewed the clinical evidence from numerous international studies and has concluded that the consumption of oats, uncontaminated with gluten from wheat, rye or barley, is safe for the vast majority of patients with celiac disease. -2015
