ATCMA Advocacy
CCHPBC Bylaws Feedback on Sections 8, 10, and 13
The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture of BC (ATCMA) has reviewed the proposed bylaws that will under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). While we recognize the significant work involved, our review identifies areas where the new framework may affect professional autonomy, fairness, and financial transparency. These concerns are particularly relevant as the HPOA shifts governance from elected, peer-led boards to minister-appointed boards with centralized oversight.
Advocate for TCM in BC Today -A Quick Letter-Writing Guide
BC’s TCM profession is facing urgent regulatory issues that threaten patient safety, professional integrity, and access to care. The Ministry of Health and key leaders need to hear from as many practitioners as possible — in your own words.
July 2025 Updates from ATCMA, BCCA, RMTBC and BCND--Advancing Together: Cross Profession Partnerships in BC
On behalf of the British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioners (ATCMA), the BC Chiropractic Association (BCCA), the Registered Massage Therapists Association of BC (RMTBC), and BC Naturopathic Doctors (BCND), we are pleased to share our latest update on ongoing areas of collaboration.
ATCMA President Dr. Chris Vallee Message- Honouring a TCM Pioneer: Dr. Bill Hardman Retires After 30+ Years of Healing and Advocacy
Dr. William (Bill) Hardman, Dr. TCM, is retiring after over 34 years of dedicated service in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Throughout his career, he has been a compassionate healer, teacher, and strong advocate for the profession—playing a key role in unifying associations and helping establish the ATCMA. His contributions have left a lasting impact on both patients and the TCM community in BC. We thank Dr. Hardman for his legacy of leadership, advocacy, and care.
CCHPBC Bylaws Feedback on Sections 7 and 12
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), our regulatory college, put out for public review and feedback Sections 7 and 12 of our new proposed bylaws for Acupuncturists and TCM professionals, naturopaths, registered massage therapists, and chiropractors on June 23rd. We were given only until July 7 to review the important sections and provide feedback. You too can provide feedback this weekend or Monday.
Cross-country TCM Association Collaboration
As a result of the recent omission of acupuncture and TCM from the Compendium of Roles In Team-Based Primary Care (read about that here), ATCMA put out a call for a meeting between TCM associations across Canada. On Sunday June 29th, four associations of the five regulated provinces met to coordinate actions and make plans for our futures.
News about NNHPD "cost recovery" fees
On June 13, 2025, the ATCMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Melissa Carr, met with Stephen Norman, Executive Director of Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), to discuss pressing issues facing the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community and broader natural health product (NHP) industry in Canada. The meeting offered insight into the evolving regulatory landscape, including the much-debated cost recovery program, changing government priorities, and labelling compliance extensions.
CCHPBC Bylaws Feedback on Sections 2, 3, and 4
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), our regulatory college, put out for public review and feedback Sections 2, 3, and 4 of our new proposed bylaws for Acupuncturists and TCM professionals, naturopaths, registered massage therapists, and chiropractors on June 2nd. We were given only until June 16 to review the important sections and provide feedback. You too can provide feedback this weekend or Monday.
ATCMA Response to Omission of TCM and Acupuncture in Important Canadian Health Workforce Document
Take action! ATCMA has been working behind the scenes, and communicating with other TCM and Acupuncture associations across Canada about the egregious omission of our profession in the recently (March 2025) released document, A Compendium of Roles In Team-Based Primary Care.
CCHPBC Bylaws Feedback on Sections 5 and 11
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), our regulatory college, put out for public review and feedback Sections 5 and 11 of our new proposed bylaws for Acupuncturists and TCM professionals, naturopaths, registered massage therapists, and chiropractors. We were given just 2 weeks to review the important sections and provide feedback, which was due on Friday May 30, 2025.
