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Reducing Red Tape to Reduce Barriers

By Melissa Secord, Executive Director, March 24, 2026

We responded to a recent federal government consultation on red tape reduction. Consultations launched by the government gives us an opportunity to bring awareness to issues facing both people with celiac disease or the food industry that produces our gluten-free food or medications.  The Treasury Board had five particular themes.  

What We Asked Government to Fix (at a Glance) 

  1. Make the gluten‑free tax credit usable

 

  • Right now, claiming the Medical Expense Tax Credit means saving hundreds of receipts and doing complex math. The process is tangled in red tape for both taxpayers and CRA. 

 

  • We asked for a simple, flat, refundable credit so people can actually access support for the cost of gluten‑free food and reduce the uploading of hundreds of receipts and complicated audits. 

 

  1. Make gluten‑free rules clearer for food companies

 

  • Gluten‑free food regulations are scattered in various locations and confusing. 

 

  • Clearer rules would mean more safe products, fewer delays, and better food choices for consumers. 

 

  1. Fix confusing “May contain” labels

 

  • Products labelled “gluten‑free” sometimes also say “may contain wheat,” which is confusing and unsafe. 

 

  • We asked for clear, science‑based labelling so people with celiac disease can trust what they buy. 

 

  1. Improve gluten‑free grain safety and supply

 

  • Cross‑contamination drives up costs and limits availability. 

 

  • Supporting cleaner supply chains helps keep food safer, more affordable, and more available in Canada and also global export markets. 

Why This Matters to You

  • Gluten‑free food costs much more, especially during a cost‑of‑living crisis. 

 

  • Gluten‑free food costs much more, especially during a cost‑of‑living crisis. 

 

  • Confusing labels limit safe food choices and increase anxiety. 

 

  • Complicated systems leave many people without support they’re entitled to. 

 

  • Better rules mean less stress, safer food, and fairer access for the celiac community. 

The Impact We’re Working Toward

Our goal is simple: fewer barriers, clearer information, safer food, and more equitable support — without compromising health. 

By reducing unnecessary red tape, we’re advocating for: 

  • Lower out‑of‑pocket costs 

 

  • Better access to safe gluten‑free food 

 

  • Systems that work for real people, not against them 

Read the full submission here

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