Not all associations are alike
Most associations lead with a benefits list. We think that’s the wrong place to start. So instead of just telling you what CANNP offers, we’ve laid out the questions any prospective member should be asking — about philosophy, structure, regulation, cost, and support — and answered them plainly.
If another association can’t answer as directly, that tells you something too.
Who's actually behind the organization, and can they be trusted to run it well.
The questions that get past the marketing to who's making decisions, and why.
"What's your general philosophy — and do you have a track record of honesty in how you operate?"
We lead with an honest, upfront approach. Our priority is clearing up the confusion within the industry, so members and the public know exactly what an NNCP can do — and what to expect from us.
"Who's behind the organization, and who's advising them?"
CANNP was founded by two practitioners who saw a gap in support for working nutritionists. CANNP is guided by an advisory board that includes business advisors and practicing nutritional professionals — with an executive that stays genuinely accessible to members.
"Is government regulation actually being pursued — and at what cost to me?"
Regulation is an evolving landscape across Canada, and CANNP continues to stay at the forefront of that conversation — monitoring developments province by province and advocating for our members' interests as discussions shift, rather than making promises about timelines no one can control.
"What does your designation actually mean, and who stands behind it?"
We use NNCP (Natural Nutritionist Clinical Practitioner) — a title recognized across most provinces that states plainly what our members do. "Certified" and "registered" simply mean that you are registered or certified with the body offering the title. Qualifying members with additional experience can also apply for the RNT designation, a further mark of advanced standing.
What am I actually paying for?
What it really costs, and what happens after you say yes.
"What are the membership options, and do I get 12 months no matter when I join?"
New graduates can join at a discount within their first year of graduation. Every professional membership runs on a rolling renewal — you get a full 12 months regardless of when you join — and our Membership Renewal Advantage program lets you earn points and savings toward renewal.
"How easy is it to actually pay you?"
PayPal, Stripe, or credit/debit card — whichever works best for you.
"What do I get today, not just someday?"
Everything we offer is meant to be useful immediately — tools, templates, and support you can put to work in your practice this week, not benefits you'll “grow into” eventually.
"If I need help, can I actually reach someone?"
Email is the fastest way to reach us, and our goal is a response within 24 hours — personally acknowledged by one of our principals, not a ticket queue.
Will anyone actually help me build my business?
Mentoring, community, and tools that go beyond the ordinary.
"Is there real mentoring, or is that just a word on your website?"
Mentoring is built into our culture. We do our best to partner new members with a mentor or buddy upon request, offer a free 12-part mentorship program, host a Mentoring Round Table with experienced practitioners from time to time, and run our Challenge & Accountability initiative to help jumpstart your business.
"How do I connect with other people who understand this work?"
Our member chat forum is open to all — ask questions, share wins, and let others in the field know about your services. Power Hour sessions with successful industry guests add another free way to connect.
"Can I actually talk to someone who knows what they're doing?"
Our expert network includes business coaches, a financial advisor, a graphic artist and research specialists among others. Many contribute to the newsletter and are often featured guests on Power Hours, with recordings made available in our library.
"What tangible tools do I get, beyond information?"
In addition to free access to the database, the Power Hours and monthly giveaways, you can purchase some additional tools at a nominal fee — the Starter Kit of ready-to-use forms, a Business Plan template, presentations, an impressive symptomology tool called TrueView, and The Legal Guide for Canadian Holistic Nutritionists, which is used by many nutrition schools.
Am I actually covered?
Insurance, coverage, and savings that go beyond the membership fee.
"Is comprehensive insurance required, and do I have to buy it through you?"
E&O insurance is required of every member — but not necessarily through our carriers. We only require proof of coverage, and we review our own insurance options every year to keep them competitive.
"Will my clients' insurance carriers actually cover services from your members?"
NNCP services are presently recognized by several major Canadian insurers including Manulife, Green Shield Canada, iA Financial Group, ClaimSecure, Blue Cross Alberta, Blue Cross Saskatchewan, Equitable Life, and SunLife Personal Spending option — with more in the pipeline as we continue to advocate on behalf of our members. Others check on member status daily. The employer must include nutrition in their choice of benefits.
"Can I get health coverage for myself, not just liability protection?"
We were the first association in our field to offer optional dental and extended health coverage, available to members individually or as a family unit.
"Are there real savings, or just a discount page nobody uses?"
Members regularly offer each other exclusive pricing on their own services and products, and we negotiate ongoing discounts on health-related goods, upgrading courses, and partner offers. Be sure to take advantage of GoodLife and other time saving subscription pricing.
Is anyone actually working to get me recognized?
Whether anyone is actually working to get the credential recognized, and whether they'll hear from you.
"What's the actual plan to get my credential recognized?"
Recognition starts with the public — once people understand what an NNCP can do, insurers and government tend to follow. We pursue this deliberately direct advocacy, rather than waiting for it to happen on its own.
"Does anyone outside the industry actually know you exist?"
We assisted with the book Saved by Nutrition which shares real NNCP success stories. Our “1,000 Reasons Why” initiative is an ongoing project, growing as we find the public has much to share. We hope to continue spreading the word about the good work of NNCPs with insurance carriers and the government.
"Will I actually hear from you, and will anyone answer when I reach out?"
Members receive our weekly e-blast of upcoming initiatives and happenings, and The Voice, our comprehensive newsletter — and we read every email. Our executive makes a point of personally returning calls and emails within a timely basis.
"Where do I get reliable, current research I can actually use with clients?"
We provide Members with FREE access to an impressive interaction database offering like-minded researched backed information. plus a discounted subscription to Examine.com, which reviews current studies and sends monthly abstracts — real research, not marketing dressed up as science.
Ask us anything else. We'll answer just as directly.
If there's a question about CANNP we haven't answered here, reach out — we respond within one business day.