Questions & Answers

At CANNP we pride ourselves on being available to answer questions with no smoke or mirrors.

About CANNP

What makes the CANNP different?
The CANNP is presently the only member-driven, professional Association specifically for Canadian Nutritional Counsellors, with a focus on building successful careers in the field and providing exciting, innovative initiatives. We are paving the way and engaging like no other nutrition related association has before!

What are the next steps for the CANNP?

We are always pursuing innovative ways to enhance value for our Members and have some very exciting plans for the coming year. We will maintain our established efforts to help our Members build successful businesses and we will continue to enhance many of our existing programs. We will work to position our profession in a favourable, forthright and formidable direction. Watch upcoming eblasts and newsletters for the latest details.

Joining and Renewing

When can I join?

Now! whether a recent grad, seasoned professional or nutritional student. If you are new to the CANNP complete the application form and upload, or email the proof of completion of your nutrition program. More information is available in the Qualifications area. Then remit payment. New members who have past professional affiliations or several years of experience can contact us directly for special application consideration.

Renewing Members can find the Upgrading Form and the Application under the Renew link. Remember to remit payment to complete your application.

Whenever you join you receive 12 months of membership — so no need to postpone.

Students can now test drive CANNP for free. Though there is no access to the Members Only area — that is saved for professional Membership — students can receive some of the giveaways, all the news and newsletters. It is a good way to really learn what is going on and all that is offered. Students are not offered professional tools.

Why the designation NNCP since we are an unregulated profession, with no governing body?

NNCP was originally chosen after much careful thought because it could be used in most provinces. With provincial changes, members must stay current and adhere to local laws that impact designations. NNCP’s encourage and educate regarding the impact of nutrition.


Can I use the title Registered Nutritional Therapist?

The title is available to those members who continue to remain in good standing with CANNP as NNCP’s, and who have at minimum 3 years of experience in the field. There are qualification requirements meant to determine depth of knowledge and focus of the applicant. It is considered valid in some provinces.

How do I join?

Just complete the Application first and send it along with a copy/scan/photo of proof of graduation whenever it becomes available. Secure insurance, though you can apply while insurance is being reviewed. And please remember to remit payment since your application will not be processed without it. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. During the first year of Membership you need not accrue upgrading or mentoring hours.

How do I renew?

Complete the Application first and a list of the upgrading you have accrued. Remit payment either by e-trans, paypal or credit card. Please remember that our database is now tied with several insurers and some of our benefit suppliers. Each month they can access active NNCP numbers so it is important to stay current. You will receive several reminders during the month of your renewal.

What counts as upgrading?

You are welcome to count any source that has contributed to your health/nutrition knowledge or enhanced your business. Examples include books, podcasts, webinars, podcast seminars, research time as well as more formal courses.

What if I have not completed all my upgrading?

Contact us. We are happy to discuss how we can help you out.

Do I need to secure insurance before applying?

No, you will want to register with the CANNP prior to obtaining insurance, particularly from one of our insurers so that you will be eligible for the discounted rate.

What sorts of research avenues are available to me?

At no additional cost, professional members have access to a Research Library that highlights websites, journals, stats and apps found to be helpful to nutritionists and complementary practitioners. Much of the focus we provide centers on business development such as our newsletter articles, Power Hours and Tag the Expert podcasts. As well we have secured favourable rates for several research avenues.

Insurance

What is CANNP planning to do about getting insurance companies to cover our services?

Presently we have several of the larger insurance companies covering our services, if the client/employer chose specifically to have nutritional counseling included in the policy. These include Manulife, iA Financial Group, Equitable Life Insurance, Claimsecure, Greenshield Canada and Blue Cross Alberta, with more surely to follow. We only publicize those from who we have specific confirmation of coverage for NNCPs. Few other insurance companies cover the services of holistic nutritionists in Canada unless under their umbrella health policy though we do hear from companies all the time checking on valid membership. Please know that this is true regardless of your professional designation. That said, we are actively working to better educate both the public and insurance companies about the benefits of what we do with the intent to get more support.

At the same time, we urge professionals to not count on insurance but instead to be build a business that is valuable to clients. Individuals will pay for such services making insurance coverage simply a bonus.

The E & O insurance seems to be more than some of the others that I have found in the industry. Is there a reason for this?

We researched the industry to secure a policy that we felt was comprehensive and of good value. Our understanding is that the policy provides us with “malpractice”, which is rarely needed in our industry, but also with general liability that is much more commonly required. It covers damages that may occur in the place of operation. Some homeowner policies also offer this coverage but apparently not too many, specifically when there is an operational commercial enterprise. In these instances, the practitioner may be required to purchase additional commercial coverage. Every situation is unique, and therefore evaluated individually, but if the practitioner rents space the building owner may or may not extend to include the business operation of the renter. Important insurance information to consider.

Recognition/Regulation

What is your position on pursuing recognition?

Since public desire pushes all mainstream recognition, our focus is on ensuring the public knows what a NNCP can accomplish. Establishing our own brand as natural nutritionists is paramount to protecting our right to practice and much of our work is to support that effort. The idea is that Western medicine, insurance companies and government legislation will follow suit based on the success of our established practices. The key is to make our practitioners successful in their own right.

CANNP, under the umbrella of CAN, is working directly with the Ministries of Health and the various dietician groups to better differentiate ourselves and establish the natural nutrition brand.

What is your position on pursuing regulation?

We are regularly in touch with government officials throughout the year. At this time, there is nothing on the books about the pursuit of regulation. We do not think it is likely and besides there is much to consider. Practitioners need to understand that regulation is meant for the protection of the public, not the practitioner. Some feel that it offers an air of credibility, however we suggest that you check in with a naturopath or chiropractor to get an idea of how regulation has affected their practice.

Why does CANNP not have a certification process?

We are an unregulated profession, with no governing body, so the words “certified”, “registered” and “board certified” mean only that one is recognized by the institution that bestows the title. In the holistic nutrition field, we are mandated to not appear to be or represent ourselves as a regulated professional. In other words, we cannot do anything that might appear as though we are attempting to represent ourselves as, for example, a medical professional or naturopath.