Regulations In Canada

The acupuncture profession is regulated in Alberta and Quebec. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is regulated in British Columbia and Ontario. Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador are in different stages of discussions to regulate the acupuncture and TCM. 

In Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec, a licence to practise is required from the appropriate governing bodies of the respective provinces. 

Alberta

Alberta was the first province in Canada to regulate acupuncture. The profession is covered by both the Health Disciplines Act and the Health Professions Act.

• Alberta Occupational Profiles provides detailed career information.
• College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA) is the governing body in Alberta.

British Columbia 

In the province of British Columbia the TCM practitioners and Acupuncturists Bylaws were approved by the provincial government on April 12, 2001.

College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia(CTCMA) is the governing body. Almost all the information one needs to know can be found at http://www.ctcma.bc.ca.

Ontario

In Ontario, the practice of acupuncture is now regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006, S.o. 2006, chapter 27. A transitional council is in place to develop regulations and to establish the College for the governance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices in Ontario to protect the public’s right to safe, competent and ethical TCM care.

The Transitional Council of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (TC-CTCMPAO) is expected to become the governing body in Ontario, and their website address is:  http://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/

Quebec 

Regulatory and educational frameworks

Acupuncturists are practitioners of natural healing who provide an alternative form of health care to patients.

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