Mississauga, Ontario, Oct. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Celiac Disease Canada is asking Canadians to join them in supporting a House of Commons petition calling for a $1,000 tax credit to offset the high cost of gluten-free foods, a medical necessity for people living with celiac disease.
Celiac Canada 2024 Status of Celiac Disease in Canada The report shows that one in six Canadians with celiac disease are food insecure. The situation is even more serious for families with children: according to a 2024 study conducted in… Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
As food prices continue to rise, many people with celiac disease are forced to make difficult decisions about how they shop and eat.
That's why Celiac Canada is calling on Canadians to support a petition asking the federal government to enact tax reforms related to the increased cost of gluten-free foods—foods that people with celiac disease need, but which can cost 100 to 500 percent more than their gluten-containing counterparts, including staples such as cereals, bread, pasta and bakery. The petition is open for signatures until December 6, 2025. To sign, go online. Ourcommons.ca/petitions.
“This petition asks the government to introduce an easy-to-use, refundable $1,000 tax credit for people with celiac disease to help offset the significant costs associated with treating the disease,” says Melissa Secord, executive director of Celiac Canada. “The Prime Minister has asked Cabinet to prioritize lowering costs for Canadians and helping them move forward, and this tax break is one way to help achieve that mandate.”
The current tax credit system is too complicated and requires people to keep receipts and keep track of the difference in cost between regular and gluten-free products. The proposed change would eliminate much of the red tape and administrative burden, allowing Canadians with celiac disease to receive a direct $1,000 reimbursement to help offset the significant costs of treating their condition.
“Before the last election, more than 28,000 Canadians signed a similar petition asking for tax reforms related to the availability of gluten-free products. We would like to see 30,000 or more sign the petition this year to show that this issue is important to Canadians,” says Secord.
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that affects approximately one in 100 people worldwide. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including but not limited to depression, neurological disorders, joint pain, osteopenia, fertility and reproductive problems, anemia, liver disease, and even some forms of cancer.
About Celiac Disease in Canada
Celiac Canada is the only national charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians living with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. Through advocacy, research, education and support, Celiac Canada works to provide a better future for those affected by celiac disease.
