In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine (ACMA) | Non-profit association representing health professionals that promote alternative and complementary medicine.
Canadian Integrative Medicine Association | Not-for-profit network of physicians that supports the practice, education, and research of a healing and prevention-based approach to healthcare.
Canadian Interdisciplinary Network for Complementary & Alternative Medicine Research | Interdisciplinary research community in Canada generating knowledge through research on complementary and integrative medicine and health care.
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia | Official regulatory authority that governs the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in the province of British Columbia.
Health Action Network Society | Non-profit society dedicated to ensuring that Canadians have access to knowledge about natural, complementary and alternative medicines and therapies.
Natural Health Practitioners of Canada | Largest holistic health association across Canada focused on raising public awareness of holistic health and treatments.
Research Council for Complementary Medicine | Charitable organisation founded to develop and promote quality research into alternative and complementary medicine and enhance evidence-based medicine in this area.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine | Leading peer-reviewed journal providing scientific research for integrating complementary and alternative medicine into mainstream medical practice. Published monthly.
Natural Solutions Magazine | Formerly named Alternative Medicine, this magazine provides authoritative content on healthy lifestyle choices, including up-to-date research on complementary and alternative medicine. Published monthly.
TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.