June is Men's Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving the health and well-being of men and boys.
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, is kicking off the month by marking the completion of Canada's national engagement process that will help inform Canada's first Men and Boys' Health Strategy, to be released in fall 2026.
Over the past several months, the Government of Canada engaged with people across the country to better understand the factors that shape the health and well-being of men and boys, including mental health, physical health, social connection, employment, education, and other social determinants of health. Input was gathered through an online questionnaire, roundtable discussions led by Minister Michel, written submissions from organizations and experts, stakeholder-led regional roundtables, parliamentarian-led discussions with constituents, and dialogue with federal, provincial, territorial and international partners.
Participants shared perspectives on the challenges facing men and boys at different stages of life and barriers to accessing support, as well as proposed solutions and opportunities to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and community-based services. Their contributions highlighted the importance of fostering supportive environments where men and boys can thrive and seek help without stigma. Together, these perspectives offered valuable insights and emphasized the need for stronger supports at all stages of life.
Health Canada will analyze the findings from the national conversation to inform a federal strategy, which will identify opportunities for collaboration and action to create supportive and safe environments, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behaviours, and improve the health and well-being of men and boys. It will also recognize the vital role that men and boys play in building strong families, vibrant communities and a resilient, productive economy.
