On International Women's Day, or International Women's Rights Day in Québec, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls in every sphere of life. The 2026 theme, "Give To Gain," highlights how together, we can advance the health, well-being, and success of women and girls across the globe.
For too long, women's health was a blind spot in our healthcare system.
But even if our understanding of women's health has evolved, women remain disproportionately and differently affected by many health care issues. To strengthen preventive health care, next month the Government of Canada will launch the renewed National Advisory Committee on Preventive Health Services, formerly known as the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. This expert group will develop evidence-based guidelines covering a broad range of health topics that disproportionately affect women and diverse communities across the country. Clear, science-based guidelines can help prevent health risks or detect them earlier, supporting overall well-being and helping women live longer, healthier lives.
To improve access to comprehensive, high-quality care at every stage of a woman's life, we are working with our provincial and territorial counterparts and a broad range of partners. This includes improving sexual and reproductive health services, such as timely diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis and other conditions, as well as expanding support for fertility and menopause care.
We recently provided $1.9 million to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada to expand its project "Beyond the Hot Flash," to develop clinical guidance on perimenopause, a first internationally. The project will create tools and resources to help patients and the health professionals who guide them to understand and navigate changes to their health. The project will also produce updated clinical practice guidelines for menopause care with significant attention on under-served women.
Historically, women have been excluded from health research, leading to gaps in care and ineffective or inappropriate treatments. I applaud the work of The National Women's Health Research Initiative, supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, for funding important projects across the country, such as new endometriosis pain treatments at the University of Ottawa and a bra-based early breast cancer screening system at the University of Sherbrooke.
Over the past decades, we have made real progress towards gender equality and women's rights, including sexual and reproductive rights.
We will continue our efforts to strengthen access to mental health services, primary care, and care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, to help women and families feel supported and empowered.
We know that, both personally and economically, the stakes are high, as are public expectations.
We must move forward.
Breaking down barriers.
Closing the gender gaps in research.
And ensuring equitable health care for women.
We cannot build a Canada Strong without healthy Canadian women.
Join the conversation on social media using #IWD2026.
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P.
