The government of Canada is inviting citizens to help shape the country’s first `Men and boys’ health strategy’ by completing an online questionnaire.

The process runs from March to June 1, allowing people across the country to share their perspectives, experiences and ideas on ways to better support the physical and mental well-being of men and boys. The feedback will help develop a national strategy for improving men’s well-being and health outcomes by encouraging supportive and safe environments, challenging harmful stereotypes, reducing stigma and encouraging men of all ages to seek help when they need it.

The questionnaire is part of a broader national engagement that was launched in February to gather insights from the public. While many men and boys face significant physical and mental health challenges, these issues have too often been overlooked, misunderstood or ignored. Supporting men’s well-being not only improves their lives, but also strengthens families, communities and workplaces to positively impact all Canadians. Improved men’s health in Canada could save $12.4 billion annually, with billions more in increased productivity.

Men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide and develop gambling problems, and about 28 per cent of men meet the criteria for a substance use disorder in their lifetime. Between July 2024 and June 2025, about 72 per cent of all apparent opioid toxicity deaths were among males. Concerning social trends, including harmful online spaces (like the “manosphere”), and social isolation are increasing health risks for boys and men.

In 2021, men were twice as likely to die from preventable causes than women. Men are less likely than women to engage with primary care or access preventive services, including health screening. About 65 per cent of Canadian men wait more than six days with symptoms before visiting the doctor.

(Source: Health Canada)

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Published on March 9, 2026