Federal consultation finds mental health and connection central to men’s health
Health Canada says nearly 6,000 people contributed to a consultation that will inform a federal strategy due in early 2027.
Mental health, social connection and barriers to seeking help were recurring themes in a national consultation on the health and well-being of men and boys, Health Canada says.
The federal department released its “What We Heard” report on November 2 after a three-month consultation that began in February. Nearly 6,000 people participated through an online questionnaire, written submissions, roundtables and discussions with community groups, experts and Indigenous partners.
Participants also emphasized mentorship, positive role models, healthy relationships and community-based supports. The report says experiences differ by age, income, culture, location and personal history, rather than presenting men and boys as a single group with uniform needs.
Health Canada says the findings will inform the country’s first federal Men and Boys’ Health and Well-being Strategy, expected in early 2027. The report records consultation findings; it is not individualized medical advice.
Source: Health Canada, news release published November 2, 2026.
Featured image: illustrative stock silhouette of a group in conversation by Papaioannou Kostas on Unsplash, used under the Unsplash Licence. It does not depict consultation participants. Cropped/resized by WordPress.
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