OTTAWA, Ont. - The federal government has released the findings of its national conversation on men and boys’ health, a first step toward Canada’s first Federal Men and Boys’ Health and Well-being Strategy, due in early 2027.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel released the What We Heard Report on November 2, 2026, summarizing a conversation launched on February 23, 2026, that ran for three months and included an online questionnaire, written submissions, roundtables and discussions with stakeholders, experts, and provincial, territorial, Indigenous and international partners.
“Nearly 6,000 people from across Canada took part in our national conversation on men and boys’ health, sharing their observations and perspectives. We heard that too many men and boys are struggling, often without the support they need,” Michel said.
Through the conversation, Canadians, community organizations, experts and Indigenous partners emphasized the importance of mental health, social connection and reducing barriers to seeking help. They also highlighted mentorship, positive role models, healthy relationships and community-based supports in helping men and boys thrive, feel connected and seek support when needed. The findings underscore that men and boys have diverse experiences and needs, shaped by factors such as age, income, culture, where they live and their life experiences.
Movember Canada was the independent convening partner for the conversation. Movember’s global chief executive, Andrew Little, said improving men’s health starts well before a crisis, by strengthening social connections and creating conditions for men and boys to live healthier, longer lives. According to Movember Canada’s 2025 study on the Real Face of Men’s Health, improved men’s health in Canada could save $12.4 billion annually, with billions more in increased productivity.
The release is timed to November, which the government notes rhymes with Movember, and to International Men’s Day on November 19. For Surrey families, the message is local even though the strategy is federal: the supports the report points to, mentorship, role models, community programs and easier paths to help, are delivered by neighbourhood organizations, schools, sports clubs and faith and cultural groups here. The strategy itself arrives in early 2027; what matters now is which of those community supports get funded and sustained.
(Source: Health Canada news release, November 2, 2026)
