Canada just answered the call on men’s health

Big news. The Government of Canada has officially committed to developing a National Men’s Health Strategy, a first-ever moment for this country and a major step forward for men, boys and the people who care about them.

For decades, men’s health challenges have been hiding in plain sight: higher rates of suicide, lower rates of primary care use, later-stage cancer diagnoses and a culture that too often tells men to “power through” instead of reach out. This announcement is a clear signal that those realities are finally being taken seriously at the highest level.

And it’s a big deal.

Why this matters

A national strategy means more than just talk. It means:

• Recognizing that men and boys face distinct health challenges
• Building targeted approaches to prevention, early intervention and care
• Connecting mental health, physical health and social wellbeing
• And creating the conditions for longer, healthier lives for men across Canada

It also puts Canada on the global map, joining countries like the UK and Australia that have already taken bold steps to design public health systems that work better for men.

From conversation to commitment

This commitment didn’t appear out of thin air. It’s the result of years of advocacy, research, lived experience and thousands of voices calling for change, from community leaders and clinicians to researchers, partners and everyday people who know the system isn’t working well enough for men.

Movember has been proud to be part of that push. From investing in evidence and innovation, to bringing together communities, policymakers and lived experience, this moment reflects the power of sustained, collective action.

And now, the real work begins.

A word from Movember’s CEO

“This commitment from the Government of Canada is a landmark moment to change the face of men’s health. Too many men across Canada are dying too young, and for more than twenty years, Movember has seen firsthand how preventable illness, poor mental health and services that don't work for men impact individuals, families and entire communities. A national strategy creates the opportunity to move from isolated projects to a coordinated, evidence-based approach that reaches men effectively and drives real outcomes. We are proud to support the government in this work and to help ensure that men and boys live longer and healthier lives. This moment would not be possible without the support of millions of people in the Movember community who have grown moustaches, shown up, donated and sparked conversations year after year for the need to improve men's health so thank you to all the men and families who made this possible.” – Michelle Terry, Movember CEO

What happens next

A commitment to a strategy is the starting line, not the finish. The next phase will be about:

• Defining what a truly effective men’s health strategy looks like in Canada
• Ensuring it reflects the diversity of men’s experiences across regions, cultures and communities
• And moving quickly from planning to action

Movember will be there every step of the way, working with government, partners and our community to help shape a strategy that leads to real, measurable change.

To our Community: This is yours

To everyone who’s donated, grown a Mo, run kilometres, shared your story, hosted an event, showed up, spoken up or helped a man in your life take his health seriously: this moment belongs to you too.

You helped make this possible. And together, we’ll help make sure it delivers.

You made the call. Canada picked up. And we’re ready for what comes next.