Written Submission to Health Canada on the 2026 Men and Boys’ Health Strategy
The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) commends Health Canada for launching Canada’s first Men and Boys’ Health Strategy (the Strategy). As an independent federal resource for victims and survivors of crime, the OFOVC urges Health Canada to recognize violence, victimization, trauma, and barriers to help‑seeking as central determinants of men’s and boys’ health, affecting mental health, relationships, community safety, and economic outcomes. This submission highlights key areas the Strategy should address to improve men’s health and build safer communities.
Violence is a public health issue, as recognized by the World Health Organization. Men and boys experience violence differently across the lifespan, and the Strategy should reflect the following priorities:
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys (MMIMB) must be a priority. Indigenous men and boys are disproportionately affected by violence. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) 2nd edition report on Missing and Unsolved Murdered Indigenous Peoples found that 47 of 65 cases in OPP jurisdiction (1956–2024) involved men and boys. Awareness initiatives—including the Beaded Tie Campaign, APTN’s Investigates series on MMIMB, and the creation of a Manitoba‑based MMIMB database—have increased visibility, but a coordinated national response remains limited.
Implement Call to Action #6 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). In a Parliamentary submission, the OFOVC previously called for the repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code, which provides legal authority for physical punishment of children. While children are taught about consent, physical punishment sends contradictory messages. Repeal should be paired with culturally relevant, accessible parenting education and support.
Build healthy norms early. The Strategy should support education on consent, respect, healthy relationships, healthy masculinity, emotional expression, and help‑seeking. These lessons should begin in early childhood and be reinforced in settings where boys spend time, including schools, sports, online gaming spaces, and other digital environments.
Address online harms. Boys are growing up in digital environments where harmful content and exploitation can spread rapidly during a developmental period of heightened vulnerability. They may encounter misogyny, cyberbullying, self‑harm content, and sextortion. These experiences can contribute to shame, fear, isolation, and serious mental health impacts, including suicide. Prevention, education, and accessible supports are needed so boys seek help without stigma.
Reduce stigma and support male survivors. In Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence, an 18‑month systemic investigation by the OFOVC, male survivors reported barriers to reporting and accessing support. Some believed they would not be taken seriously; others cited concerns related to sexuality, stigma, or embarrassment. Survivors also described mental health impacts, substance use, and suicidality. One survivor reported being forced to watch child sexual abuse material and did not seek help for fear of criminalization.
Increase outreach and male‑responsive services. Only 33% of male respondents in the OFOVC investigation accessed counselling or therapy following sexual violence (n=33), a rate significantly lower than other groups. Evidence indicates that men—particularly those abused in childhood—may seek support later in life. Group‑based approaches can be effective by fostering healthy expressions of masculinity. The Strategy should prioritize outreach so men and boys are aware of and can access appropriate supports.
Support culturally grounded approaches for Indigenous men. Holistic supports—including group programs, cultural practices such as drumming, engagement with Elders, and mentorship—are effective and meaningful. These approaches frame healing within culturally rooted concepts of masculinity. The Indigenous Justice Strategy emphasizes that justice is understood as wellness and highlights the need for culturally relevant, wrap‑around services addressing root causes, including trauma, mental health, addiction, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Prevent gender‑based violence (GBV). Early intervention and safe spaces for men and boys can help prevent violence. Research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) highlights their link to later victimization and offending. Initiatives such as the Moose Hide Campaign and programs for individuals concerned about their own harmful behaviours show strong potential.
Recommendations:
- Include MMIMB as a priority area
- Support implementation of TRC Call to Action #6, including repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code
- Promote early education on consent, respect, healthy masculinity, and help‑seeking in schools, sports, and digital environments
- Expand public education and outreach to improve awareness of available services
- Invest in male‑responsive victim services, including counselling, peer support, group programming, and culturally relevant supports