When women experience better health outcomes, the benefits extend far beyond individual well-being. They strengthen families, workplaces, and the broader economy. Closing the gender health gap isn’t just a matter of equity; it’s a strategic investment in Canada’s future.
In a new article on Healthing.ca, the scale and consequences of this gap come into focus, as does the opportunity ahead. Drawing on recent analysis from McKinsey Health Institute, the piece explores how women spend significantly more of their lives in poor health than men, with ripple effects across workforce participation, productivity, and economic growth. The article underscores why addressing women’s health gaps requires coordinated action across health systems, policy, and investment — and how doing so could unlock substantial economic gains by 2040. WHCC thanks Desjardins Insurance for supporting efforts to advance this conversation and help drive meaningful change.