A Vital Opportunity
When women get the care they deserve, everyone benefits.
Closing the women’s health gap could unlock $37 billion annually — and a stronger, fairer, healthier Canada for all.
Women’s Health Collective Canada and Desjardins Insurance, with support from Hologic Canada and Organon Canada, are working to raise awareness of the urgent need to invest in women’s health — and the vital opportunity that lies in closing Canada’s women’s health gap.
That’s why WHCC and its partners are leveraging new analysis from the McKinsey Health Institute to spotlight the human and economic impact of women’s poorer health outcomes and make the case for further investment.
The analysis, Closing the Women’s Health Gap: Canada’s $37 Billion Opportunity, quantifies the economic toll of women’s poorer health outcomes — and the opportunity to close it. By investing in women’s health, Canada could unlock more than $37 billion in additional annual GDP by 2040, while improving quality of life for millions of women and building a stronger, fairer, and healthier Canada.
Drawing on extensive global and national data, the report shows how poorer health among women translates into lost productivity, shorter working lives, and wider inequities — offering one of the clearest pictures yet of how this gap affects both women and Canada’s future.
In Canada, the gap is stark. Women spend nearly one-quarter more of their lives in poor health than men (24%) — time that often falls during their most productive working years. Addressing this gap would not only improve women’s health and quality of life, but could also strengthen Canada’s workforce and unlock billions in growth.
The gap is real — so is the opportunity
24%
Women spend 24% more time in poor health than men
This gap represents time often spent during prime working years, contributing to reduced productivity and financial strain for individuals, families, and the economy.
$37B
$37 billion annual GDP gain possible by 2040
Investing in women’s health could add more than $37 billion to Canada’s GDP every year by 2040 — while improving quality of life for millions of women across the country.
75%
75 % of the economic impact occurs during working years
Three-quarters of the women’s health gap’s economic toll is linked to lower workforce participation and productivity between the ages of 20 and 70.
”This research confirms what we’ve always known. Countries, communities, and families are only as healthy as the women within them. Women carry the health of their families and communities every day – often putting their own care last. This report is a reminder that investing in women’s health isn’t a side issue; it’s the foundation for a stronger, fairer, and healthier Canada, and one of the smartest investments our country can make.
Amy FloodExecutive Director, WHCC
Program partners
”At Desjardins, we deeply believe that every woman deserves to be supported in her health, well-being, and financial confidence – at every stage of life. Our partnership with Women’s Health Collective Canada is a meaningful way to turn that belief into action. Together, we’re helping build a future where women feel supported.
Chantal GagnéExecutive Vice-President, Life and Health Insurance, Desjardins
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