Unmanaged Menopause Symptoms Cost Canadian Economy $3.5 Billion Annually, Experts Tell Parliament
Experts from the Menopause Foundation of Canada told a House of Commons committee that unmanaged menopause symptoms cost the economy $3.5 billion each year and result in 540,000 lost workdays. The foundation is calling for mandatory medical training, national care standards, and workplace action plans modeled on upcoming UK legislation.
Unmanaged menopause symptoms cost the Canadian economy $3.5 billion annually and result in 540,000 lost workdays every year, experts told a House of Commons committee on Wednesday.
Janet Ko and Trish Barbato, co-founders of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, testified before the House of Commons committee on the status of women, advocating for improved working conditions and healthcare. According to the foundation, the health transition affects 25 percent of Canada's workforce. Women lose approximately $3.3 billion in income due to reduced hours, lesser roles, or leaving work because of unmanaged symptoms. There are five million working women in Canada over the age of 40.
The foundation recommends making menopause education mandatory in medical training and establishing a national quality standard for menopause care. It also suggests Canada follow the example of the United Kingdom, where employers with over 250 employees will be required to publish menopause action plans starting early 2027 under the 2025 Employment Rights Act.
In Canada, more than 250 employers have already signed on to the "Menopause Works Here" campaign. Participating organizations include Sunlife, BMO, PWC, Ikea, Metrolinx, and Horizon Health.
Dr. Kevin Whittingstall, associated with Université de Sherbrooke, presented research highlighting significant disparities in funding. Over the past 10 years, diabetes research in Canada has received roughly $300 million, while menopause research has only received $20 million. Dr. Whittingstall stated that menopause increases the risk of strokes, cognitive decline, and dementia.
The testimony follows an earlier committee meeting held in late October. Other individuals involved in the proceedings included Kelly DeRidder, Anna Roberts, and Marie-Gabrielle Ménard.