Menopause Foundation of Canada’s Policy Agenda

Menopause is a health reality. It is also an economic and workplace issue.

Unmanaged menopause symptoms are estimated to cost the Canadian economy $3.5 billion annually ( Menopause Foundation of Canada 2023). At a time when Canada needs to strengthen productivity and retain experienced talent, this represents an opportunity we cannot afford to overlook.

On October 1st, the first day of Menopause Awareness Month, the Menopause Foundation of Canada (MFC) issued its Menopause Policy Agenda for Canada identifying seven priorities for federal and provincial government action: 
1. Train providers: mandate menopause education for all physicians and nurse practitioners
2. Close care gaps: make menopause care equitable for all
3. Pay fairly: incentivize physicians to provide quality menopause care
4. Expand treatment access: make menopause medicines accessible and affordable
5. Fund the science: invest in menopause research
6. Support workers: strengthen the economy through menopause-inclusive workplaces
7. Break the stigma: raise public awareness of menopause

This is a thoughtful and comprehensive policy framework that recognizes the importance of improving menopause care while addressing its broader social and economic implications.

Pause Collective is pleased to support the MFC’s Policy Agenda, particularly Priority 6:  menopause-inclusive workplace.

Through our engagement with more than 30 Canadian employers, we’ve seen growing recognition of menopause as a workplace issue, alongside uncertainty about where to begin.  Many solutions are practical and achievable.  Supporting employees experiencing menopause can help organizations improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, strengthen engagement and retain experienced talent.

Menopause is not simply a women's health initiative. It is an opportunity for employers to strengthen organizational performance while demonstrating their commitment to their people.

We encourage business leaders and policymakers to read the MFC’s Policy Agenda and consider how they can help advance these important recommendations.

Originally shared on LinkedIn by Kathy Parslow. View the post and join the discussion.