Category: Health

June 4, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

Good eye health is an integral part of overall health. When vision loss is prevented or effectively managed, people can stay healthier, remain active, and maintain a better quality of life. Improved access to eye care also reduces long-term pressures and costs on health and social systems.

On June 3, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, tabled the National Strategy for Eye Care in Parliament. This national strategy is the first of its kind in Canada to outline a shared plan for all levels of government and partners to improve access to eye care services and information, prevent vision loss, and strengthen supports for people who are blind or partially sighted. Developed in consultation with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, people with lived experience and health professionals, the Strategy focuses on growing needs as Canada’s population ages and rates of chronic conditions continue to increase.

Millions of Canadians are living with preventable or treatable eye conditions and many continue to face barriers accessing timely and appropriate care. To address these challenges, the Strategy calls for collective action to strengthen partnerships, raise awareness about eye health, improve access to services, expand the use of data, and leverage new technologies and innovative solutions.

The Strategy puts people first, with a focus on care that is accessible, inclusive, and culturally safe, ultimately ensuring clear outcomes for Canadians.

June 2, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving the health and well-being of men and boys.

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, is kicking off the month by marking the completion of Canada’s national engagement process that will help inform Canada’s first Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, to be released in fall 2026.

Over the past several months, the Government of Canada engaged with people across the country to better understand the factors that shape the health and well-being of men and boys, including mental health, physical health, social connection, employment, education, and other social determinants of health. Input was gathered through an online questionnaire, roundtable discussions led by Minister Michel, written submissions from organizations and experts, stakeholder-led regional roundtables, parliamentarian-led discussions with constituents, and dialogue with federal, provincial, territorial and international partners.

Participants shared perspectives on the challenges facing men and boys at different stages of life and barriers to accessing support, as well as proposed solutions and opportunities to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and community-based services. Their contributions highlighted the importance of fostering supportive environments where men and boys can thrive and seek help without stigma. Together, these perspectives offered valuable insights and emphasized the need for stronger supports at all stages of life.

Health Canada will analyze the findings from the national conversation to inform a federal strategy, which will identify opportunities for collaboration and action to create supportive and safe environments, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behaviours, and improve the health and well-being of men and boys. It will also recognize the vital role that men and boys play in building strong families, vibrant communities and a resilient, productive economy.

June 2, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Government of Canada

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced over $1.6 million in funding for an Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF) project at Collège La Cité to improve access to oral health care for targeted populations within the Francophone community.

This funding will establish a mobile dental clinic equipped to provide oral health care services in communities serving French-speaking seniors and children. It will also create a treatment room within the Collège La Cité dental clinic adapted for neurodivergent children and adolescents or those with other special needs.

The OHAF invests in targeted measures to address oral health gaps among vulnerable populations and reducing or removing barriers to accessing care in Northern, Indigenous and underserved communities.

Together, the OHAF and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) are making oral health care more affordable for millions of Canadians. Over 6.5 million Canadians are now covered under the CDCP, with over 4.3 million already receiving the care they need. In Ontario alone, that’s over 2.7 million covered under the plan, and more than 1.9 million people receiving care from participating oral health providers. The Plan is making life more affordable by saving CDCP members an average of $900 per year on their oral health services.

As of today, the application period for the 2026-27 benefit year is now open to all eligible Canadian residents, including those who missed the renewal deadline. After applying, members will receive a letter confirming whether they are eligible for coverage.

To apply, visit Canada.ca/dental.