Mr. Speaker, as November ends, let us look back at the tragic data on men's mental and physical health in Canada. Too many men are dying young from preventable causes.
Men account for 75% of suicides and 72% of opioid deaths. They are at higher risk for cardiac disease, chronic lung disease and many cancers. However, stigma and pride in being macho prevent them from seeking help, and 65% of men say that they delay seeing a doctor for symptoms of mental and physical health.
Men's health is not a partisan issue. It is a health imperative. Delayed care costs lives and harms families. As the mother of three men, I say let us break the silence, remove the stigma, advocate for research funding and mental health supports, and ensure confidential access to care.
Let us speak up and speak out. We can move men's health out of the shadows and protect and support our fathers, husbands and sons.