Untreated menopause symptoms are placing a significant financial burden on Canada’s economy, resulting in an estimated $3.5 billion in annual losses and approximately 540,000 missed working days, according to the Menopause Foundation of Canada.
Speaking before the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women, the foundation’s co-founders, Janet Ko and Trish Barbato, called for stronger healthcare services and improved workplace policies to support women experiencing menopause.
Ko stressed that menopause should not be viewed exclusively as a medical concern, describing it as an important economic, employment and public policy issue. She explained that women also experience substantial financial consequences, losing an estimated $3.3 billion in income annually because of reduced working hours, lower-level positions or leaving employment altogether.
Barbato identified insufficient medical knowledge and limited access to appropriate treatment as major obstacles. She urged the federal government to introduce compulsory menopause education in medical training and establish national standards for menopause healthcare.
The foundation also highlighted the importance of workplace support. More than 250 Canadian employers, including Sun Life, BMO, PwC, IKEA, Metrolinx and Horizon Health, have joined its ‘Menopause Works Here’ initiative.
Barbato pointed out that approximately five million employed Canadian women are over 40. She described them as an experienced and highly valuable section of the workforce that businesses cannot afford to lose because of inadequate health support.
The foundation further recommended reviewing employee benefit packages to ensure they cover both hormonal and non-hormonal menopause treatments. It also proposed introducing mandatory menopause workplace action plans for large companies, following the United Kingdom’s approach. Under the UK’s planned requirements, employers with more than 250 employees will have to publish menopause support plans from early 2027.
During the parliamentary discussion, several MPs shared personal experiences with menopause and perimenopause. Conservative MP Kelly DeRidder highlighted the difficulty of distinguishing menopause symptoms from professional burnout, particularly when women are reaching senior positions in their careers.
The committee also discussed concerns about the limited investment in menopause research. Researcher Kevin Whittingstall told MPs that menopause could increase the risk of strokes, cognitive decline and dementia. He highlighted the significant funding gap between diabetes and menopause research in Canada, noting that approximately $300 million had supported diabetes research over the previous decade, compared with only $20 million for menopause studies.
Foundation representatives argued that social stigma and limited awareness have historically prevented women from discussing menopause-related difficulties, particularly in professional environments. They warned that the consequences extend beyond immediate earnings, potentially affecting pension contributions and financial security during retirement.
The foundation is urging Canadian policymakers and employers to recognise menopause as a major workforce issue and introduce practical measures to improve healthcare access, workplace conditions and long-term financial security for affected women.
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