On International Men’s Day, Men’s Sheds Canada Brings Global Leaders Together to Advance Men’s Health
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This International Men’s Day, Men’s Sheds Canada is bringing together leaders from four countries to talk about how to improve men’s health and wellbeing. The online discussion will explore what Canada can learn from other countries’ approaches to men’s health – and how governments and communities can better support men. It will also highlight the role of Men’s Sheds in helping men build friendships and find purpose and feel less isolated.
A press release from Men’s Sheds Canada announced that the online event is free and open to the public.
Entitled Advancing Men’s Health & Wellbeing: A Global Policy Dialogue, it will take place on November 19 (which is the International Men’s Day), at 3 pm ET.
The event will bring together policy and community leaders from Canada, Australia, the UK and Ireland to explore how governments, health services, and community initiatives can work together to support men’s health and wellbeing.
The discussion follows the release of Health Canada’s What We Heard: National Conversation on Men and Boys’ Health and Well-being, which reflects input from more than 6,000 Canadians and organizations. The report highlights the importance of social connection and belonging, healthy relationships, role models, mentorship, and accessible community supports. Its findings will help inform the next phase of federal action, including the development of Canada’s first federal strategy, expected in early 2027.
The November 19 event will look at how countries are translating men’s health priorities into action, and what Canada can learn from international experience as it develops its own approach.
The discussion will be moderated by Mike Cameron, men’s health advocate and host of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation’s Don’t Change Much podcast.
Catherine Corriveau, Movember’s Policy Director, will provide a brief Canadian context, highlighting some of the unique challenges affecting men’s health and the importance of connection, early support, and community-based approaches.
The panel will include:
- Dan Repacholi, Member of Parliament (Australia) and Special Envoy for Men’s Health – sharing perspectives on Australia’s National Men’s Health Strategy, how its priorities are being put into practice, and government support for community-based initiatives.
- Eamonn O’Connor, Board Member, Irish Men’s Sheds Association – discussing Ireland’s National Men’s Health Action Plan, community-based approaches, and government support for local Sheds and the national association.
- Caroline Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, UK Men’s Sheds Association – sharing the UKMSA perspective on England’s first Men’s Health Strategy and the role of community-led and peer-supported initiatives in advancing men’s health.
- Matt Jeneroux, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend (Canada) – reflecting on the findings of Canada’s national conversation on men’s health, international experience, and how these could inform the next phase of federal action.
The conversation will explore how national strategies can lead to practical action, how to reach men who may be isolated or reluctant to seek support, and what kinds of investment and partnerships help locally led initiatives thrive. It will also consider how community organizations can complement formal health and social services.
Men’s Sheds offer one example of how meaningful social connections and a sense of belonging can support men’s wellbeing. These welcoming, locally led spaces bring men together around shared interests, practical projects and opportunities to learn, contribute and build meaningful relationships. Sheds are not a substitute for healthcare, but they can offer an approachable setting where friendships, purpose and a sense of belonging can grow.
“Men’s health is an important conversation for every country, and we have much to learn from one another,” says Robert Goluch, Chair of Men’s Sheds Canada. “As Canada prepares its first federal Strategy on the Health of Boys and Men, this is an opportunity to share international experience and explore how policy, health services and community initiatives can work together to help men feel connected, supported and valued.”
Advancing Men’s Health & Wellbeing: A Global Policy Dialogue
Thursday, November 19, 2026
The online event is free and open to the public.
Register on Zoom at mensshedscanada.ca/IMD.
Event start time across Canada: 1:00 p.m. Pacific • 2:00 p.m. Mountain and Saskatchewan • 3:00 p.m. Central and Eastern • 4:00 p.m. Atlantic • 4:30 p.m. Newfoundland
About Men’s Sheds Canada
Men’s Sheds Canada is a national registered charity working to grow and strengthen the Men’s Shed movement in Canada and advance men’s health and wellbeing. With more than 200 Sheds across the country, the movement brings men–particularly older men navigating life transitions such as retirement, isolation or changes in their circumstances–together in welcoming, locally led spaces. Through shared interests, practical activities and friendship, Sheds create opportunities for men to connect “shoulder to shoulder”, contribute and experience a greater sense of purpose and belonging.
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