Healthy Men, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities

Canadian Centre for Men and Families Executive Director Justin Trottier sits down with Senator Patrick Brazeau following the inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus for Men and Boys Health, in the Senate building (Ottawa) on October 9, 2025.

The new federal Caucus is Chaired by Senator Brazeau, and includes 30 Members of Parliament and Senators, representing all Parties, including Senate Vice President René Cormier, and the mental health critics of both opposition parties.

For more on the Canadian Centre for Men and Families, visit https://www.menandfamilies.org

The Canadian Centre for Men and Families is the nation’s hub for boys, men, fathers and families. As a registered mental health and social service charity, we work for a healthy future for men, boys, and their families, by filling critical gaps in men’s services that reduce male suicide, strengthen the father-child relationship, help men heal from trauma, and develop positive pathways for struggling male youth. We support, empower and advocate for boys, men, fathers and their families before, during and after a crisis, in a courageous, open, safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. We promote a positive view of masculinity and celebrate the contributions of boys and men to society. We believe that when boys and men are supported to live their best lives, everybody benefits.

Send your recommendations to the federal government at
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/improving-health-men-canada.html

This is a truly historic moment.

The federal government’s first ever National Strategy on Men and Boys Health is a significant national milestone for boys and men. CCMF has been calling to put the life and death issues of boys and men on the national agenda for a decade. This development recognizes these years of sustained effort by CCMF and its partners - supported by thousands of families across the country - to bring national attention where it has long been due. Seeing the federal government formally commit to a strategy is a deeply meaningful moment for our organization and for the thousands of Canadians we serve.

The Strategy is also a response to the creation of Canada's first Men and Boys Health Parliamentary Caucus, which was inaugurated in 2025 and now includes over 30 MPs and Senators of all parties, including Senators Patrick Brazeau and René Cormier, the Senate's Vice President!

But it also recognizes international developments. In just the last few years, we’ve seen similar strategies emerge in the UK, Australia and several US states.

CCMF is calling for all governments to follow the federal leadership with provincial and municipal Men’s Health Strategies of their own. In Toronto for example an effort is underway to establish the first Toronto Council for Men and Boys Health. In ontario, CCMF is organizing a coalition of agencies as we seek the expansion of government funding mandates to include critical shelters, family and victim services currently unavailable to boys and men The corporate and philanthropic sectors should also step up and do their part at this critical time.

CCMF has been hosting Townhall events and engaging in broad community consultations with agencies across Canada. Based on the entirety of the feedback we’ve received, We are delighted to have sparked a mass of public engagement in the federal government's Men's Health Strategy. 

The deadline to submit recommendations is on Monday, June 1st. Today we’ll be sharing our critical recommendations which we believe are essential for the Strategy to effectively address the crisis of male suicide.

Our major theme is that we must act bold for boys and men with a comprehensive Strategy inclusive of deep strutural problems in particular in areas of family violence, parental alienation and false allegations. 

“Men’s health is shaped by family systems, economic pressures, housing stability and community connection. Reducing suicide requires addressing the full picture, including the psychological toll of high-conflict separation and lost parent-child relationships.” We know that men commit suicide at 6-8 times the rate of women during separation and divorce.

The Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) is sharing these recommendations with the aim of strengthening the effectiveness of the Men’s Mental Health Strategy. We do this by referencing social determinants which account for the men’s health crisis, including the most tragic outcome of suicide. We believe what is required is an approach that is both comprehensive in its scope and deep in penetrating to the core structural factors at play.

The Charger Foundation's 2025 Gala Fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the Canadian Centre for Men and Families.

Enjoy highlights from our biggest fundraising event of 2025, including music, dancing, a live auction, speeches and a hula hoop acrobat!

A special thank you to the team at the Charger Foundation for their extraordinary dedication and hard work in support of CCMF over many years.

Healthy Boys, Men, Families, Communities.

Learn more and register for programs at https://www.menandfamilies.org.
Make a tax deductible charity gift at https://www.menandfamilies.org/donation

Inspiring Boys, Empowering Fathers, Transforming Lives

Raising pre-teen boys comes with new challenges and big opportunities. In this engaging episode, Dr. James S. Brown and Lynda Yardley talk with a dad of three pre-teen boys who shares his firsthand experiences using our empowerment techniques along with many of his own successful parenting methods. This conversation is packed with real stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement for every father navigating these formative years.

A new Podcast Series from the Canadian Centre for Men and Families
Visit https://menandfamilies.org/get-involved/public-policy/inspiring-boys/

Healthy Boys, Men, Families, Communities.
Learn more and register for programs at https://www.menandfamilies.org.
Make a tax deductible charity gift at https://www.menandfamilies.org/donation

“The underachievement of boys in the education system is a really serious issue faced by parents, teachers and all of society. “
Dr. James S. Brown, MA, MEd EdD - Author of:
Rescuing our Underachieving Sons

"Boys are falling behind in education, mental health, and a sense of purpose—creating a crisis that affects families, communities, and the future of our society."
Dr. Warren Farrel, Author of: The Boy Crisis,

“In discussing gender differences in education, it's crucial to consider the interaction of biology, culture, and education systems, recognizing that these differences are not immutable but can change with societal evolution and educational reforms. Moreover, the conversation must be sensitive to the diversity within each gender, acknowledging that individual experiences can significantly vary from these broad trends”.
Christina Hoff Sommers - Author of: The War on Boys

As we look around, it’s clear that boys are facing significant challenges in today’s society—especially in education, mental health, and relationships. Boys are increasingly falling behind in school, and a growing disparity between boys and girls is becoming more evident.
Historically, when girls faced barriers to success, society took proactive steps to level the playing field, helping them thrive. Now, boys are disengaging from education, social connections, and in some cases, even life itself. It’s time to adjust our approach, inspire our boys, and help them unlock their full potential. It’s time for us to shift our focus and create an environment where boys can succeed just as girls do today.

Data from the past decade shows alarming trends with boys: lower literacy scores, higher school dropout rates, increased depression, disengagement, lower post-secondary attendance, and rising unemployment along with substance abuse among young men. This lack of participation in society can often lead to depression and, tragically, suicide. A healthy society depends on healthy fathers, healthy sons, and healthy communities.

We need to inspire and support our boys today to ensure a better future for everyone. We envision a future where every boy is equipped to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. By inspiring our boys now, we create a generation of leaders, innovators, and role models who will drive a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Let’s take action today—when our boys succeed, life improves for everyone.

Inspiring Boys, Empowering Fathers, Transforming Lives

Why do so many boys struggle in school — and how can we turn that around? Dr. James S. Brown and Lynda Yardley explore The Underachievement Cycle and its damaging effects on boys’ confidence and motivation. More importantly, they share practical steps every dad can take to nurture an achiever’s mindset, empowering boys to succeed academically and beyond. This is a must-listen for any parent who wants to see their son thrive.

A new Podcast Series from the Canadian Centre for Men and Families
Visit https://menandfamilies.org/get-involved/public-policy/inspiring-boys/

Healthy Boys, Men, Families, Communities.
Learn more and register for programs at https://www.menandfamilies.org.
Make a tax deductible charity gift at https://www.menandfamilies.org/donation

“The underachievement of boys in the education system is a really serious issue faced by parents, teachers and all of society. “
Dr. James S. Brown, MA, MEd EdD - Author of:
Rescuing our Underachieving Sons

"Boys are falling behind in education, mental health, and a sense of purpose—creating a crisis that affects families, communities, and the future of our society."
Dr. Warren Farrel, Author of: The Boy Crisis,

“In discussing gender differences in education, it's crucial to consider the interaction of biology, culture, and education systems, recognizing that these differences are not immutable but can change with societal evolution and educational reforms. Moreover, the conversation must be sensitive to the diversity within each gender, acknowledging that individual experiences can significantly vary from these broad trends”.
Christina Hoff Sommers - Author of: The War on Boys

As we look around, it’s clear that boys are facing significant challenges in today’s society—especially in education, mental health, and relationships. Boys are increasingly falling behind in school, and a growing disparity between boys and girls is becoming more evident.
Historically, when girls faced barriers to success, society took proactive steps to level the playing field, helping them thrive. Now, boys are disengaging from education, social connections, and in some cases, even life itself. It’s time to adjust our approach, inspire our boys, and help them unlock their full potential. It’s time for us to shift our focus and create an environment where boys can succeed just as girls do today.

Data from the past decade shows alarming trends with boys: lower literacy scores, higher school dropout rates, increased depression, disengagement, lower post-secondary attendance, and rising unemployment along with substance abuse among young men. This lack of participation in society can often lead to depression and, tragically, suicide. A healthy society depends on healthy fathers, healthy sons, and healthy communities.

We need to inspire and support our boys today to ensure a better future for everyone. We envision a future where every boy is equipped to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. By inspiring our boys now, we create a generation of leaders, innovators, and role models who will drive a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Let’s take action today—when our boys succeed, life improves for everyone.

Inspiring Boys, Empowering Fathers, Transforming Lives

What happens when a real dad puts our advice into action? In this episode, Dr. James S. Brown and Lynda Yardley sit down with a father of two preschool boys who’s been trying out the techniques we’ve shared. Hear his honest reflections — what worked, what didn’t, and what he’s learned along the way — plus his own creative ideas for raising confident, curious, and resilient young sons.

A new Podcast Series from the Canadian Centre for Men and Families
Visit https://menandfamilies.org/get-involved/public-policy/inspiring-boys/

Healthy Boys, Men, Families, Communities.
Learn more and register for programs at https://www.menandfamilies.org.
Make a tax deductible charity gift at https://www.menandfamilies.org/donation

“The underachievement of boys in the education system is a really serious issue faced by parents, teachers and all of society. “
Dr. James S. Brown, MA, MEd EdD - Author of:
Rescuing our Underachieving Sons

"Boys are falling behind in education, mental health, and a sense of purpose—creating a crisis that affects families, communities, and the future of our society."
Dr. Warren Farrel, Author of: The Boy Crisis,

“In discussing gender differences in education, it's crucial to consider the interaction of biology, culture, and education systems, recognizing that these differences are not immutable but can change with societal evolution and educational reforms. Moreover, the conversation must be sensitive to the diversity within each gender, acknowledging that individual experiences can significantly vary from these broad trends”.
Christina Hoff Sommers - Author of: The War on Boys

As we look around, it’s clear that boys are facing significant challenges in today’s society—especially in education, mental health, and relationships. Boys are increasingly falling behind in school, and a growing disparity between boys and girls is becoming more evident.
Historically, when girls faced barriers to success, society took proactive steps to level the playing field, helping them thrive. Now, boys are disengaging from education, social connections, and in some cases, even life itself. It’s time to adjust our approach, inspire our boys, and help them unlock their full potential. It’s time for us to shift our focus and create an environment where boys can succeed just as girls do today.

Data from the past decade shows alarming trends with boys: lower literacy scores, higher school dropout rates, increased depression, disengagement, lower post-secondary attendance, and rising unemployment along with substance abuse among young men. This lack of participation in society can often lead to depression and, tragically, suicide. A healthy society depends on healthy fathers, healthy sons, and healthy communities.

We need to inspire and support our boys today to ensure a better future for everyone. We envision a future where every boy is equipped to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. By inspiring our boys now, we create a generation of leaders, innovators, and role models who will drive a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Let’s take action today—when our boys succeed, life improves for everyone.

Inspiring Boys, Empowering Fathers, Transforming Lives

Are boys truly falling behind — and if so, why? Dr. James S. Brown and Lynda Yardley unpack the reasons many boys struggle to reach their full potential, exploring the hidden factors behind underachievement and its long-term impact. You’ll leave this episode not only informed but inspired, with practical, real-world strategies for dads to help their sons become confident achievers at school and in life

A new Podcast Series from the Canadian Centre for Men and Families
Visit https://menandfamilies.org/get-involved/public-policy/inspiring-boys/

Healthy Boys, Men, Families, Communities.
Learn more and register for programs at https://www.menandfamilies.org.
Make a tax deductible charity gift at https://www.menandfamilies.org/donation

“The underachievement of boys in the education system is a really serious issue faced by parents, teachers and all of society. “
Dr. James S. Brown, MA, MEd EdD - Author of:
Rescuing our Underachieving Sons

"Boys are falling behind in education, mental health, and a sense of purpose—creating a crisis that affects families, communities, and the future of our society."
Dr. Warren Farrel, Author of: The Boy Crisis,

“In discussing gender differences in education, it's crucial to consider the interaction of biology, culture, and education systems, recognizing that these differences are not immutable but can change with societal evolution and educational reforms. Moreover, the conversation must be sensitive to the diversity within each gender, acknowledging that individual experiences can significantly vary from these broad trends”.
Christina Hoff Sommers - Author of: The War on Boys

As we look around, it’s clear that boys are facing significant challenges in today’s society—especially in education, mental health, and relationships. Boys are increasingly falling behind in school, and a growing disparity between boys and girls is becoming more evident.
Historically, when girls faced barriers to success, society took proactive steps to level the playing field, helping them thrive. Now, boys are disengaging from education, social connections, and in some cases, even life itself. It’s time to adjust our approach, inspire our boys, and help them unlock their full potential. It’s time for us to shift our focus and create an environment where boys can succeed just as girls do today.

Data from the past decade shows alarming trends with boys: lower literacy scores, higher school dropout rates, increased depression, disengagement, lower post-secondary attendance, and rising unemployment along with substance abuse among young men. This lack of participation in society can often lead to depression and, tragically, suicide. A healthy society depends on healthy fathers, healthy sons, and healthy communities.

We need to inspire and support our boys today to ensure a better future for everyone. We envision a future where every boy is equipped to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. By inspiring our boys now, we create a generation of leaders, innovators, and role models who will drive a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Let’s take action today—when our boys succeed, life improves for everyone.