November 2, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

As National Pain Awareness Week begins, we invite Canadians to pause and consider how chronic pain affects people, families, workplaces, and communities throughout our country. One in five Canadians live with chronic pain, making it one of the most significant and often misunderstood health challenges.

This year's theme, "Unsilence Pain," reminds us of the importance of listening to people living with chronic pain, understanding their experiences, and ensuring they can access the support they need. Pain is more than a symptom. For millions of Canadians, it is a complex chronic health issue that affects both physical and mental health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. When pain is not managed effectively, it can lead to complex health issues.

Research shows that sex and gender can shape how people experience pain and how they access care. Women are more likely to experience chronic pain and often face barriers to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including for conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic pain. Men face barriers to seeking help for pain, particularly in physically demanding occupations where injuries can lead to chronic pain. They are also disproportionately affected by opioid-related harms and illegal drug use. These findings reinforce the need for gender-responsive approaches to meeting health needs, whether for chronic pain or for the broader physical and mental health issues that often accompany it.

The Government of Canada is advancing evidence-informed approaches to chronic pain prevention, management, and care. This includes investing in the development and implementation of national pain management standards for children, youth, and adults, as well as updating guidance and resources on the responsible use of opioid medications for pain management. Together, these initiatives build on the recommendations of the Canadian Pain Task Force and reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the prevention, assessment, treatment, and management of pain in Canada.

During National Pain Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to learn more about chronic pain, listen to those who live with it, and explore resources from organizations such as Pain Canada. Together, we can improve understanding of chronic pain and help ensure people living with it receive the support and care they need.

To everyone living with chronic pain, and to their families, caregivers, health professionals, researchers, and advocates: thank you for your strength, compassion, and leadership. Your voices drive meaningful change.

Visit Health Canada's website to learn more and access free virtual resources for chronic pain management.

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

Contacts

Alexandre Bergeron

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Health

alexandre.bergeron@hc-sc.gc.ca

Media Relations

Health Canada

613-957-2983

media@hc-sc.gc.ca