Fall 2025 (Volume 35, Number 3)

Arthritis: The Silent Drain on Canada’s Economy

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A new white paper from Arthritis Society Canada and Leger Healthcare, titled Arthritis: The Silent Drain on Canada’s Economy, reveals the profound and often overlooked economic burden of arthritis. Despite being the number one cause of disability in the country, only 4% of Canadians recognize arthritis as such. The condition costs an estimated $33 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenditures—and with the prevalence expected to rise from 6 million today to 9 million by 2045, the strain will only intensify.

Among respondents with arthritis in the workforce, 85% reported that the disease has affected or will affect their ability to work. Yet only 24% have received workplace accommodations, and 65% feel their employers do not provide sufficient support. Notably, one-third of Canadians with arthritis are diagnosed before age 45, underscoring the disease’s impact during prime working years.

“Canadians are feeling the squeeze of today’s economy—rising costs, tariffs, and global uncertainty. Those forces are beyond our control. But one challenge we can address is arthritis,” said Trish Barbato, President and CEO of Arthritis Society Canada.

The paper calls for greater investment in research, stronger workplace supports and increased public awareness to close the perception gap.

For full findings, visit arthritis.ca/news.