The provincial government is expanding an initiative to Ontario schools to ensure students have access to menstrual products at no cost.
The province has announced that it has entered into a new agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart to expand the Menstrual Equity Initiative, which will provide more than 23 million free menstrual products to students over the next three years. This marks an increase of three million hygiene products compared to the government’s previous agreement.
“For too long, inequitable access to menstrual products has held millions back from reaching their full potential – every absent day of school or sick day at work is a missed opportunity to learn, grow and thrive,” said Jeff Leger, president of Shoppers Drug Mart. “We’re proud to continue this important partnership with the Ontario government to ensure more students have access to the menstrual products they need and deserve, helping to get more women and girls in school and keeping them in class, where they belong.”
Also, Shoppers Drug Mart will provide 1,380 dispensers in the first year to facilitate the delivery the free menstrual pads and tampons.
The menstrual products will be made available to all school boards and school authorities across Ontario, and will be distributed to individual schools based on local student needs.
According to a Plan International Canada survey in 2023, 34 per cent of Canadians under 25 who menstruate struggle to afford menstrual products.
“We know that when students can’t access or afford menstrual products, it often results in them missing school, work or other activities – but we’re changing that,” said Education Minister Todd Smith. “Access to products through Ontario’s Menstrual Equity Initiative is just one more way we are removing barriers for women and girls so they can reach their full potential and realize their dreams.”
