Surrey school board to discuss free pads, tampons for students

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – Surrey may soon follow in the footsteps of New Westminster in providing free feminine hygiene products in all of its public schools.

It’s an issue close to the heart of Surrey Board of Education chair Laurie Larsen, who plans to raise the issue at a meeting of trustees Wednesday night.

“This was an issue for me over 50 years ago. To think that in 2019, it’s still an issue for young girls — it’s absurd. It should have been done years ago.”

She says statistics suggest one in seven Canadian girls have missed school due to a lack of access to tampons or pads.

RELATED: Tampons and pads will soon be free in New West public schools

Larsen believes the move could cost the district upwards of $200,000 to start such a program up, which would be more expensive than it is for New Westminster.

“Surrey is a very large district. If we were to follow New West — they’re putting the product in every machine on every floor. We have learning centres, we have elementary schools, and a large capacity on high schools. It would be an expense,” she said, noting she thinks it’s necessary to make access equal for all students.

Larsen hopes the province, health regions, or other groups will step up with funding.

“As a board, I think we try and do everything to make sure that our students are attending school and if this is one of the things that deter one in seven female students, then certainly, it’s something we need to look at and address right away.”

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She’s hoping to have a motion ready to go before the board as soon as next month.

Last month, New Westminster’s school board voted to move ahead with offering free tampons and pads in public school bathrooms. The city will become the first city in B.C. — and in all of Canada — to do so.

 – With files from Jonathan Szekeres

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