Feds considering free menstrual products at some government offices

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – With B.C. leading the way in making menstrual products available in schools, the federal government is considering making the products free in a number of workplaces under its watch.

Canada’s Members of Parliament are debating making tampons and pads free in federally regulated workplaces. And although Finance Minister Carole James says she’s “thrilled” to see the discussion continuing outside B.C., she says the province isn’t there yet.

“Our first step was to look at schools and make products available at schools,” she adds. “We will continue to look at what’s happening across the country but that’s our first step and we want to implement that first piece right now.”

RELATED: B.C. public schools required to offer free menstrual products by end of year

Only once all the pieces are in place can the province consider expanding, James says.

“Move on to conversations with other groups to see what would be the next priority,” she adds. “Next priority, for example, would be low-income women.”

“Conversations with social service agencies, as you know many shelters and other places already provide the support so we’re looking at all of those organizations so it’s across government discussions.”

B.C. is the first jurisdiction to mandate free products in schools.

PST and GST on menstrual products were lifted back in 2015.