e-3932 (Health)

The Government of Canada acknowledges that period poverty exists across Canada, and in April 2022, committed $25 million to pilot a national Menstrual Equity Fund to help make menstrual products available to those in need. Menstrual equity is the unhindered access to menstrual products, including access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, access to education materials on the topic, and the ability to discuss issues pertaining to menstruation without fear or shame. Lack of access to menstrual products is closely linked to poverty and disproportionately impacts youth, single mothers, people experiencing homelessness, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, people living with disabilities, gender-diverse individuals, and those who live in remote areas.

The Menstrual Equity Fund pilot is the latest step taken by the Government of Canada to help eliminate menstrual inequity, alongside undergoing initiatives led by Indigenous Services and the department of Labour working to respectively increase menstrual access in First Nations schools on reserve and federally regulated workplaces across Canada. These federal initiatives complement activities being undertaken by other levels of government and the private sector to increase access to free menstrual products.

To inform the design of the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot, the Department for Women and GenderEquality (WAGE) has been conducting extensive research and engagement to better understand thecurrent landscape and community needs with regards to menstrual equity. Throughout ourengagement process, provinces and territories have been involved in sharing information aroundexisting programs and initiatives in their respective jurisdictions. WAGE is working toward launchingthe Menstrual Equity Fund pilot in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.