Many women struggle to afford menstrual products. A new federal project aims to help
Global News
As the cost of living continue to rise across Canada, many women are forced to choose between feeding their families and buying menstrual products, according to advocates.
As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, many women are forced to choose between feeding their families and buying menstrual products, according to advocates.
In an effort to tackle period poverty — a lack of access to menstrual products, education and hygiene facilities — the federal government announced on Thursday that it will fund $17.9 million to Food Banks Canada. These funds will support the organization in conducting a nationwide pilot program aimed at tackling the challenges of affordability and the stigma associated with accessing menstrual products that many Canadians encounter.
“We are feeling the pressure of rising costs of just about everything. And today we’re thinking about women, those that menstruate, that have to think twice about picking up a box of pads or a box of tampons,” Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien said during a press conference.
“Period poverty isn’t some kind of abstract concept; it has a direct link to the wallets of women and girls. And it isn’t just about accessibility, it’s also about cost.”
One in six Canadians who menstruate has personally experienced period poverty, and this number rises to one in four if their household earns less than $40,000 a year, according to a March 2023 Women and Gender Equality Canada report. The survey also found that one in five people who menstruate say they may struggle to afford period products over the next year.
Food Bank Canada is set to run the National Menstrual Equity Fund pilot that will distribute free menstrual products to diverse, low-income communities right across the country, Ien said.
The organization will also partner with several grassroots organizations, among them the Allen Gardens Food Bank in Toronto, where the press conference was held.
Meryl Wharton, president of the food bank, said because of rising living costs and inflation, the food bank has seen a surge in visits over the last few years.
The motion won't mean the city is investing or accepting payment in cryptocurrency any time soon, but will instead direct staff to look into those possibilities.
Enbridge officials said in a statement that the reroute proposal has gone through rigorous reviews and studies.
A proposed deal that would see three tobacco giants pay out billions to provinces and territories, as well as smokers across Canada, has been approved by the companies' creditors.
Tokyo recently announced a four-day workweek policy in an effort to boost Japan’s record-low fertility rate - something that Canada is also struggling with.
More than 1,500 firefighters were battling the blaze, many working in steep canyons, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.
Evidence has grown in recent years that highly processed foods are linked to a wide range of chronic health problems, like diabetes and heart disease.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has released its list of the top 10 most impactful weather events of 2024.
Fifteen charges under the federal Fisheries Act have been laid against Imperial Metals Corp. more than 10 years after a tailings pond collapsed the Mount Polley mine.
Many kids and teens are looking forward to the holidays with great excitement, but others find it a difficult time of year filled with anxiety, stress and loneliness. It’s something Alisa Simon, the chief youth officer at Kids Help Phone, says they watch for when school pauses for the winter break, noting, “we do see an increase...
Advocates and friends of a Nova Scotia woman who died from stage IV breast cancer are urging the province to update its screening policy for women with dense breast tissue.
The report estimates a cancer patient will face almost $33,000 on average in out-of-pocket cancer-related costs in their lifetime, including loss of income.