The Ontario government has announced it’s increasing access to free menstrual products in schools.
Minister of Education Todd Smith says the government has a three-year deal with Shoppers Drug Mart to provide more than 23-million menstrual products to students over the next three years.
The province says it’s part of a greater effort to break the stigma around period poverty after it launched its first deal with the retail pharmacy chain in 2021.
“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 Minister 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.”
The free menstrual products, along with more than 13-hundred dispensers, will be provided to school boards across Ontario.
Written by: K. Freeman with files from the Canadian Press
