The Canadian government has removed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on menstrual hygiene products following an online petition that gathered over 74,000 signatures. The tax exemption takes effect on July 1.
The debate over taxing menstrual products has long highlighted inequities. It felt profoundly unfair to add costs to essential items women rely on monthly. Women also face higher prices in the broader category of personal care and beauty products compared to men.
Items like sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, sanitary belts, and similar products were previously classified as non-essential luxuries, subjecting them to a 5% GST that notably increased women's annual expenses.
Menstruation is a natural biological reality, not a choice—much like essential health needs. Women purchase these products out of necessity, not luxury.
This change underscores the impact of grassroots advocacy in correcting longstanding policy oversights.
