Toronto could soon be getting free menstrual products for those in need

Toronto’s Executive Committee has voted to increase the budget for Shelters, Support and Housing Administration to fund access for menstrual hygiene products to those in need.

According to City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, the Committee increased the 2019 budget by a quantum of $222,359.

“This historic new funding will be available to City-administered shelters, drop-in and respite centres, as well as ‘Strong Neighbourhood’ community centres for the specific purchase of menstrual hygiene supplies and washroom dispensers,” Wong-Tam said following Monday’s vote.

Good news coming out of the Executive Committee today about #MenstrualEquityTO. Here’s my statement on the new and expanded funding to increase access to menstrual products in shelters, respite centres, drop-ins and priority community centres. #BudgetTO #GenderEquityTO #IWD2019 pic.twitter.com/CfqSV99usA

— Kristyn Wong-Tam (@kristynwongtam) March 4, 2019

City Council will vote on the final budget on March 7, which is the day before International Women’s Day.

Wong-Tam said that menstrual equity is a part of the larger goal of bringing a gender equity lens to governmental budget processes.

Throughout the next few months, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) staff will be consulting with service providers, program participants, and menstrual equity advocates, to gain a better understanding of how the City can improve on the provision of menstrual…

— Kristyn Wong-Tam (@kristynwongtam) March 4, 2019

.. hygiene supplies, in 2020 and beyond. I look forward to this process and the pending report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in May 2019 as we will continue to move forward on this critical issue.

— Kristyn Wong-Tam (@kristynwongtam) March 4, 2019

This news comes a few short months after it was announced that additional Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Toronto may soon have free menstrual product hygiene dispensers.