Canadian government realizes periods aren't luxuries, removes tampon tax

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      Good news, ladies! The Canadian government will be lifting the GST on feminine hygiene products as of July 1.

      The federal government announced the an official motion to amend the Excise Tax Act to include the "supply of a product that is marketed exclusively for feminine hygiene purposes and is a sanitary napkin, tampon, sanitary belt, menstrual cup or other similar product" as GST-free items today (May 28)—which also happens to be Menstrual Hygiene Day.

      In a statement, NDP MP Irene Mathyssen noted, "This is a victory for all women. It shows what a group of determined women and citizens can do."

      The five-percent GST is applied to non-essential items so it's nice to see the Canadian government finally recognizing that the monthly need for pads and tampons is hardly a luxury.

      A campaign to remove the tax started by the group Canadian Menstruators stated that Canadian women spent $519,976,963 on menstrual products in 2014—which works out to over $36 million in GST.

      Comments

      8 Comments

      Richard S.

      May 28, 2015 at 2:00pm

      Good news! And the Conservatives did this? Well, I guess I'll eat my hat!

      Uhhh

      May 28, 2015 at 4:00pm

      These are convenience products, like twinkies. You can always use cloth diapers and wash them.

      Enforcer

      May 28, 2015 at 5:08pm

      Women don't need tampons. After having a baby, they should get pregnant before their next period.

      hot flash

      May 28, 2015 at 6:14pm

      How about a GST rebate now that I'm post all-that-stuff. $$$ I could use for my old age.

      Can't really disagree

      May 28, 2015 at 7:25pm

      Many things the Conservatives have done I have disagreed with. This however I do not. Though I wonder how they are going to weasel back the $36Million in revenue..?

      Natty

      May 29, 2015 at 7:45am

      Menstrual Hygiene Day? Seriously? It's a topic relevant to women's lives, but does it deserve its own day?

      In the interest of equality, how about a "Concealing an Awkward Boner Day"?

      JLYzerman

      May 29, 2015 at 8:56am

      This is just a pre-writ ploy by the Cons to convince you that they're not inherently evil. Don't be fooled.

      @Can't really disagree

      May 29, 2015 at 1:06pm

      By repealing yet another benefit from public sector employees.