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