Minister Valdez highlights $60 million investment advancing menstrual equity and improving affordability through access to essential menstrual products
From Women and Gender Equality Canada
September 14, 2026 – Mississauga, Ontario — Women and Gender Equality Canada
The federal government is making life more affordable for Canadians by making menstrual products, which are a basic necessity, more accessible to those that need them.
With a total investment of nearly $90 million, the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot project has helped remove financial barriers by providing access to free menstrual products for Canadians who need them most, while also improving education and awareness to reduce stigma.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced the impact of the $60 million to extend the Menstrual Equity Fund national pilot project, delivered by Food Banks Canada.The pilot has delivered more than 124 million free menstrual products through Food Banks Canada and the affiliated network of food banks and community organizations across the country, helping Canadians who need them most. Recipients reported missing fewer days of school and work because they had enough menstrual products to manage their menstrual health safely and with dignity.
The investment has also supported education and awareness initiatives to reduce stigma and improve understanding of menstrual health. Six menstrual equity organizations have provided nearly 450 education and awareness resources, reaching 70,000 people across Canada.
The results of this national pilot demonstrate the importance of addressing period poverty as part of broader efforts to make life more affordable, support participation in school, work, and the economy, and to advance gender equality.
Access to basic necessities should not stand in the way of Canadians going to school, going to work, or fully participating in their communities. As families adjust to the back-to-school season and manage household costs, the federal government will continue working to make life more affordable, support healthy, inclusive communities, and build a stronger Canada.
Quotes
“A strong economy depends on Canadians being able to participate fully in it. The Menstrual Equity Fund has helped millions of Canadians access essential products while easing affordability pressures for individuals and families. By improving access to a basic necessity, we are removing barriers that prevent Canadians from participating fully in school, work and their communities. Our government is taking action to make life more affordable, strengthen our economy and build a Canada where everyone can succeed.”
The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
“Here in Mississauga and across Canada, this program is helping make sure people can access the menstrual products they need without adding pressure to their household budgets. By supporting food banks and community organizations that are closest to the people they serve, we are helping remove barriers and making life more affordable for Canadians. As we build a stronger economy, we are making sure people and families have the support they need to participate and succeed.”
Peter Fonseca, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East—Cooksville
“Across the network of organizations affiliated with Food Banks Canada, staff and volunteers see period poverty regularly, so we’re extremely pleased with the federal funding for this initiative and the important impacts it has delivered. This project is reaching millions of people in need across every province and territory. Food bankers have learned from appreciative community members that reliable access to menstrual products relieves financial strain, alleviates physical and mental health challenges, and enables full participation in society. We’re eager to continue working with the government toward a strong country where nobody’s potential is held back by unmet essential needs.”
Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada
Quick facts
- Menstrual equity refers to equal and comprehensive access to menstrual products, as well as access to education regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- A 2023 public opinion research survey conducted by Environics Research on behalf of Women and Gender Equality Canada found that:
- One in six (17%) Canadians who menstruate have personally experienced period poverty; this rises to one in four (25%) if their household earns less than $40,000 a year.
- One in five (20%) who menstruate say they may not afford period products at some point in the next 12 months.
- Period poverty refers to the inability to afford or access menstrual products, access education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or a combination of these, to manage menstrual health and hygiene.
- Since September 2023, WAGE has funded the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot project, with total funding increasing from the initial $17.9 million to $89.8 million:
- September 2023: Food Banks Canada received $17.9 million in funding from Budget 2022 to address the barriers related to affordability and stigma associated with accessing menstrual products.
- February 2024: $5 million to expand access to disposable and reusable menstrual products in northern communities, to distribute additional disposable products to pilot sites demonstrating the greatest need, and to provide additional funds to menstrual education and awareness organizations to expand the scope of their work.
- September 2024: $5 million to restock locations in urban centres experiencing high demand, and to enhance the funding for education and awareness activities in 2024-25.
- February 2025: $1.9 million for menstrual education and awareness organizations in pursuing the expansion of their activities until March 2026.
- September 2025: Food Banks Canada received $57 million to extend the Menstrual Equity Fund national pilot project. This funding was committed in the December 2024 Fall Economic Statement, with $60 million allocated to extend the Menstrual Equity Fund national pilot.
