The District of Saanich has announced that it will offer free menstrual products at all public washrooms, including men’s rooms, by the end of the month.
Councillors who supported the initiative claim it will benefit “people who menstruate” and those who cannot afford such products.
The district has 281 public bathrooms, including women’s, men’s and gender-neutral facilities, where menstrual product dispensers will be installed.
The move follows an earlier decision to make the products available at Saanich Municipal Hall.
According to estimates, the initial cost of the project will be around $20,000.
Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, who is also the chair of Access B.C., a campaign for free prescription contraception in the province, said that providing free menstrual products is similar to providing free toilet paper.
“Period poverty is something that is a serious issue that we don’t talk about enough,” claimed Phelps Bondaroff.
“My hope is that we inspire other districts and other actors to do the same thing.”
However, not everyone is supportive of the initiative, especially the inclusion of menstrual products in men’s bathrooms.
A tweet by Coun. Colin Plant about the vote caused a flurry of social media backlash.
Proud Councillor in #Saanich!
— Colin Plant (@ColinPlant2022) June 6, 2023
I noticed the following complimentary items in the men’s restroom in @Saanich Hall tonight.
I’m proud to be part of a local government/community that acknowledges, includes, values, and respects ALL men.#yyjpoli #Saanpoli #yyj pic.twitter.com/R66jwVd9n5
Saanich is not the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide free menstrual products in public facilities.
In 2019, B.C. became the first province to mandate free menstrual products in all public school bathrooms.
In 2022, the federal government announced that it was one step closer to ensuring free access to menstrual products in federally regulated workplaces.
