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The Manitoba government has introduced a new online resource to support women and girls by helping them locate nearby sources of free pads and tampons.
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Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, responsible for women and gender equity, announced the initiative, emphasizing its role in reducing the financial burden of menstrual products.
Through a partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart, Manitoba has been distributing free menstrual products to domestic violence shelters, resource centres, and other agencies as part of the Access for All Period program.
Fontaine noted that Shoppers Drug Mart donates 3.3 million menstrual products annually to the province, with a total estimated value of over $1.9 million over three years.
Perry Martin, Shoppers Drug Mart’s vice president of government relations, highlighted the partnership’s impact, noting that it has enabled thousands of Manitobans to access the necessary hygiene products without financial strain. “We are proud to be part of this initiative,” he said, recognizing the value of the partnership in tackling period poverty in Manitoba.
The new online page lists participating locations and addresses, simplifying access to free menstrual products. The government also provides these products to school divisions and independent schools. As of October 2024, more than 5.2 million menstrual products have been distributed across Manitoba.
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