Advertisement
  • Newsletters
  • Subscribe
Health

So long, tampon tax!

As of July 1, Canadian women will no longer have to pay extra for having their periods.
By Katie Underwood
Your-Box-Club-tampons-curated-packages Photo credit, iStock.

On Thursday, the Conservative government delivered a wonderful surprise to menstruating women across Canada: As of July 1, federal taxes will be removed from all feminine-hygiene products, including tampons, pads, sanitary belts (who is using these!?) and menstrual cups. Cue the hysteria! The new legislation follows an NDP-backed proposal to scrap the tax, which was tabled by the party earlier this year. Critics of the "tampon tax" have long argued that it unfairly targeted women — namely, that it added insult (spending money) to injury (periods) when we're already in a vulnerable state (PMS). The move will hit the Conservatives' financial reserves — to the tune of $33 million — but, sorry, have they ever experienced cramps? Those are really painful.

 

The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Copy link
The cover of the Chatelaine Summer 2025 issue, featuring a pink drink with a paper straw.

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

In our Summer 2025 issue, we get real about what sex is like after 40. Plus, living together after divorce, our favourite beauty products of the year and 17 incredibly summery recipes, from ceviche to sour cherry cobbler.