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FEWO Committee Report

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List of Recommendations

As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada consult with Indigenous peoples to address period poverty and accessibility, particularly in northern communities where limited access to menstrual health products is common.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada ensure funding for First Nations and First Nations-designated education organizations to procure the quantity needed as well as the desired type of free menstrual health products, including reusable and sustainable products, for students both on and off reserve.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada ensure all First Nations communities have reliable access to clean water and safely lift, as soon as possible, all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves in Canada.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada, respecting the jurisdiction of, and in consultation and collaboration with, municipalities, provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples, support community-based and non-profit organizations, and grassroots initiatives that work towards menstrual equity.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada ensure access to menstrual products for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals by increasing the number of safe spaces and gender-neutral washrooms and ensure menstrual equity programs and services are inclusive in a manner that treats individuals with dignity and addresses barriers in accessing menstrual products.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada make available menstrual products to organizations which provide outreach to vulnerable individuals, individuals who are in precarious situations or unhoused individuals.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada, respecting the jurisdiction of, and in consultation and collaboration with, municipalities, provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders, promote menstrual equity by encouraging employers to provide free or subsidized menstrual products in workplaces, particularly in low-wage industries where menstrual poverty may be prevalent, and by working to establish menstrual-friendly facilities in public spaces with well-equipped restrooms featuring sanitary disposal bins, sufficient menstrual product supplies, and hygiene essentials.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada, when the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot project ends in March 2024, review it to:

  • evaluate whether the funding provided helped reduce menstrual poverty in Canada and break down barriers to accessing menstrual products, including financial and geographical barriers;
  • determine whether the funding provided made available a variety of menstrual products (reusable, disposable and sustainable products); and
  • consider making it a permanent initiative, if the fund is successful in reducing menstrual poverty.

Recommendation 9

That the Government of Canada develop and implement a public awareness campaign with the goal to increase menstrual health literacy, including about reusable and sustainable menstrual products, and eliminate stigma and negative stereotypes surrounding menstruation.

Recommendation 10

That the Government of Canada take all efforts, including through federal menstrual equity programs such as the Menstrual Equity Fund, and the provision of free menstrual products to federal government employees starting on 15 December 2023, to prioritize the procurement of menstrual products from suppliers that use environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in their production including supporting products made from organic, biodegradable, or reusable materials to minimize environmental impact

Recommendation 11

That the Government of Canada fund research projects on menstrual poverty, menstrual equity and menstrual health literacy.