The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced an agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Shoppers Drug Mart for a donation of 4.7 million menstrual products to advance menstrual equity in the province.

Minister Parsons was joined by Perry Martin, Vice-President of Government Relations with Shoppers Drug Mart, Paula MacNeil, Senior Director of Professional Affairs for Atlantic Canada for Shoppers Drug Mart, and pharmacy owners Heather Seeley from St. John’s and Chad Parsons from Bay Roberts.

Provided by the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart, this donation is valued at approximately $1.9 million, and will see menstrual products distributed throughout Newfoundland and Labrador over the next three years.

Products are primarily distributed to junior high and high schools; however, Newfoundland and Labrador will be the first jurisdiction in the country to also distribute menstrual products free of charge to post-secondary institutions, women’s centres and equity-seeking organizations, transition houses, friendship centres, emergency shelters, and food banks.

Newfoundland and Labrador was a leader in Canada in announcing plans to make menstrual products available to students in the K-12 school system in 2021, implemented in schools with grades 4-12 classrooms in January 2022. This initiative ensures that young people have access to menstrual products without worrying about cost, stigma or embarrassment to remove barriers and help students reach their full potential. The contribution from Shoppers Drug Mart will enhance this initiative.

This is aligned with Newfoundland and Labrador’s designation as Canada’s first Well-Being Province.

The initial delivery of products is scheduled to arrive in March 2025 to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services Supply Chain Distribution Centres in Corner Brook and St. John’s. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be responsible for regional distribution, promotion and maintenance of product dispensers and, as necessary, post-installation.

To date, Shoppers Drug Mart has also signed donation-based agreements with Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to donate menstrual products that are helping to remove barriers to access, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of girls, women and gender-diverse people.

Quotes
“Menstrual equity means ensuring that everyone who menstruates has access to the resources, education and supports they need to manage their periods with dignity.  It’s about fairness, justice and creating a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to health, education, or opportunity. When we ensure that people who menstruate are supported, we build stronger communities, reduce gender disparities and promote human rights.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Our government is proud to be a part of this initiative to further support equitable access to menstrual products in schools, and to see the project expanded to include post-secondary institutions. This will reduce barriers for students, while also reducing stigma surrounding these necessary health products.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Providing menstrual products free of charge to individuals will help improve social and emotional well-being, while reducing stigma and promoting health and wellness. I want to thank our community partners who have been crucial in helping make this happen.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Shoppers is on a mission to ensure no one is left behind because they don’t have access to the menstrual products they need and deserve. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide menstrual products to post-secondary institutions.”
Jeff Leger
President, Shoppers Drug Mart

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Learn more
Ensuring All Students Have Access to Period Products in Schools – News Releases

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