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“This program is a great start as it will help reduce the stigma and stresses students may have. Menstrual products can be costly, so this also helps alleviate some financial pressure, and will allow students to focus on learning.” — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President
Fredericton (14 Jan. 2022) — The New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development recently announced it will give more than $115,000 to school districts to provide free menstrual hygiene products to students through the Never be Caught Off Guard program.
Access to menstrual products is an issue of equality
The New Brunswick Union (NBU/NUPGE) has been advocating for menstrual products to be made available for free in all provincial buildings after a resolution was passed by its membership at the 2020 Biennial Convention.
“For our members, they viewed this as an equality issue,” said Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President. “Since menstruation is part of women’s health and the cost of the products can be prohibitive for some, the NBU/NUPGE believes these products should be available free of charge."
“This program is a great start as it will help reduce the stigma and stresses students may have,” said Proulx-Daigle. “Menstrual products can be costly, so this also helps alleviate some financial pressure and will allow students to focus on learning.”
NBU/NUPGE to push for expansion of program to public buildings
According to the provincial press release, “The hygiene products will be available in female and gender-neutral washrooms, and locker rooms in schools with Grade 6-12 students, eliminating the need for students to request these products from school administration.”
The NBU/NUPGE believes the province should now explore expanding the program to other provincial buildings beginning with public libraries.
“Public libraries are a great next step as it would make menstrual products available to the general public through easy to access facilities,” said Proulx-Daigle. “We know people from all walks of life use libraries, so we feel this is the right move.”