NDP secures a victory for women

Conservatives agree to remove unfair tax on feminine hygiene products

NDP MP Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe) and NDP Status of Women critic Mylène Freeman (Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel) made the following statement on the support of their motion to remove the federal tax from feminine hygiene products:

The NDP has scored a victory for women with the passage of our opposition day motion to remove the GST/federal portion of the HST from feminine hygiene products.

Feminine hygiene products are not a luxury. It makes no sense that women have to pay tax on tamponswhile non-essential items like wedding cakes and cocktail cherries are exempt.

New Democrats are ready to make the economy work for all Canadians, including women. We are pleased that the Conservatives have supported our practical proposal to end this gender-based discrimination, which costs women more than $36-million every year. However, while promises are a good first step, what we need to see now is action.

This push to remove the tax from feminine hygiene products has resonated with women across the country. Tom Mulcair’s NDP will continue working to make life more equitable and affordable for all Canadians.