What to know
- Rising costs in Canada have made period products increasingly unaffordable, forcing some people to choose between buying menstrual supplies and paying for essentials like food.
- Statistics Canada reported health and personal care products increased by 21.6 per cent between 2021 and 2025, while the federal government says about 17 per cent of menstruating Canadians struggle to afford period products.
- The Period Purse says Canadians spend between $83 and $230 annually on menstrual products, which are often among the first necessities cut from tight household budgets.
- To raise awareness about period poverty, landmarks across Canada will be lit red, cities will issue statements, and Alexa Gilmour is expected to speak at Menstrual Health Day events at Queen’s Park on May 28.
It’s no secret the cost of just about everything has risen in Canada, and menstrual products have not been an exception, with those who have periods having to make the difficult choice of purchasing period items or getting food on the table.
What is period poverty in Canada?
Period Poverty had been a serious problem in the country.
In a Jan. 2026 release, Statistics Canada reported the cost of health and personal products rising 21.6 per cent from 2021 to 2025.
Additionally, the federal government reported around 17 per cent of people who menstruate can’t afford to purchase period products like tampons and pads. That number increases to 1 in 4 for lower-income households.
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Why advocates are raising awareness about period poverty
According to Canadian non-profit The Period Purse, Canadians spend between $83 and $230 annually on period products. This often means they’re the first essentials cut when household budgets tighten.
The federal government also said when a person can’t buy period products, they might turn to unsafe options like using the same product for too long or not using them as directed, risking infection. Others may skip school, work or social gatherings because they don’t have period items.
To combat this, the non-profit says they are aiming to rally Canadians from around the country, to promote the message that no one should have to skip school, miss work, or compromise their health because they can’t afford period products.
What events are happening for Menstrual Health Day?
The organization also said that Canadian landmarks across the country will be lit up red on May 28, with flags raised, toward the issue, something done annually for Menstrual Health Day.
Cities are also expected to release statements to promote awareness on period poverty, including MPP and Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Alexa Gilmour, who is expected to speak on May 28 at Queen’s Park.
Toronto’s City Hall will also host a morning gathering, along with other cities, such as Ottawa, Orangeville, and Mississauga.
“These events are a reminder that menstrual equity is something we build together,” The Period Purse said in a release.
