TORONTO-October 8, 2021— The government’s decision to begin a program that will support the distribution of six million free menstrual products per year to school boards is a welcome step towards addressing an issue of equity that has resulted in students experiencing “period poverty” in Ontario’s schools.

“In keeping with their commitment to equity in educational opportunity, Catholic Boards across Ontario have advocated for the need to make menstrual products freely available throughout Ontario’s schools. We applaud Minister Lecce and the provincial government for today’s announcement and for their commitment to reduce barriers to student achievement and well-being,” stated OCSTA President, Patrick Daly.

“As the distribution begins, we hope that the process for distribution will be monitored and adequately financed to ensure that student needs for menstrual products are readily met in all schools” added Mr. Daly.

The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association is the provincial voice for publicly funded Catholic education. Founded in 1930, OCSTA represents the interests of Catholic school boards that collectively educate approximately 600,000 students in Ontario, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.