The 180

Should tampons and menstrual pads be GST exempt?

A petition seeks to exempt hygiene products like tampons, and menstrual pads from the Goods and Services tax. The petition's originator explains why.
Tampons are displayed on a shelf at a drug store. (The Associated Press)

A new petition seeks to exempt feminine hygiene products like tampons, and menstrual pads from the Goods and Services Tax. The petition's originator is Toronto resident Jill Piebiak, who says that the tax applies to females and not males, and therefore represents unequal treatment of some citizens. She also argues that the items are necessities and should be exempt from the tax in the same way that other medical products are purchased tax free.