The Manitoba government has reached an agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart to supply free menstrual products to schools and other agencies to improve accessibility and reduce financial strain.

“Thanks to this innovative partnership, we are progressing towards destigmatizing the nature of getting your period by supporting young women and girls when they need it most,” said Families Minister Rochelle Squires. “This significant shift will ensure thousands of students and others most in need will have reliable and consistent access to menstrual products wherever they live in our province.”

Shoppers will be providing more than 3.3 million menstrual products each year for the next three years that will be distributed to those most in need in schools, domestic violence shelters, resource centres and second stage and specialized programs.

“Students in Manitoba deserve to feel comfortable going to school knowing they have access to free menstrual products when they need it, without barriers or stigma,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko.

The products will be distributed to schools and other locations each month and they will then determine where the supplies are needed most.