Canada's Public Spaces Failing Menstruators, New Survey Reveals

VICTORIA, BC – May 27, 2026 – A staggering 54% of Canadian menstruators do not feel confident they will find what they need to manage their period with dignity in public spaces, according to a new national survey. The findings, released by Canadian period care company joni to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day, frame period equity not as a private inconvenience but as a critical failure of public infrastructure.

The “Cost of Silence” report argues that the persistent lack of access to basic menstrual necessities in public washrooms—from transit hubs and parks to libraries and community centres—creates significant barriers to daily life. The survey highlights a deep-seated issue that policy and practice have yet to fully address, impacting the comfort, confidence, and participation of a huge portion of the population.

“Periods are a normal part of life, but too many public spaces still treat them like an afterthought,” said Linda Biggs, CEO at joni, in a statement accompanying the report. “This research shows the gaps clearly. The good news is they’re fixable. Small changes like free products, proper disposal, and cleaner, more private washrooms can have a huge impact on dignity and participation.”

A Crisis of Dignity and Access

The report paints a stark picture of public life for those who menstruate. Transit systems and public parks were identified as the worst offenders for lacking both accessible products and adequate disposal facilities. This forces individuals into situations that are often stressful and undignified, such as having to leave a public space, improvise with unsuitable materials, or carry used products with them.

This lack of basic amenities reflects a broader oversight in public planning and facility management. Experts in urban design and public health note that truly inclusive spaces must account for the biological realities of all citizens. Best practices for period-friendly washrooms are straightforward: provide free and easily accessible menstrual products in all washrooms to accommodate every person who menstruates, including transgender and non-binary individuals; ensure clean, covered disposal bins are present in every stall; and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and privacy.

Joni's findings suggest that current standards are falling dramatically short, reinforcing the idea that menstruation is something to be hidden and managed in private, rather than a normal bodily function that public infrastructure should support.

The Hidden Financial and Educational Toll

Beyond the crisis of dignity, the “Cost of Silence” report uncovers the profound and interconnected financial and educational burdens of menstrual inequity. The survey reveals that a shocking 48% of respondents have been forced to choose between buying period products and other basic necessities like food, transportation, or utilities within the past year. For 29%, this was a choice they had to make three or more times, indicating a chronic state of period poverty.

This financial strain is compounded by rising costs. According to Statistics Canada, the price of health and personal care products has surged by over 21% since 2021, placing an even heavier burden on low-income households. Research shows that a person who menstruates can spend upwards of $6,000 on products in their lifetime, an expense that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, and those living in rural or remote areas where product costs can be nearly double.

Adding to this is a significant knowledge gap. The survey found that only 14% of menstruators received their primary menstrual health education from a healthcare provider. The vast majority relied on family (64%) or friends (29%), sources that can perpetuate misinformation and stigma. This lack of formal, medically accurate education contributes to a culture of silence where, according to other studies, one in five Canadians still believe periods are dirty and should not be discussed publicly.

A National Push for Period-Friendly Policies

The report lands amidst a growing wave of policy action across Canada aimed at tackling period poverty and inequity. As of December 2023, the federal government mandates that all federally regulated employers must provide free menstrual products in the workplace, a move that covers everything from banks and post offices to airports and federal agencies.

Building on this momentum, the government launched a $22.9 million Menstrual Equity Fund pilot project in partnership with Food Banks Canada to test a national model for distributing free products to low-income communities. The initiative has already distributed millions of products through a network of nearly 400 pilot sites.

Provincial governments are also taking significant steps. Manitoba is poised to become the first province to require provincially regulated workplaces to provide free menstrual products, with the new rules taking effect in August 2026. This follows the lead of British Columbia, which in 2019 became the first province to mandate free products in all public school washrooms. Ontario has a similar program, recently renewing a partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart to supply over 23 million free products to students, while jurisdictions like Yukon and New Brunswick are implementing their own initiatives in schools and public libraries.

The Rise of Social Enterprise in Period Care

Driving much of this advocacy are Canadian companies and non-profits that have embedded social change into their core missions. As a certified B-Corporation, joni exemplifies this trend, committing at least 2% of its revenues to menstrual equity initiatives and partnering with organizations to install free-product dispensers. The company's recognition as one of Canada's Top Growing Companies underscores the viability of a business model that prioritizes social impact.

This movement extends beyond a single company. A growing ecosystem of Canadian brands like Diva Cup, Aisle, and Knix are challenging the status quo with sustainable, reusable, and inclusive products. These companies are not just selling pads, cups, or leakproof underwear; they are actively working to de-stigmatize menstruation through education and advocacy, contributing to a broader cultural shift.

By publishing data-driven reports like the “Cost of Silence,” these social enterprises are providing policymakers and institutions with the evidence needed to justify systemic change. The report offers a clear roadmap, urging workplaces and schools to integrate period care into health and safety policies and calling on public facilities to make free products and proper disposal a standard feature. These actions are presented not as a charitable act, but as a fundamental requirement for creating an equitable society where everyone can participate fully and with dignity.