Whereas the 2024 British Columbia Building Code contains updated accessibility features for universal washrooms and that they must contain full-sized adult changing tables; and no new updates were made to the provincial Building Code and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to include accessibility features for free menstrual supplies or sanitary disposal bins for those who menstruate; And whereas equity-based policies around access to menstrual products as a health and human rights imperative will support inclusion, accessibility, mobility, reduce stigma, and promote gender equality for all people; And whereas in December 2023, the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations were revised to include free menstrual products in all federally regulated workplace restrooms: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to update the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and the British Columbia Building Code to include provisions for sanitary disposal bins, and courtesy menstrual supplies as is currently required for toilet paper in restrooms outside the home, thus supporting accessibility and gender equity for people who menstruate.
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction The Province recognizes that access to menstrual supplies is critical to the inclusion of women and other people who menstruate in school, workplaces and the community. In 2022, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction provided a 750,000 grant to United Way BC to support the Provinces goal of ending period poverty in BC This funding included the continued delivery of free period products and the establishment of a Period Poverty Task Force PPTF. A final report, including recommendations for sustainable approaches to end period poverty in BC was shared with the ministry in March 2024. The Provinces commitment to addressing period poverty and supporting menstrual equity is captured in BCs updated 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy. Going forward, the Province will continue to explore options towards a comprehensive, long-term response to period poverty in BC, informed by the recommendations of the PPTFs final report. This includes looking at key areas such as legislation and policy, distribution of menstrual supplies, menstrual education and menstrual health care.