Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Government Supports Motion To Remove Federal Tax On Feminine Products

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 May, 2015 01:16 PM
    OTTAWA — The Harper government says it supports a House of Commons motion calling for the removal of the federal tax on tampons.
     
    It says the measure will be addressed in a future budget.
     
    There have been several attempts since 2004 to pass a private member's bill on the subject, including one currently in the queue sponsored by NDP MP Irene Mathyssen.
     
    But since January, over 72,000 people have signed an online petition calling for an end to the levy on menstrual products, saying it's a tax that unfairly targets women.
     
    The momentum prompted the New Democrats to try and get a motion passed before the House as well and they are using one of their few opposition days for the debate.
     
    The vote won't take place until next week.
     
    But Susan Truppe, the government's parliamentary secretary for the status of women, suggested Friday the motion will pass.
     
    "The government does support this motion and will consider this proposal in future budgets," she said during question period.
     
    New Democrat Niki Ashton urged action now, not in a budget yet to come.
     
    "That kind of support is not good enough," Ashton said during the Friday debate.
     
    Removing the tax isn't a complex matter, she added.
     
    "We're talking about a very easy, simple act, here."
     
    Several NDP MPs also rose in the Commons Thursday to present formal petitions requesting an end to the tax; removing it has been estimated to cost the government $36 million.
     
    Tabling a petition in the House means the government must issue a formal response within 45 calendar days.
     
    Supporters of the plan argue that it makes no sense for menstrual products to be subject to a tax, noting they are essential goods, not luxury items.
     
    There's no sales tax charged on cocktail cherries, wedding cakes, incontinence products or Viagra, they note, but all Canadian women must pay tax on a product they use every single month for close to 40 years.
     
    "This is an non-optional tax that's borne by only half the population," said Kathleen Fraser, one of the women behind the online petition.
     
    "It's a tax based on biological characteristics and though it may seem like small change, it's a tax that places an unfair burden on women, trans people and other menstruators."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Abbotsford Teen Hit By Car Dies In Hospital: Police

    Abbotsford Teen Hit By Car Dies In Hospital: Police
    ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Police say a teenager is dead after being hit by a car in Abbotsford, B.C. Officers say the 19-year-old was severely injured in the incident at about 9:40 p.m. Thursday.

    Abbotsford Teen Hit By Car Dies In Hospital: Police

    Moga's Shame: After Teen Molestation In Badal's Bus, Now Young Woman Alleges Gangrape

    Moga's Shame: After Teen Molestation In Badal's Bus, Now Young Woman Alleges Gangrape
    The victim, aged 23, claimed that she was gang-raped by her friend's husband and others on the intervening night of April 29 and 30 (Wednesday and Thursday) at a secluded house in Marhi Mustafa village near Moga,

    Moga's Shame: After Teen Molestation In Badal's Bus, Now Young Woman Alleges Gangrape

    Moga Bus Molestation: 13-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Thrown From Badal Family's Bus; 4 Arrested

    Moga Bus Molestation: 13-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Thrown From Badal Family's Bus; 4 Arrested
    Police said that four people, including the bus driver, conductor and helper, were arrested on Thursday, and a case of murder, attempt to murder and molestation slapped on them.

    Moga Bus Molestation: 13-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Thrown From Badal Family's Bus; 4 Arrested

    Allan Schoenborn, B.C. Dad, Who Killed 3 Kids Says He'll Try To Control Anger If Allowed Outings

    Allan Schoenborn, B.C. Dad, Who Killed 3 Kids Says He'll Try To Control Anger If Allowed Outings
    COQUITLAM, B.C. — A B.C. man who murdered his three children has promised he won't try to escape if he gets permission to go on escorted outings from a psychiatric hospital.

    Allan Schoenborn, B.C. Dad, Who Killed 3 Kids Says He'll Try To Control Anger If Allowed Outings

    West Vancouver Teen Investigated For Attempted Murder In Attack On Family Member: Police

    West Vancouver Teen Investigated For Attempted Murder In Attack On Family Member: Police
    VANCOUVER — Police say a 16-year-old West Vancouver resident is being investigated for attempted murder after a violent attack on a family member.

    West Vancouver Teen Investigated For Attempted Murder In Attack On Family Member: Police

    Topless Pro-Abortion Protester Disrupts News Conference In Quebec As Archbishop Reads Pope's Message

    Topless Pro-Abortion Protester Disrupts News Conference In Quebec As Archbishop Reads Pope's Message
    QUEBEC — A bare-chested female activist disrupted a news conference in Quebec City today and denounced what she called anti-abortion legislation.

    Topless Pro-Abortion Protester Disrupts News Conference In Quebec As Archbishop Reads Pope's Message