Canadian Department of National Defence says it won’t stand for members of the Canadian Armed Forces removing or vandalizing the feminine hygiene fixtures now required in men’s washrooms.
True North has received reports and photos of damaged or removed tampon dispensers and disposal units, which were mandated in all federally regulated male and female washrooms late last year.
One photo shared with True North was said to be taken in a men’s washroom at CFB Trenton, a large air base in central Ontario.
A spokesperson for the Department of National Defence said there have been no reports of vandalism at CFB Trenton, but this is not true of other military buildings.
Sent to us from CFB Trenton. This is a picture of a men’s washroom, think maybe the Troops are tired of being humiliated by the woke nonsense? pic.twitter.com/WgL9nNaX2u
— Veterans 4 Freedom (@Vets4FreeCanada) January 10, 2024
“Unfortunately, vandalism has already been observed on some dispensing/disposal units installed in (Department of National Defence) occupied buildings,” the spokesperson told True North in an email.
The federal mandate went into effect Dec. 15, with unsanctioned removals reported almost immediately after.
The Defence department said removing tampon dispensers and disposal units from men’s washrooms undermines the department’s efforts to create an “inclusive” environment for “cisgender women, gender diverse individuals, transgender men, and intersex individuals.”
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and goes against Defence Team efforts to create a truly inclusive and psychologically safe work culture,” a spokesperson said. “All members of the (Defence Team) must feel recognized, respected, and valued which will allow them to thrive in their environment.”
The mandate applies to all federally regulated workplaces, including military bases, federal offices, and Parliament Hill.
“Treating pads and tampons as basic needs will help improve equity, reduce stigma, and create healthier, more inclusive workplaces.”
. . . . (read more on True North)
Free menstrual products must now be available for employees in federally regulated workplaces (CBC, 15 DEC 23)
. . . One of the recommendations that’s now a requirement is for menstrual product dispensers and disposal containers to be installed in all washrooms.
“Not only women or those who identify as women menstruate,” said Ettinger. “Trans men, gender non-conforming and two-spirit folks menstruate as well, and everyone who menstruates deserves to menstruate with dignity.”
While some critics have taken to social media to decry the push for menstrual products in men’s washrooms, Meghan White points out that limiting the products to women’s washrooms would force all menstruating people to go into a women’s washroom. . . .
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