BCIB to offer free menstrual products on some public construction sites

VANCOUVER – BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) has announced it will provide free menstrual products to employees on its public construction projects.

BCIB is the first Crown corporation to sign the United Way’s Period Promise, which seeks to reduce period poverty, destigmatize menstruation and help more people get access to products.

“Today’s announcement is a practical expression of the work we’re doing through our Respectful Onsite Initiative, a program that gets employees talking about issues such as reconciliation, women in trades and gender equity. BCIB is working with the province and contractors to open doors for women and people across the gender spectrum. But it’s not enough to simply open the door. We need to create safe and welcoming jobsites so that everyone is able to do their best work,” said BCIB president and CEO Irene Kerr in a statement.

Build TogetHER, which represents women in the BC Building Trades, made the initial call for the BCIB to sign the Period Promise.

“We are absolutely thrilled. This commitment removes one of the barriers faced by people who menstruate. The products will be there when they need them, so they can focus on what they do best: building important public infrastructure,” Build TogetHER director Miranda Kurucz said.

BCIB employs the skilled labour force on infrastructure projects built under B.C.’s Community Benefits Agreement, including the Pattullo Bridge replacement, the widening of Highway 1, the Broadway Subway and the Cowichan District Hospital replacement.

Build TogetHER co-chair Chelsea French said BCIB signing the Period Promise sends a message to the industry.

“Menstruation is a biological function, not a women’s issue. Removing these barriers helps destigmatize menstruation while being inclusive to all people who menstruate, including nonbinary people and trans men,” French said.

The announcement comes on the eve of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, which is a global movement to eliminate persistent taboos and stigma around menstruation.