Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you to all of the witnesses.
I have a few concerns and some questions.
As of January 2023, 70% of people miss school or work due to their period. In May of this year, the minister announced $25 million over two years. In December 2022, the minister announced access to free menstrual products in all federally regulated workplaces. Last October, the Ontario government made a three-year deal with Shoppers Drug Mart to offer free feminine hygiene products in schools.
I have a couple of questions. These plans are in place, yet 70% of people are missing either school or work. We have all of these plans and all of these funds being delivered to help, yet the number's quite high. Do you have any stats on why that is? I'm a little confused, because we're investing $25 million and giving free products, and yet we still have 70%. The numbers don't jibe for me. Maybe you could help me understand that better.