The Canadian Armed Forces spent just under $125,000 on Viagra last year, but is only considering purchasing menstrual products after the federal Liberal government’s proposal.
Last week, the government initiated a regulatory process to make free menstrual products available in federally-regulated workplaces.
“As this is a proposed policy yet to be implemented, it’s too early for us to discuss the new law / regulation,” Jennifer Eckersley, Canadian Forces Health Services spokeswoman, said when asked how much the military spent on menstrual products in 2018.
In late April, a container with the label “Free Viagra” was placed on a shelf outside the sick bay of HMCS Ville de Quebec.
“The commanding officer confirmed the container was not Viagra, just labelled as such,” Eckersley said.
“The label was an attempt at humour and not meant to offend.”
The container has since been removed, but free Viagra still remains an option to Canadian Armed Forces members.
The Department of National Defence began providing the prescription drug in 2000. Members can have up to six tablets per month and must have a valid prescription by a primary care provider.
“CAF members, similar to the civilian population, may develop erectile dysfunction and medications such as Viagra are proven to be effective treatment,” Eckersley said, noting the medical condition affects up to 20 per cent of men.
Martha Paynter, a Halifax-area nurse and advocate for women’s health, said she’s not shocked Viagra is free for Canadian Armed Forces members, while menstrual products are not.
“Nothing shocks me about male privilege,” Paynter said.
“The way forward is to expand access to needed medications and health products for all.”
Paynter said the increasing attention on the need of menstrual products availability is long overdue.
“I think the answer here, though, is to not demonize one group’s use of medication,” Paynter said.
“The answer here is to be compassionate, expansive and public-health oriented in funding more health products for these large sectors of our society.”
The regulatory process of changing the Canada Labour Code to reflect the government’s proposal will take between 18 to 24 months. With an expected federal election this October, a different government could stop the process.
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