So long, tampon tax!

On Thursday, the Conservative government delivered a wonderful surprise to menstruating women across Canada: As of July 1, federal taxes will be removed from all feminine-hygiene products, including tampons, pads, sanitary belts (who is using these!?) and menstrual cups. Cue the hysteria! The new legislation follows an NDP-backed proposal to scrap the tax, which was tabled by the party earlier this year. Critics of the "tampon tax" have long argued that it unfairly targeted women — namely, that it added insult (spending money) to injury (periods) when we're already in a vulnerable state (PMS). The move will hit the Conservatives' financial reserves — to the tune of $33 million — but, sorry, have they ever experienced cramps? Those are really painful.