'Tampon tax' will end July 1

The federal government is nixing the GST on feminine hygiene products, including tampons, starting July 1.

The government tabled the change in a way and means motion on Thursday. The move comes much sooner thanexpected, as the Conservatives initially said it would be addressed in a future budget.

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In addition to tampons, the change will include sanitary napkins, sanitary belts and menstrual cups.

NDP MP Irene Mathyssen, whosponsored a private member's billon the issue, was glowing Thursday following the government's announcement.

"This is a victory for all women. It shows what a group of determined women and citizens can do," saidMathyssen.

"The women who made this an issue, their voices have finally been heard."

Mathyssen attributes the government's expedited timeline to the thousands of signatures on written and online petitions calling for an end to the tax.Many have long complained it unfairly targeted women by applying to an item of necessity.

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel wouldn't say why the move came todayrather than in a future budget, as the government first suggested. Instead, she stayed on message, saying several times it is another example of the partylowering taxes.

"I think this is just a very positive move for Canadian women and in alignment with our government's record in this regard," Rempel told reporters.

All partiessupported the NDP motion presentedearlier this month during one of the party's opposition days. However,the government wasnon-committal on when the change could occur.

Following the vote, the New Democrats began demanding the government amend its budget implementation bill so the "tampon tax" couldbe removed immediately. The party hasbeen tryingto pass a bill to eliminate the tax since 2004.

Removing the tax isestimated to cost the government around $36 million.

Many took to Twitter to tweet their excitementThursday,somecalling it the best Canada Day gift all of time.