Free menstrual products in federally regulated workplaces by December

Starting December 15, 2023, federally regulated workplaces must provide free menstrual products, like pads and tampons, to staff.

What’s happening: The federal government of Canada announced the changes to the Canada Labour Code (CLC) on May 10 that extends to all federally regulated companies.

• This will apply to approximately 1.2 million employees across Canada, including those in banking, telecommunications, and interprovincial transportation sectors.
• Companies must put pads and tampons in washrooms or another appropriate space in the workplace so that workers have access to them while on the job.
• The move is aimed at promoting gender equity and reducing the stigma surrounding menstruation, and includes cisgender women, non-binary individuals, transgender men, and intersex individuals.
• The cost of providing these menstrual products is expected to range from $2.8 million to $15 million annually, paid for through the $25 million menstrual equity fund.

What they’re saying: Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan said that “tampons and pads are basic necessities. So we’re making sure they’re provided to workers at no cost, because it’ll make for healthier and safer workplaces.”

• “Adding menstrual products to the list of other basic sanitary items at no cost just makes sense. Our government is… [addressing] menstrual equity and encourages other businesses to consider how they can advance gender equality in all workplaces,” said Jenna Sudds, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

Learn more: Learn more about rights for federally regulated employees in Canada, including:

• Their right to full severance pay when they lose their job
• Unjust dismissals
• Paid sick days for federally regulated workers
• The federal minimum wage in Canada