Toronto – Menstruation is a fact of life, and our workplaces should reflect that. From now federally regulated employers are now required to provide pads and tampons to any employee who needs them while on the job at their workplace. Employers are required to provide these products at no cost to employees in an accessible and private workplace location, such as a washroom or office supply cabinet. This will benefit nearly half a million employees across Canada. The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour, made the announcement at Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, Ontario, alongside the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Member of Parliament for Toronto—St. Paul’s.
Treating pads and tampons as the basic necessities that they are in federally regulated private and public sector workplaces will create healthier and more inclusive workplaces, improve gender equity, and reduce stigma around periods. With these changes, Canada takes another major step as a leader in workplace gender equity, creating one of the most comprehensive workplace menstrual product policies in the world. Alongside measures such as providing 10 days of paid sick leave in federally regulated workplaces, our Government is continuing to break down barriers and lead by example to create more equitable workplaces across Canada. And through initiatives such as the Menstrual Equity Fund Pilot, we are making sure nobody is left behind as we build a better, more just Canada.
Federally regulated employers are encouraged to consult guidance material from Employment and Social Development Canada or contact the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for more information on these changes.
“We don’t expect you to bring your own toilet paper to work, so why should we expect you to bring pads and tampons? We’re providing menstrual products to employees in federally regulated workplaces because periods are a fact of life and there should be no stigma.” – Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors
“This is about basic health and hygiene. Every workplace should be providing free menstrual products. Today is a big day, but I hope this soon becomes the norm.” – Carolyn Bennett, Member of Parliament for Toronto—St. Paul’s
“At a time when Canadians are struggling to make ends meet, buying pads, tampons and other menstrual products shouldn’t be an additional source of financial strain. By making these products free and accessible in federally regulated workspaces, we are taking another step forward to end period poverty and advance menstrual equity. This is about putting money back in the pockets of people in need and building a more equitable country.” – Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth