Free menstrual products mandatory at workplaces in Canada from 15 Dec
The Community News/Ottawa
Canada government on Wednesday made it mandatory for all employers to provide menstrual products as pads and tampons to women free of cost.
The directions will come into effect from 15 December as the government has deemed menstrual products necessary as toilet paper and soap.
The Canadian government in 2021 has promised to make changes to the Labour Code to ensure easy access to menstrual products at federally regulated workplaces.
Announcing the changes, Canada Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr said the employers will be required to provide sanitary pads and tampons free of cost.
“That means putting pads and tampons in washrooms (or another space controlled by the employer) so that any worker who needs them while on the job has access.
This initiative is inclusive of all workers who menstruate, and it will improve the well-being of nearly half a million workers who may require menstrual products during their workdays.
These workers would no longer have to turn to unsuitable solutions, such as extending the use of menstrual products or avoiding work altogether,” he added.
The regulations are now available in Canada Gazette and are put to effect after extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and Canadians.
“Treating pads and tampons as basic needs will help improve equity, reduce stigma, and create healthier, more inclusive workplaces.
“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,” O’Regan Jr added.
