Canada Labour Code to ensure access to menstrual products at work

Recently, the Minister of Labor, Seamus O’Regan, announced changes to Canada’s Labor Code. As of December 15, 2023, federally regulated employers will be required to make menstrual products available to workers at no cost while they are in the workplace. That means putting pads and tampons in washrooms so that any worker who needs them while on the job has access.

The changes announced would apply to workplaces that employ about 1.3 million people, approximately 35% of which, the government estimates, require menstrual products on a regular basis.

The 2022 federal budget allocated $25 million to establish a national pilot for the menstrual equity fund, which aims to help make menstrual products available to people who may not be able to afford them.

“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,” said Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Labour.

According to the Government’s news release, treating pads and tampons as basic needs will help improve equity, reduce stigma, and create healthier, more inclusive workplaces.