December 15, 2023 Toronto, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Starting today, 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
