New Canadian Labor Code to Provide Free Menstrual Products in Workplaces

As of December 15, 2023, companies that are subject to the Canada Labor Code will be required to provide menstrual products free of charge to their employees.

“We want to reduce the stigma against menstruation. We want to create work environments that are inclusive and healthier,” said the president of the Annie RH Network, Annie Boilard.

In Quebec, the movement where employers provide free menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, is gaining momentum.

“It’s a small handful of employees who will be affected by the legislation, but it’s important to talk about it because it’s a movement. In Quebec, we talk about it more and more. There are already companies without even being subject to legislation that offer menstrual products for free,” explains the president.

The companies that will have to follow this regulation will be those that are under federal law, including transport, telecommunications, companies that produce animal feed, the public service, postal services, etc.

“The idea behind it is when you go to work, nobody thinks to bring their toilet paper or their hand soap. It’s the same thing, so all the products we need when we go to the bathroom will be provided by the employer,” says the director.

The employer will be able to decide the approach he wishes to take to provide the menstrual products. “Either it will be available in the room or a place protected by the employee,” says Ms. Boilard.