November 24, 2023 Niki Bowyer

Advancing Menstrual Equity in Canadian Workplaces: Key Changes Coming to the Canada Labour Code

In a significant move towards promoting menstrual equity and gender equality, the Government of Canada is set to implement changes to the Canada Labour Code, ensuring free access to menstrual products for workers in federally regulated workplaces. This ground breaking initiative recognizes menstrual products as essential as toilet paper and soap, addressing a long-standing issue of access in workplaces across the country.

The Need for Change

Highlight the historical lack of access to menstrual products in most workplaces, emphasizing the importance of treating these products as basic necessities and the challenges faced by workers who menstruate and the implications of inadequate access, such as compromising hygiene or missing work. Our Government commitment and timeline explored the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2021 to amend the Canada Labour Code to rectify the issue. The Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan Jr.’s recent announcement, stating that federally regulated employers will be required to make menstrual products available at no cost starting December 15, 2023.

Inclusivity and Impact

The inclusive nature of this initiative, benefiting nearly half a million workers, including cisgender women, non-binary individuals, transgender men, and intersex individuals. Highlight the potential positive impact on the well-being and work experience of these individuals, preventing them from resorting to unsuitable solutions.

Development of Regulations

Detailing the meticulous process of developing the final Regulations, including extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and Canadians. Emphasizing on the flexibility provided to employers in implementing these changes based on the diverse nature of federally regulated workplaces.

Equity, Stigma Reduction, and Inclusive Workplaces examine how treating pads and tampons as basic needs contributes to improving equity, reducing stigma, and fostering healthier, more inclusive workplaces. Connect this initiative with broader governmental efforts to break down barriers to equality, such as the Menstrual Equity Fund.

Conclusion by underlining the importance of this progressive step towards menstrual equity, emphasizing how it aligns with global and regional initiatives. Highlight the positive impact this change is expected to have on the well-being and equality of workers in federally regulated workplaces across Canada.

Check out our line of products available for order today from hygiene products to disposal units and product dispensing units to be a step ahead and fully prepare your establishment for the go live date of December 15th 2023