Staff at federally regulated workplaces as of today, have access to free menstrual products in their washrooms, across the country.
In a news release issued in May, Ottawa said they are as necessary as ‘toilet paper and soap’ and will improve the well-being of nearly half a million workers.
The federal government said by treating menstrual products as basic needs, it will improve equity and reduce stigma.
The statement said, “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, including cisgender women, non-binary individuals, transgender men, and intersex individuals. These workers would no longer have to turn to unsuitable solutions, such as extending the use of menstrual products beyond the recommended time frame or avoiding work altogether.”
The list of places where these products are now available include airports, banks, postal and courier services, parliament and more.
