Workplaces required to provide free menstrual products starting in August

Manitoba is set to become the first province to require employers to provide free menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, to employees in washrooms or other accessible locations, the government announced Monday.

The province said the new requirements will come into effect in early August to give employers time to prepare and purchase supplies.

“These changes are about dignity and fairness at work,” Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said in a news release.

“No one should have to worry about access to basic menstrual products while they are doing their job. Periods are a normal part of life and workplaces should reflect that reality by making sure workers have what they need.”