Why Workplace Period Care Matters
Picture this: you're in a washroom stall at work and realize there's no toilet paper. Now you're stuck, hoping someone walks in with a square to spare.
For people who menstruate, that scenario is all too familiar, except it's an unexpected period, not a missing roll. Even the most regular cycles can show up early.
According to a Free the Tampons Foundation survey, 86% of people who menstruate have started their period unexpectedly in public, and 34% have had to leave work or school as a result. That lost time adds up, for employees and for the businesses that rely on them.
The good news? Canada is changing that. The federal government estimates about 35% of employees in federally regulated workplaces need menstrual products on a regular basis, and it has made free access a legal requirement.
What Is Canada's Menstrual Products Regulation?
The Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code (Menstrual Products), registered as SOR/2023-78, amend the sanitation rules under Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code. They came into force on December 15, 2023.
The core requirement sits in section 9.17 of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, with matching changes to the aviation, maritime, on-board trains, and oil and gas occupational health and safety regulations.
The federal government describes these provisions as the first of their kind in the world, given how many types of workplaces they cover.
“We'd never ask people to bring their own toilet paper to work. So why do we do that with menstrual products?”
Who Does the Requirement Apply To?
The requirement applies to every federally regulated workplace in Canada, in both the private and public sectors. That includes:
- Airlines and airports
- Banks
- Most federal Crown corporations
- Postal and courier services
- Radio and television broadcasting
- Telecommunications
- Rail, road, and marine transportation crossing provincial or international borders
- Grain elevators and uranium mining
- First Nations band councils and Indigenous self-governments
- The federal public service
What Are the Federal Requirements?
Here is a breakdown of what federally regulated employers need to implement to stay compliant:
| Requirement | Compliance Standard | Operational Details |
|---|---|---|
| Product Availability | Free pads and tampons in every toilet room | Must be clean, hygienic, and accessible regardless of the washroom's marked gender. |
| Alternative Locations | Permitted only when washroom stocking isn't feasible | Must be employer-controlled, accessible at all times, and ensure employee privacy. |
| Waste Disposal | Covered disposal containers required | Must be placed in every single-toilet room and inside every stall of multi-toilet rooms. |
| Maintenance & Stock | Continuous supply | Routine restocking schedules must prevent stockouts during all working shifts. |
Choosing Products
- You must provide both pads and tampons.
- Any brand is allowed; eco-friendly options are strongly encouraged.
- Consulting employees and union representatives on product choice is recommended, though not required.
- Reusable products (such as cups, reusable pads, or period underwear) can be offered in addition to pads and tampons, but not instead of them.
Distribution for Remote and Mobile Workplaces
Workplaces such as remote field sites or cross-border rail, air, and marine transport can utilize flexible methods, such as an office supply cabinet in a staff rest room or portable menstrual product kits that employees can carry.
The government highlights that this policy is inclusive of everyone who menstruates—including cisgender women, non-binary people, transgender men, and intersex people—supporting the well-being of nearly half a million Canadian workers.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
The menstrual product provisions are strictly enforceable through the Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations.
The Business Case for Free Period Products at Work
Meeting code standards is merely the baseline. Investing in accessible period care delivers direct organizational returns:
How joni Makes Compliance Easy
joni is a Canadian period care brand providing organic, biodegradable pads and tampons since 2020. Our giveback program partners with non-profits nationwide to distribute essential period products where they are needed most.
Partnering with organizations like the Sheridan Students' Union (SSU) taught us that leaving retail boxes on counters creates waste and custodial headaches. We engineered a scalable turnkey solution for commercial facilities:
| joni Solution | Key Feature | Facility & Operational Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Subscriptions | Automated reordering schedules | Continuous supply prevents stockouts and eliminates administrative purchasing overhead. |
| Commercial Free-Vend Dispenser | Smart timed dispensing delay | Cuts product sweeping/hoarding by up to 40% while keeping products readily available. |
| Open Dispenser | Compact wall or counter mount | Ideal for small offices, individual stalls, and low-traffic areas. |
| Organic Pads & Tampons | Biodegradable within 12 months | Plastic-free and chlorine-free; directly supports building ESG goals and UN SDGs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Stock Your Workplace?
Whether you need to meet mandatory federal compliance or simply want to elevate tenant and employee wellness, joni has a turn-key solution scaled for your footprint.
Contact our team: sales@getjoni.com
