What's Changing – The Facts
Compliance deadline: August 2026
On March 8, 2026, the Manitoba government announced amendments to the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. Here's what you need to know:
Who Is Considered "Provincially Regulated"?
This mandate applies to most workplaces in Manitoba, including:
✅ Retail stores and shopping centres
✅ Restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues
✅ Hotels and accommodations
✅ Manufacturing and warehouse facilities
✅ Healthcare clinics and hospitals (provincially regulated)
✅ Private schools and daycare centres
✅ Office buildings and corporate headquarters
✅ Gyms and recreation facilities
✅ Construction sites (for worker washrooms)
✅ Salons and personal service establishments
Not covered: Federally regulated workplaces (banks, telecommunications, interprovincial transport, Crown corporations) – these have been required to provide period products since December 2023 under federal law.
Not sure? If you're uncertain whether your organization is provincially or federally regulated, consult the Government of Canada's jurisdiction checklist or contact Manitoba Labour and Immigration.
What Happened During the Federal Rollout – Lessons Learned
When the federal government's Menstrual Products in the Workplace Regulations came into effect on December 1, 2023, hundreds of employers faced a perfect storm:
What Went Wrong:
🚨 Last-minute rush: The majority of orders came in the final 3 weeks before the deadline
🚨 Nationwide stockouts: Major suppliers sold out of commercial dispensers and bulk product packs
🚨 Shipping delays: Lead times stretched from 2 weeks to 6+ weeks for some suppliers
🚨 Janitorial gaps: Many janitorial distributors didn't automatically stock period products, leaving clients non-compliant
🚨 Vendor switching: Frustrated employers switched suppliers mid-rollout, creating operational chaos
“What we learned during the federal rollout is that everyone moves at the same time. If you wait too long, timelines tighten quickly. Starting early gave us a lot more flexibility.”
Why This Matters for Manitoba Employers
What to Expect This Summer
July and August 2026 will be a busy planning period as Manitoba employers prepare for the upcoming deadline. Getting ahead of timelines now can help avoid last-minute pressure.
Supply & Timing
Supply chains remain steady, with the same manufacturers and distributors in place since the federal rollout. The main challenge tends to be timing, especially during peak summer demand.
Working with Janitorial Partners
Not all janitorial providers automatically stock period products. In most cases, this is something that can be arranged as part of your compliance planning.
Compliance Considerations
Workplace Safety and Health officers will support the transition and may conduct follow-ups where needed, making early planning a practical step.
How We’re Supporting You
We’ve increased our Canadian inventory and are fully stocked to support Manitoba’s transition. Based on past experience, the smoothest rollouts are the ones planned in advance.
Next Steps
Securing your plan early helps ensure your team has what they need on day one, without added stress. We’re ready to support whenever you are.
Why work with joni
- We’ve been through this before. We supported hundreds of Canadian workplaces during the federal mandate rollout – we know exactly where the bottlenecks happen and how to avoid them.
- Increased supply, no scare tactics. We’ve increased our Canadian inventory and reserved capacity for Manitoba employers who order early. No backorders, no last-minute panic.
- Built for compliance, designed for dignity. Our modern dispensers and premium products signal to your team that their well-being is a priority, not a checkbox.
- One partner, end-to-end support. From vendor verification templates to installation guides to auto-ship restocking – we handle the details so you can focus on your business.
- Canadian-founded, Canadian-stocked. Our domestic supply chain means faster shipping, no customs delays, and a team that understands Canadian workplace regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special dispensers, or can I just leave products on a counter?
Do I need special dispensers, or can I just leave products on a counter?
The regulation doesn't mandate dispensers – you can provide products in a basket, drawer, or other accessible location. However, dispensers offer hygiene, security, and a professional appearance. Many employers choose modern, touch-free dispensers to elevate the employee experience.
What types of products count toward compliance?
What types of products count toward compliance?
The regulation specifies "menstrual products," which includes pads and tampons. Liners and period underwear are not required but can be offered as additional amenities. We recommend providing both pads and tampons to accommodate different preferences.
Do I need to provide products in every washroom, or just some?
Do I need to provide products in every washroom, or just some?
Products must be available in all washrooms designated for use by workers who menstruate. If your workplace has gender-neutral or single-occupancy washrooms, these should be stocked. In large facilities with many washrooms, a central accessible location may be acceptable – consult the official FAQ for specifics.
How much will this cost my organization?
How much will this cost my organization?
Tje Manitoba Government has quoted a budget of $10 to $25 per employee who menstruates, with initial dispenser and disposal container costs ranging from $20 to $300. But at joni, with our wholesale pricing, organizations can budget $10 a year per menstruating employee on average for quality, plant-based period care.
How far in advance should I order?
How far in advance should I order?
We recommend ordering byJune 30, 2026to ensure delivery before the July rush. Lead times are currently 2–3 weeks but could extend to 6+ weeks in July–August if historical patterns hold.
My janitorial company says they'll handle this. Should I trust them?
My janitorial company says they'll handle this. Should I trust them?
Get it in writing. Ask for:
- Confirmation they will stock pads and tampons by August 2026
- A restocking schedule (e.g., monthly checks)
- A point of contact for compliance questions
If they hesitate or can't guarantee supply, take matters into your own hands. This is your compliance obligation, not theirs.
Can I order products without dispensers?
Can I order products without dispensers?
Yes. We sell bulk product packs (pads, tampons, or variety boxes) that can be placed in existing storage or baskets. However, dispensers reduce waste, improve hygiene, and signal a permanent commitment to employees.
Why should I order from joni instead of a big-box supplier?
Why should I order from joni instead of a big-box supplier?
Three reasons:
- We specialize in this. Period care is our only business – we're not a side category.
- We've been through the federal mandate. We learned from the chaos and scaled our inventory accordingly.
- We're Canadian-founded and operated. Our supply chain is domestic, reducing shipping delays.
What makes joni's products different from drugstore brands?
What makes joni's products different from drugstore brands?
Three things your clients will notice:
- Plant-based materials—our tampons are 100% biodegradable and our pads are 92% biodegradable. We use bamboo and a high-grade, soil-friendly Super Absorbent Polymer (Sumitomo) to ensure our pads remain ultra-thin and high-performing.
- Certified organic ingredients—we use no synthetic materials, harsh chemicals, or fragrances.
- Quality—these products perform as well as or better than conventional synthetic alternatives. Your clients choose your space because they care about what goes in and on their bodies; joni honours that same philosophy.
Bringing joni into your organization
joni already shows up in hundreds of workplaces, schools, and public facilities across Canada and the USA. If you're ready to bring accessible, sustainable period care into yours, we'd love to help.