Manitoba makes menstrual care products free for employees
Workplace hygiene equity demands that everyone – regardless of background, gender, or status – has access to basic hygiene essentials, including menstrual care products. But for the millions of Canadian workers who menstruate, period products are often not provided by their workplace.
Although federally regulated employers in industries like transportation and communication are required to provide free menstrual products to their employees, they only account for roughly 10% of Canadian workers. Alberta requires employers to provide covered disposal containers, and Ontario requires disposal containers and free products – but only at certain construction project sites and mines.
As a result, a large portion of the workforce is forced to shoulder the cost and responsibility of menstrual hygiene while at work, despite the fact that basic workplace hygiene should be the responsibility of the employer.
But starting this year, Manitoba is officially making menstrual hygiene an employer responsibility.
New Legislation at a Glance
What’s changing?
- Manitoba employers must provide free menstrual products (tampons and pads) in all employee washrooms
- A covered menstrual disposal container must be placed near each employee toilet
- Products must be readily available in women’s, men’s, and gender-inclusive washrooms
When does it come into effect?
- Regulations come into full effect September 1st, 2026
- A 6-month transition period allows time to source products, dispensers, and disposal containers
Who’s affected?
- Manitoba’s provincially regulated employers (ex. retail stores, local service providers, manufacturing plants), including prime contractors
What are the requirements?
At minimum, employers must make accessible to all employees:
- One type of tampon
- One type of menstrual pad
- One covered disposal container per employee toilet
Product dispensers are not mandatory under these regulations.
If placing products in employee washrooms isn’t practical (ex. space is very limited or employees use the same washroom as the public), menstrual care products can be placed in an alternative location, provided the location:
- Remains accessible to employees at all times
- Provides a reasonable level of privacy (ex. supply closet)
- Remains available during washroom closures
What will the cost be?
The Manitoba government estimates it will cost $10-25 annually per employee who menstruates. Upfront cost for equipment such disposal containers and dispensers are estimated to be between $20-$300, depending on selection.
What if I’m not compliant?
Compliance will be enforced under Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act and fines for non-compliance range from $1000 to $5000.
What if I’m not in Manitoba?
If you’re not an employer in Manitoba, you don’t technically have to do anything. But there are two important reasons why following Manitoba’s lead may be the proactive thing to do.
- Menstrual care products are a basic hygiene necessity. A recent poll also found that 82% of Canadians who menstruate say period products are too expensive. Providing free products helps address period poverty and is a sign of respect for your employees who menstruate.
- Provincial regulations like these tend to spread nationwide, especially when the regulation applies broadly to workplace health, safety, and hygiene. As an example, before WHIMIS became a national standard, it was a provincial initiative spearheaded by Saskatchewan. More recently, provinces have established workplace washroom hygiene and cleaning standards, including BC, Alberta, and Ontario.
Providing free menstrual care products is a natural progression for basic workplace hygiene. Looking for guidance on how you can be compliant? Want to build out your menstrual care product assortment? Reach out to your Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene rep for more information.