The Manitoba government will make the province the first in Canada requiring employers to provide free menstrual products to employees at no cost, ensuring workers have access to basic necessities while on the job, Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino announced.
“These changes are about dignity and fairness at work,” said Marcelino. “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.”
The amendments to the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation require employers to provide menstrual products such as pads and tampons at no cost to employees in workplace washrooms or another accessible location.
With the change, Manitoba becomes the first provincial jurisdiction to require employers to provide menstrual products. This positions Manitoba as a leader in promoting healthier and more inclusive workplaces, improving gender equity at work, and reducing stigma around periods.
“This is a really important step for gender equity in the workplace, and for health and safety on the job,” said Anna Rothney, executive director, Manitoba Federation of Labour. “Treating menstrual products like the necessities they are will lead to healthier and more inclusive workplaces and reduced stigma around periods. It will help make life more affordable for many workers who are struggling to pay their bills."
These amendments respond to the consensus recommendations from the five-year review of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, completed by the Workplace Safety and Health Review Committee in January 2025.
Providing menstrual products in workplaces comes at a modest cost, the minster noted. Federal estimates suggest the annual cost ranges from $10 to $25 per employee who menstruate, with initial dispenser and disposal container costs ranging from $20 to $300.
The Workplace Safety and Health Branch will enforce compliance through existing workplace inspections. The new requirements will come into effect early August 2026, giving employers time to prepare and purchase any necessary supplies.