Liberals look to fall for movement on having free tampons, pads in federal workplaces
![Menstruation products Britain has abolished the so-called “tampon tax," eliminating sales taxes on women's sanitary products. (Karolina Grabowska/Pexels)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/1/1/menstruation-products-1-5250537-1627463052276.jpg)
Canada's labour minister was told earlier this year that efforts to provide free tampons and pads in federally regulated workplaces could cost employers more than $1 million annually to become a reality.
The March briefing note to Filomena Tassi estimated the annual employer costs would likely be $1.17 million to provide free tampons and pads, based on an annual, per-employee cost of almost $60 and assuming a 50-per-cent take-up rate.
A 100-per-cent take-up rate would put the cost closer to $2.3 million annually.
Officials noted the numbers may understate the need and demand because it only accounted for women and not all employees who menstruate.
Tassi says in a statement that officials spoke in early June with experts about outstanding questions and issues with the idea, and plan to speak with labour and employer groups over the summer and fall.
She says the government is "firmly committed" to moving forward on the issue after the coming consultations.
"Menstrual products are a basic need for many Canadians, however they are often not treated as such," Tassi said in a statement. "Simply put, menstruation is a fact of life, and part of supporting the health and safety of employees."
The government first outlined the proposed change to the labour code two years ago in May 2019, but it wasn't until last October that labour officials decided to look at the issue anew when the government was presented with a petition.
Officials wrote to Tassi that they estimate about 40 per cent of the federal workforce uses menstrual products, "which highlights the far-reaching implications of this initiative."
Getting a better handle on the situation in workplaces, and the ability of employers to manage the additional requirements, was problematic.
The briefing note says stakeholders were stretched to take part in talks on new initiatives because of the pandemic and myriad consultations on other regulatory issues.
Federal labour officials have heard repeated concerns from workers about the lack of menstrual products in workplaces, and worries that it could lead to hygiene and health issues particularly if, as the briefing note says, workers turn to "unsuitable improvised solutions" or "extend the use of products beyond their recommended time frame."
Some workers may avoid coming to work completely because of the "shame and stigma that often surrounds menstruation," officials noted.
The note also said workers in federally regulated sectors like airports could also face higher costs if a period starts unexpectedly as convenience stores or airport pharmacies have "significant cost markups on the price of the produce."
Issues were also flagged with workers who may be in rural or remote locations, which Tassi's office noted as an issue that needed further clarity for employees with multiple or remote workplaces like truckers.
The proposed change to the Canada Labour Code's sanitation provisions are also likely to come with an administrative amendment to recognize gender-neutral washrooms.
The labour code sets outs the number of toilets that employers have to provide based on sex, but doesn't count all-gender or gender-neutral toilets if those are the only toilets provided.
"Fear of harassment and stigma can prevent gender diverse employees from using the washroom when needed, causing physical discomfort, which can be disruptive to daily activities at work," officials wrote to Tassi.
"As a result, employers are increasingly providing all-gender washrooms for their employees."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2021.
IN DEPTH
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6849594.1713298323!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B
In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports.
'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral
Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday.
'Democracy requires constant vigilance' Trudeau testifies at inquiry into foreign election interference in Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified Wednesday before the national public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada's electoral processes, following a day of testimony from top cabinet ministers about allegations of meddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Recap all the prime minister had to say.
As Poilievre sides with Smith on trans restrictions, former Conservative candidate says he's 'playing with fire'
Siding with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on her proposed restrictions on transgender youth, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre confirmed Wednesday that he is against trans and non-binary minors using puberty blockers.
Supports for passengers, farmers, artists: 7 bills from MPs and Senators to watch in 2024
When parliamentarians return to Ottawa in a few weeks to kick off the 2024 sitting, there are a few bills from MPs and senators that will be worth keeping an eye on, from a 'gutted' proposal to offer a carbon tax break to farmers, to an initiative aimed at improving Canada's DNA data bank.
Opinion
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6850735.1713368648!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
opinion Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care
Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus.
opinion Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create
While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place.
opinion Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds
It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point.
opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike
When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6859737.1713960487!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
Local Spotlight
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6860590.1713993660!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fergus, Ont. man feels nickel-and-dimed for $0.05 property tax bill
A property tax bill is perplexing a small townhouse community in Fergus, Ont.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
'I'm committed': Oilers fan won't cut hair until Stanley Cup comes to Edmonton
A local Oilers fan is hoping to see his team cut through the postseason, so he can cut his hair.
'It's not my father's body!' Wrong man sent home after death on family vacation in Cuba
A family from Laval, Que. is looking for answers... and their father's body. He died on vacation in Cuba and authorities sent someone else's body back to Canada.
'Once is too many times': Education assistants facing rising violence in classrooms
A former educational assistant is calling attention to the rising violence in Alberta's classrooms.
What is capital gains tax? How is it going to affect the economy and the younger generations?
The federal government says its plan to increase taxes on capital gains is aimed at wealthy Canadians to achieve “tax fairness.”
UBC football star turning heads in lead up to NFL draft
At 6'8" and 350 pounds, there is nothing typical about UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who was born in Tonga and went to high school in Pitt Meadows.