 |
Labour and Immigration
FAQs: Providing Menstrual Products in Manitoba Workplaces
Why should employers provide menstrual products?
Menstrual products are a basic necessity. Providing them supports workers’ dignity, enhances physical and psychological safety, and helps remove barriers for workers who menstruate.
What products must be provided by an employer?
Both menstrual pads and tampons must be made available at no cost to all workers in the workplace.
In addition, an employer must provide a covered container for the disposal of menstrual products near each toilet in a washroom.
Where must menstrual products be provided?
Menstrual products must be placed in every washroom at the workplace, regardless of whether they are designated for men, women, or universal.
Where it is not reasonably practicable to provide the products in the washroom, the products may be placed in a location that provides reasonable privacy and is accessible to workers at all times. Workers should not have to ask for products.
How many products should be made available at one time?
A supply of menstrual products must always be available at the workplace and refilled as frequently as necessary to ensure product is available when needed.
Do employers need to provide different sizes and types of tampons and pads, or is one standard size and type okay?
At least one choice of tampon and one choice of pad must be provided. Employers can choose to offer multiple types or sizes of products, but that is not required.
“Are menstrual products required even when no employees currently menstruate?”
Yes, the requirement to provide menstrual products applies...
Are special dispensers needed?
No. The employer will determine storage and dispensing method appropriate for the workplace.
When does this regulation take effect?
On March 9, 2026, amendments to the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation were published. The regulation comes into effect on September 1, 2026. The six-month transition period is intended to allow employers to purchase supplies, and where needed, dispensers and disposal containers.
Why is this change being made?
A Review Committee of employer, labour, and technical representatives met from January 2023 to November 2024 to review Manitoba’s workplace safety and health legislation. Their report was submitted to the Minister in January 2025, which included a unanimous recommendation to make menstrual products available in workplaces. More information about the recommendations can be found