Free access to menstrual products at work starting next week for 500,000 Canadian employees

As of December 15, federally regulated employers will have to offer their employees free menstrual products.

The measure will affect a total of around 500,000 Canadian employees.

"We can think of the banking, transportation and telecommunications sectors too," explains "À vos affaires" contributor Cindy Royer.

Changes have been made to the Canada Labour Code to require employers to offer tampons and pads on the same basis as other essential products.

"We have hand soap and we don't question it, it's free in the washrooms at work," adds Ms. Royer. There will be menstrual products available for women too."

"What's fun about this is also that it inspires Quebec companies to take the lead, even if they're not forced to do so, and there's a whole movement that's starting, because yes, it's still taboo to talk about menstruation in the workplace, when we should be talking about inclusion, well-being at work, and basically, productivity," she continues.

Ms. Royer also conducted a lengthy interview with Iris + Arlo founder Lara Emond.

Her company distributes plastic-free, 100% organic pads and tampons to businesses.

I met a visionary," she says. It's the first company in Quebec dedicated to distributing healthy menstrual products, meaning no toxic products and no plastic, to businesses with around ten employees. Her mission is also to give talks in schools. She also makes donations to women in need. She's a rising entrepreneurial star in Quebec."

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