Starting December 15, federally regulated employers will have to offer their employees free menstrual products.
The measure will affect approximately 500,000 Canadian employees.
“We can also think about the banking, transportation and telecommunications sector,” explains Cindy Royer, a participant in the “À vosaffaires” program.
Changes have been made to the Canadian Labor Code to require employers to provide tampons and sanitary pads along with other essential products.
“We have hand soap and we don’t have to wonder, it’s free in the work toilets,” Ms Royer adds. There will be menstrual products available for women as well.
“What’s fun about this too is that it inspires Quebec companies to take the lead, even if they don’t have to do it, and there’s a whole movement starting, because yes, it’s still taboo to talk about rules in the workplace,” when we should be talking about inclusion. well-being at work and, ultimately, productivity.”
Ms. Royer also conducted an extensive interview with Iris and Arlo founder, Lara Emond.
Her company distributes 100% organic, plastic-free sanitary pads and tampons to businesses.
“I met a visionary,” she says. It is the first company in Quebec specialized in the distribution of healthy menstrual products, therefore without toxic products and without plastic, in a company with about ten employees. Its mission is also to hold conferences in schools. They also make donations to women in need. “He is a rising star in entrepreneurship in Quebec.”