Starting in early August 2026, all provincially regulated employers in Churchill, Manitoba, will be required to provide free menstrual products to their employees at work. This new rule makes the Manitoba government the first provincial government in Canada to mandate that pads and tampons be available to staff at no cost.
Businesses must keep these supplies in workplace washrooms or other easy-to-reach locations. According to Malaya Marcelino, the Minister of Labour and Immigration, the policy aims to ensure all workers have access to basic health necessities without facing extra costs or barriers.
The province set the start date for August 2026 to give employers enough time to buy supplies and install dispensers. For local business owners, the government estimates the yearly cost will be between $10 and $25 for each employee who uses the products. Initial setup for a dispenser is expected to cost between $20 and $300.
The Manitoba Federation of Labour supports the change, stating it is a positive step for health and safety. Once the rules begin, the Workplace Safety and Health Branch will be responsible for checking that businesses are following the new requirements during regular inspections.
