Providing free menstrual products
IT WASN'T THAT LONG AGO THE TAXED THEM UNDER THE GST
© Provided by The Canadian Press
Canada's labour minister was told earlier this year that it would cost employers more than one million dollars annually to provide free tampons and pads in federally regulated workplaces.
The March briefing note to Filomena Tassi estimated the annual employer costs would likely be 1.17 million dollars to provide free menstrual products, but suggested it could be over 2.3 million dollars with a 100-per-cent take-up rate.
Officials noted the numbers may understate the need and demand because it only accounted for women and not all employees who menstruate.
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.
Tassi says in a statement that officials spoke in early June with experts about outstanding questions and issues, 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. "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 they estimate about 40 per cent of the federal workforce uses menstrual products, "which highlights the far-reaching implications of this initiative."
Federal labour officials have heard repeated concerns from workers about the lack of menstrual products in workplaces, and worries 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."
Canada's labour minister was told earlier this year that it would cost employers more than one million dollars annually to provide free tampons and pads in federally regulated workplaces.
The March briefing note to Filomena Tassi estimated the annual employer costs would likely be 1.17 million dollars to provide free menstrual products, but suggested it could be over 2.3 million dollars with a 100-per-cent take-up rate.
Officials noted the numbers may understate the need and demand because it only accounted for women and not all employees who menstruate.
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.
Tassi says in a statement that officials spoke in early June with experts about outstanding questions and issues, 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. "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 they estimate about 40 per cent of the federal workforce uses menstrual products, "which highlights the far-reaching implications of this initiative."
Federal labour officials have heard repeated concerns from workers about the lack of menstrual products in workplaces, and worries 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."
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