Free access to menstrual products at work

Hello,

In an effort to break down barriers to equality, Parks Canada, along with all federally regulated workplaces, will provide free access to menstrual products for all employees starting December 15, 2023. Menstrual products such as pads and tampons are as necessary as toilet paper and soap. Providing continual access to these products contributes to making Parks Canada a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace.

What you need to know

• The products will be located in all employee washrooms or in another reasonably private place for all employees to access. You can expect site-specific communication concerning product location.
• For the worksites making products available in washrooms, they will be found in all washrooms -- regardless of gender designation -- to ensure inclusive access for all workers who menstruate.
• You may notice the installation of dispensers or alternative containers as well as covered garbage receptacles in washrooms over the coming weeks.
• If you notice that the menstrual products have run out, believe they have exceeded shelf life of three to five years, or that the products or dispensers have become damaged, please follow the same procedures as when you report that toilet paper or soap has run out to property or building management authorities.

For more information, please visit ParksNet. If you have questions about the requirement to provide menstrual products in federally regulated workplaces or on other health and safety-related matters, please speak with your manager or contact the Occupational Health and Safety program.

Thank you,

Réa McKay

Vice President, Human Resources and Employee Wellness

Reminder to managers: In keeping with Parks Canada's procedures for communications with employees, managers are responsible for ensuring all employees under their responsibility receive the information intended for them. It is important that you find a means to transmit this message and, if any, the attachment(s) to employees without access to Parks Canada e-mail or the intranet, e.g., by posting it, circulating a paper copy or by any other appropriate means.