What the rules provide
Canada removed the GST from feminine hygiene products on 1 July 2015 after a petition and a unanimous vote, and the provinces followed for their own sales taxes, so pads, tampons, cups and period underwear are tax-free almost everywhere. Since 15 December 2023, employers under federal jurisdiction — banks, transport, telecommunications, the federal public service — must provide free menstrual products in workplace toilets under the Canada Labour Code regulations. No federal or provincial law provides menstrual leave.
Free provision in schools is provincial: British Columbia required it in all public schools in 2019, Ontario followed in 2021 with products supplied to school boards for several years, and other provinces adopted programmes; in Quebec provision depends on the school service centre, college or university. Community organisations and food banks cover the rest.
Endometriosis is treated in the public system, with consultations and covered surgery free of charge but often long waits for specialised imaging and surgery; a few hospital-based specialised clinics exist in the large cities. Time off work is a matter for the physician and for group insurance or Employment Insurance sickness benefits.
Reusable products are tax-free like disposables; nothing is reimbursed by provincial plans, though some workplace health spending accounts accept them.
Key points
| Taxes | GST removed 1 July 2015; provincial taxes removed as well |
|---|---|
| Federally regulated workplaces | Free products compulsory since 15 December 2023 |
| Schools | British Columbia (2019), Ontario (2021) and other provinces; Quebec institution by institution |
| Menstrual leave | None; medical leave, group insurance, EI sickness benefits |
| Endometriosis | Public system, free, long waits; specialised clinics in large cities |
In practice
- In a federally regulated workplace, products must be in the toilets: report their absence to the employer or the Labour Program.
- Ask the school, college or university what it provides; community organisations fill the gaps.
- For disabling periods, see a family doctor or walk-in clinic and ask for a gynaecology referral.
What it costs
A cycle costs roughly 6 to 15 dollars in disposables, tax-free. Nothing is reimbursed; some health spending accounts cover reusables.
What has changed recently
The federal workplace obligation has applied since December 2023; provincial school programmes have multiplied since 2019.
Where to find help
- Labour Program of Canada: menstrual products in the workplace regulations.
- School boards and school service centres: products provided.
- The Endometriosis Network Canada.
- Community organisations and food banks.
Worth knowing
The free-provision obligation only covers federally regulated employers, about 6 % of workers; a provincially regulated business is under no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Are tampons taxed in Canada?
No: no GST since 2015, and provincial sales taxes were removed too.
Must my employer provide period products?
Only if federally regulated, since December 2023. Other employers do so voluntarily.
Is there menstrual leave in Canada?
No. Medical leave and group insurance or EI sickness benefits cover absence.
Official sources and links
- Government of Canada — menstrual products in the workplace — regulations for federally regulated employers
- The Endometriosis Network Canada — patient organisation
- Canada.ca — official government portal
- Justice Laws Website — federal statutes and regulations