Ontario has taken a significant step towards promoting gender equality in the workplace by requiring menstrual products to be available on construction sites.
The new regulation, announced by the provincial government on Tuesday, will require all construction employers to provide free menstrual products in washrooms and change rooms on job sites. This includes tampons, pads, and menstrual cups.
According to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, this requirement is part of the government’s efforts to support women in the construction industry and address the gender pay gap.
“Menstrual products are a basic necessity for women and should be readily available in all workplaces, including construction sites,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “By making these products accessible, we are promoting a more inclusive and equitable workplace for women in the construction industry.”
The new regulation will come into effect on July 1, 2021, and will apply to all construction sites in the province, regardless of size or type of project. Employers will be responsible for ensuring that the products are stocked and available at all times.
This move has been welcomed by women in the construction industry, who have long advocated for better access to menstrual products on job sites. Many have shared their experiences of having to leave work to purchase products or having to use makeshift solutions, which can be uncomfortable and unhygienic.
“This is a huge step towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive work environment for women in construction,” said Sarah Jones, a construction worker in Toronto. “Having access to menstrual products on site will not only save us time and money, but it also shows that our needs are being recognized and valued.”
The government’s decision has also been praised by advocacy groups, who see it as a positive step towards breaking down barriers for women in male-dominated industries.
“This is a significant move towards promoting gender equality in the workplace,” said Maya Johnson, spokesperson for the Ontario Women’s Network. “We hope to see more initiatives like this that support women in traditionally male-dominated industries and help close the gender pay gap.”
With this new regulation, Ontario joins other provinces, such as British Columbia and Alberta, in requiring menstrual products to be available on construction sites. It is a small but important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for women in the construction industry.
