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“Your right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

Despite this, breastfeeding is still an endangered practice. The entrenchment of a bottle-feeding culture, public policy, institutional practices and negative attitudes towards breastfeeding have all minimized and undervalued the contribution breastfeeding women make to the health and well-being of our society. As a result, they still risk harassment – stares, leers and even expulsions – when feeding their baby in public places.

Know your rights!

In Canada, each province and territory has a Human Rights Code. These codes protect women from discrimination on the basis of sex. To date, only Ontario and British Columbia specifically detail the rights of breastfeeding mothers. These provisions include time, access and accommodation in the workplace and in public. Ontario also has a policy on Discrimination Because of Pregnancy. Other provinces should take note.

To find more information on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms visit INFACT.