The Provincial/Territorial Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) Implementation Committee (P/T Committee) is a standing committee of the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC). The committee includes representatives from all provinces and territories, in many cases at both the health organization and government level. Some key partners that have representation at this table are:
- Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
- Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS)
Selected members of the P/T Committee are also engaged on behalf of the BCC in the following initiatives:
- Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants (NHTI) – A joint statement developed with Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Dietitians of Canada, and the Canadian Pediatric Society to develop national guidance on infant feeding.
- World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative – A recently established Canadian chapter that is a part of a larger global effort led by the Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) to assess how countries implement WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF).
The P/T Committee’s role is to support the ongoing implementation and advancement of the Baby-Friendly Initiative across Canada by strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue across jurisdictions. It provides a national forum where members can discuss emerging issues, identify opportunities, and share promising practices related to BFI implementation.
Activities
The P/T Committee continues to facilitate national dialogue and collaboration related to the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Initiative. Meetings provide an opportunity for members to exchange information, discuss emerging priorities, and highlight challenges and successes within their respective jurisdictions.
Across Canada, provinces and territories are at different stages of BFI implementation, and the committee’s work helps to share strategies, support progress, and reduce duplication of effort.
Issues identified at the provincial, territorial, or national level are brought forward by committee members and shared with the BCC Board through the P/T Co-Chairs to support broader strategic discussions. Several key areas of work remain ongoing priorities for the committee and the Board:
- National Breastfeeding Week: Continues to be recognized across Canada as an important health promotion initiative. A dedicated working group supports this work by developing and sharing resources to assist provinces and territories in planning local awareness activities. Resources are hosted on the BCC website to allow for easy access and updates. Each year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) World Breastfeeding Week theme and resource package are adapted to reflect the Canadian context.
- BCC BFI Symposium: The BCC BFI Symposium is hosted, virtually or in-person, every two years. The planning and coordination of this event is supported by the P/T Committee co-chairs.
- WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes: Sustaining coordinated leadership and timely responses to inquiries, potential violations, and public consultations related to the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes remains an ongoing priority. Ongoing discussion continues around building pathways for sustainable leadership and oversight in this area.
Read our Terms of Reference here.