Breastfeeding is protected in Canada through human rights laws that are grounded in equality and non-discrimination. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, individuals have the right to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination, including on the basis of sex and family status. Breastfeeding is widely recognized as a normal and protected part of pregnancy and parenting within this framework.
Provincial and territorial human rights legislation across the country consistently affirm that people should be able to breastfeed without being asked to stop, cover up, or move to another location. This applies in public spaces and in services such as restaurants, stores, and public transportation. In workplaces, employees have the right to reasonable accommodation to support breastfeeding or expressing milk.
Creating breastfeeding-friendly communities means recognizing breastfeeding as both a public health priority and a matter of human rights. When families are supported to breastfeed openly and without barriers, it promotes dignity, inclusion, and the health and well-being of parents and children across Canada.