Breastfeeding in public spaces
Did you know?
No one can prohibit a woman from breastfeeding in a public space.
This applies to transportation as well as public places (commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, parks, campgrounds and trailer parks).
This is true whether or not the establishment is a member of an initiative such as la Route du lait.
This fundamental right is protected by :
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The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (sections 4, 10, 15 and 39)
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The Commission des droits de la personne et de la jeunesse du Québec
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The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (sections 15 and 28)
Legal authorities, including the Supreme Court of Canada, have already ruled in favour of breastfeeding in public places.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are asked to leave or change your location to breastfeed, do not hesitate to assert your rights!
If the situation requires it, you can file a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne.
This is a long process, but it will help advance the cause.
And above all, continue to breastfeed anywhere, anytime!
Useful Links
For more information on the right to breastfeed and breastfeeding in public, consult the following resources: :
- Fédération Nourri-Source
L’ABC de l’allaitement en public [The ABCs of breastfeeding] (2012) - in French only
- Mouvement allaitement du Québec
Allaiter dans l'espace public [Breastfeeding in public] - in French only
Video on breastfeeding in public: Je l'ai fait... / I did it...
Credit : Carole Dobrich, IBCLC