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Of course! Breastfeeding in public is legal everywhere in Canada. There is no province, territory, or municipality where breastfeeding in public is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, cafés, retail stores, shopping malls, public transit, parks, workplaces, and government buildings.

At the federal level, the right to breastfeed in public is protected under section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees equality without discrimination based on sex. Breastfeeding is protected as an aspect of sex and pregnancy-related equality.

At the provincial level, with regard to Quebec, the right to breastfeed in public stems from the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, particularly article 10 which guarantees that every person has the right to recognition and to the exercise, in full equality, of their human rights and freedoms without discrimination based on sex. Because only women can breastfeed biologically, preventing or restricting breastfeeding in public would amount to discrimination based on sex and pregnancy under this article.

The legal reasoning is straightforward: restricting or discouraging breastfeeding treats women differently because of their sex and reproductive role. That differential treatment constitutes discrimination.

Is breastfeeding ever considered indecent?

No. Breastfeeding is not considered indecent exposure anywhere in Canada. Canadian law does not sexualize breastfeeding, and personal discomfort or moral objections from others do not justify interference.

If you are breastfeeding, good for you! Your hard work is recognized, and your right to breastfeed in public is protected under the law. You should feel proud about feeding your child, and comfortable to feed wherever you feel is best for you and your child.