Proclamation: National Breastfeeding Week - October 1 to October 7, 2024
WHEREAS; Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond provides unique nutritional and non-nutritional long-term benefits for an infant’s growth and development; and
WHEREAS; The World Health Organization’s Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding calls on governments worldwide to create environments that enable mothers, families and other caregivers to make informed choices about feeding practices for infants and young children; and
WHEREAS; Breastfeeding is a human right and the Ontario Human Rights Code protects a woman’s right to breastfeed in a public area without discrimination; and
WHEREAS; October 1st to October 7th is recognized as National Breastfeeding Week – an initiative to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, to strengthen individual, family, and community support for breastfeeding, and to further strategies that promote breastfeeding practices; and
WHEREAS; The global theme for 2024 is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All. Breastfeeding is of benefit to everyone, and efforts must be made to ensure access to breastfeeding support and opportunities for all. It is essential that no-one is left behind especially vulnerable parents who may need additional support. All levels of government, along with communities and families will be engaged to close the gap in breastfeeding inequalities and support breastfeeding for all, especially the vulnerable groups.
THEREFORE, I, Ted Walker Mayor of the Tay Township do hereby proclaim
the week of October 1 to 7, 2024 as “National Breastfeeding Week” in the city/township of Tay.
Ted Walker, Mayor