Call for Submissions: BCC 2026 Virtual Symposium
Theme: Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works
Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice; it is a cornerstone of our population’s health and a vital pillar of a sustainable future for Canada. When we support breastfeeding and advance the baby-friendly initiative (BFI), we are investing in the long-term well-being of our communities and addressing the very foundations of health equity. We know that across this country—from rural community groups to clinical research, there is a wealth of knowledge and passion being poured into "what works." This symposium is an invitation to bring that spirit of sharing to a national stage. We believe it is essential to elevate proven systems, share lessons from the BFI journey, and honor the collaborative partnerships that make a difference every day. Whether your work is high-level policy, BFI advancement, or heart-led community support, your voice is a necessary piece of this puzzle. Across every province and territory—through our prairies, our forests, and along our three vast coastlines—we are all woven into the same mission. Your work is vital to the health of this land, and we look forward to sharing your stories from coast to coast to coast.
Who should apply?
We welcome submissions from across the entire spectrum of care—including academic researchers, clinical experts, hospital teams, public health units, peer support programs, and grassroots community advocates. Whether your work is data-driven or heart-led, your story matters.
Submission Deadline: July 3rd, 2026
About You
Name
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First Name
Last Name
Your Role, Title, or Credentials (e.g., IBCLC, Peer Support Lead, RN, Researcher, Elder)
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Organization, Community Group, or Affiliation (if applicable)
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Email
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example@example.com
Tell us about yourself! (Maximum 150 words. A brief biography sharing your background and passion for this work. This will be used to introduce you if selected)
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Your Presentation Idea
Proposed Presentation Title (Maximum 15 words. Keep it catchy and clear!)
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Please select which Objective and Pillar that best meets your work:
CORE OBJECTIVES (Select one)
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Highlight Effective Practices: Present evidence‑based programs, clinical approaches, or BFI implementation strategies that improve breastfeeding outcomes.
Strengthen Collaboration: Share initiatives that build partnerships across healthcare, public health, community organizations, workplaces, and families to support the advancement of BFI.
Advance Equity: Showcase work that makes Baby-Friendly care belong to everyone. Highlight how you’re breaking down barriers and showing up for diverse families who face the greatest challenges in our systems.
The 4 "Strengthening What Works" Pillars (Select one)
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Community & Peer Support: Local initiatives and BFI Step 10 success stories empowering families where they live.
Innovative Outreach: Creative ways of connecting with diverse populations to share the principles of BFI.
Clinical Practice & Research: Evidence-based interventions, the study of human milk and breastfeeding, and the evolution of BFI-informed practice.
Systemic & Policy Change: Structural improvements and the cultivation of Baby-Friendly cultures across healthcare, workplaces, and government.
Upload Submission Here
Submission Format (Select one)
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Abstract: Maximum 300 words. If you are uploading a 300 word abstract, you do not need to create a new “Summary of Work” for Continuing Education Credits.
Infographic: Single-page visual summary (PDF or high-resolution image, 1–5 MB).
Short Video: 1–3 minutes in length (MP4 format).
File Upload
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Preferred Presentation Format
Select one
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Oral Presentation (20-minute presentation followed by 5 minutes of community Q&A)
Community Spotlight (10-minute short story or project highlight)
Your Resume or CV (Please upload a brief resume, CV, or professional summary. This is a mandatory requirement for our continuing education auditing)
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The Details (For Continuing Education Credits)
Our symposium offers educational hours (CERPs) for Lactation Consultants. To help us qualify, please fill out these three details about your presentation:
Summary of Your Work (Maximum 300 words. Please describe your project, research, or initiative. Outline the challenge, your actions, and the measurable results or lessons learned). If you have submitted a written abstract in the file upload section above, write N/A for this portion.
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Key Takeaways for Attendees (Please list 2 to 3 simple things the audience will learn from your session. Example: Attendees will learn two strategies for BFI implementation in rural settings.)
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Rough Timeline Breakdown (Our auditors require a basic schedule to prove how time is spent. Example: 0–5 mins: Welcome & Context; 5–20 mins: Sharing our data/story; 20–25 mins: Audience questions.)
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Standard Disclosures
I affirm that my presentation and professional work support the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. I certify that I am not an employee of, nor do I receive funding or sponsorship from, companies that manufacture infant formula, bottles, or teats.
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Yes
No
Conflict of Interest / Commercial Influence
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I have no financial, commercial, or personal relationships to disclose regarding this content.
I have a financial or commercial relationship to disclose (Please detail the nature of the relationship in the box below).
Disclosure Details (If you indicated a conflict above, please explain here).
Permission to Record
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Yes, I consent to this virtual session being recorded for symposium attendees.
No, I do not consent to this session being recorded.
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