Legislation needs to become child friendly

It seems in Canada, every time there is some progress towards equal parenting - so children in Canada can have a chance - another justice minister comes along and shoots down or tables a report or decides another study is needed. Our latest justice minister has proven to fathers, grandparents, second wives and pro-family groups across Canada that hes in no hurry to help children. We are distressed to hear of Justice Minister Martin Cauchons equivocation on this promise, despite overwhelming evidence of serious problems in the family courts in Canada. Since we are pretty much Americanized, I wonder if he read the American Psychological Association Report On Joint Custody versus Sole Custody arrangements? In 1998, a joint senate committee worked for a year on taking report upon report from everyone from social workers to psychologists and came up with 48 recommendations to change current legislation to make it more child friendly. The constant conflict children face during the separation of a family unit is bad enough, but to see one person out of the relationship who will try to destroy the relationship a child has with the other parent is beyond comprehension. The thing that people dont realize is the longer a child and a parent dont have contact, the bond deteriorates to the point of no return. Two Canada-wide consultations of the federal Ministry of Justice (1999 and 2000) and public opinion polls (National Post, 1998 and 2002) also show the overwhelming majority of Canadians want changes to the Divorce Act. On becoming justice minister, Mr. Cauchon hinted he might not reform custody and access laws. The report he released April 29 confirms his intent to ignore the recommendations of the joint committee. It proposes no changes to custody and access, claiming the guidelines are considered to be fair by most support-paying Canadians. Thats an amazing statement, to say the least. It becomes frustrating that this minister keeps trying to stall changes. Is he worried that people wont vote for him again if changes in the legislation are made? This Sunday in Ottawa, concerned citizens will stage a protest on Capital Hill. It will be done again and again until our elected government finally does something to change current legislation to help children.

EDWARD HOYT