​To the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General of Alberta, and the Legislative Assembly of Alberta:

​I am not just asking for change; I am demanding it. The Alberta family court system is failing single mothers and their children. I am living proof of this devastating reality.

​My story is a harrowing indictment of a system that prioritizes "maximum contact" for a biological parent over the fundamental stability and safety of a child.

​The "Stranger" Danger

Currently, the Family Court is prioritizing the rights of an individual who is virtually a stranger to my child. The other party resides in another country, has no relationship with her, and has contributed nothing to her care.

​Despite this, I have stood before Justices who rather than prioritizing the stability of my child express their "hope" that this individual will soon have unsupervised access. They are willing to disrupt a child's safe environment to satisfy the entitlements of an absent parent.

​The System Ignores Red Flags

Despite affidavits detailing high-conflict behaviour and safety concerns, the culture in our courtrooms remains biased. Judges continue to minimize a mother's valid fears. When a Justice ignores documented concerns and relies on personal bias to push for reunification, they leave women and children defenseless.

​The "Civil Matter" Trap

Because Family Court orders often override common sense, other protections fail. When I report harassment or safety issues, I am often told "it's a civil matter" because a Parenting Order exists. This loophole allows high-conflict individuals to use the Family Court system as a tool to continue their harassment without consequence.

​My Reality

• ​I was denied an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) because of a technicality regarding cohabitation and location, leaving me without a crucial safety net.
• ​I have incurred over $60,000+ in legal fees while on maternity leave, fighting to keep my child safe from an individual who contributes nothing but conflict.
• ​My child’s well-being is being gambled on by a system that prioritizes a "biological connection" over actual, proven safety.

​WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE REFORM:

1. ​Safety Over Contact: Family Courts must mandate that the child's physical and emotional safety is the only priority. "Maximum contact" should never supersede safety or stability.
2. ​End the "Civil Matter" Loophole: Police must be empowered to intervene in cases of harassment and stalking, even when a Parenting Order is in place.
3. ​Broaden "Family Violence" Definitions: Alberta must close the gap in the Protection Against Family Violence Act to protect victims who have never cohabitated with the other party.
4. ​Link Child Support to "Fit Parenting": A parent who willfully withholds support while using the court system to harass the mother should not be considered a "fit parent" for decision-making or access.

​Your signature is a powerful act of solidarity. It tells the government that we will no longer accept a system that treats children as property to be divided, rather than human beings to be protected.

​Stand with me.

​Sincerely,

A Survivor