Demos
Petition e-7674 Open for signature

This petition calls on the federal government to launch a national review of Canada's family justice system, examining issues like court delays, family violence, child safety, and access to justice, then publish reform recommendations.

This petition calls on the federal government to launch a national review of Canada's family justice system, examining issues like court delays, family violence, child safety, and access to justice, then publish reform recommendations.

Governance

Sponsored by Lisa Hepfner (Hamilton Mountain) · Liberal

What it means for you

Families going through separation or custody disputes could see a faster, fairer, and more consistent court process that puts children's safety and well-being first.

197 signatures +5 past week

Recent daily signatures

Sign by December 3, 2026
The full petition text

Children experience time differently than adults, and months or years of uncertainty, conflict and court delay can represent a significant portion of a child's childhood;

Canada's family justice system should place children's safety, stability, well-being and meaningful participation at the centre of decisions affecting them;

Families can face prolonged proceedings, significant financial and emotional hardship, barriers to accessing justice, inconsistent processes and difficulties navigating multiple courts, agencies and professionals;

Concerns involving family violence, coercive control, child abuse, parental alienation, family estrangement and children's safety require timely, impartial and evidence-based assessment; and

Greater consistency and coordination are needed among the laws, policies, procedures, agencies and professionals affecting children and families.

We, the undersigned,citizens and residents of Canada, call upon theGovernment of Canadato: Establish a comprehensive national review of Canada's family justice system within federal jurisdiction and work collaboratively with provinces and territories on matters within their respective jurisdictions; Examine court delays, children's safety and participation, family violence and child protection, access to justice and affordability, self-represented litigants, enforcement of family court orders, accountability and professional standards, and consistency among courts, child protection agencies, police, schools, legal professionals, health professionals and other services affecting families; and Publish findings and recommendations identifying legislative, policy and procedural reforms needed to create a more timely, consistent, accessible, accountable and child-focused family justice system in Canada.

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