Slain girl 'failed' by the CAS system
(August 6, 2008) The death of seven-year-old Katelynn Sampson in Toronto reveals yet another child death in a matter which supposedly involved the Toronto Catholic Children's Aid Society?  Are these CAS agencies ever going to get it right?

Article in Adobe PDF format

Former CAS Board of Director states publicly: Accountability is required by Children's Aid Societies!
(July 21, 2008) Former Board of Director member for one of Ontario's CAS agencies, Larry Killens, has boldly stepped forward in the name of justice and in a public letter written to MPP Mike Brown has stated that CAS agencies in Ontario must be required to be more accountable.  Mr. Killens is one of a growing number of Ontario citizens who are now taking action to correct what they see are major problems with the taxpayer funded child protection system in Ontario.

Article in Adobe PDF format

Native father questions CAS commitment to his child.  CAS inaction tantamount to co-conspiracy to child abuse
(July 9, 2008) A native father from the Whitefish River First Nation community questions why the CAS has allowed his children to remain in the home of their mother who has put the children in harm's way.  The mother of the children allowed a person who was charged with murder and banned for life for having weapons to move in with her and the children. Yet, in spite of this, in December of 2007, an incident occurred in which a gun was discharged in the mother's home.  There was a history of weapons and violence in the mother's home, yet CAS would not provide any answers to the children's father. As many in Ontario already know, CAS workers generally are biased against fathers with children often being forced to live in abusive environments.  In some cases children are killed while living with their mothers in spite of CAS monitoring the situation.

Article in Adobe PDF format

Conspiracy of Silence.  Allowing the family courts and child protection agencies to work in secret allows miscarriages of justice!
(July 7, 2008) As many Canadians already know, family courts and child protection agencies (CAS in Ontario) do everything they can to maintain secrecy.  Workers with the CAS refuse to allow parents and even children to audiotape meetings.  CAS agencies often refuse to let parents view files.  Ontario's Office of the Children's lawyer say that it is harmful to children to videotape interviews, in spite of children complaining about the lawyers with the OCL lying to the court.  The public is kept out of child protection courts and even in public courts, court workers often tell people outside in the hall that only those with business in the court are allowed inside the "public" courts.  Judges like Justice Lydia Olah order the Ontario Provincial Police to illegally padlock her court to keep people out.  Judges like Craig Perkins order publication bans to ensure that evidence is kept secret while he tells one father that he cannot see his child until she is 18 years of age.  All this going on right here in Canada. Kids being ripped away from their homes, their parents and siblings under veil of secrecy of Canadian courts while unelected Judges give BS excuses in court to maintain secrecy and help protect child protection agencies and their workers, most of whom in Ontario are not even licensed social workers.

This article published in the times in the UK seems to reflect the same problems which the lawyers, the judges and the child protection workers have created right here in Canada.  It's time for parents in Canada to start fighting back against this horribly out of control family court system.

Article in Adobe PDF format
 

As an example of this, view the latest video from a father who has not seen his two children in over two years as a result of the family courts and the CAS in Ontario. This father's children reported being physically abused by their mother so as a result, the children were punished by being taken away from their father.  Even the neighbours next to the mother's home reported hearing the children being abused by their mother in Etobicoke, Ontario.  Yet, the court and the CAS took the children away from their loving father and told him to pay $25,000 before he could even go back to court.  It seems that in Canada one has to pay to even get access to justice. Another case of where an abusive and controlling mother gets the courts and the CAS to do whatever she wants.

Career criminal claims his life in crime began right here in Ontario under the care of the Chatham CAS!
(July 1, 2008) Placing children into the care of the Children's Aid Society is one way of ensuring that those in the legal and law enforcement industries will be ensured an ongoing supply of criminals to keep their systems running at full tilt. A recent court case in London, Ontario involving former CAS Crown Ward, Mervyn Breaton, supports what a recent study out of British Columbia has shown - that kids placed in foster care are more likely to be involved in a life of crime than they are to go to school.  The 87 year-old Breaton appeared before Justice Ross Webster in London, Ontario on charges relating to drugs and breach of probation. Breaton said his history of being involved in crime began after he was placed into the care of Children's Aid Society in Chatham as a child. Braeton said that since the time he was placed in the care of the CAS that crime and jails is all that he has ever known. "They threw me into Children's Aid and from then on it was one jail to another," he said.

Article in Adobe PDF format

For kids in care of child protection agencies, jail a more likely future than graduation!
(June 27, 2008) A study conducted by the provincial government in British Columbia has revealed troubling findings which show that children in care of child protection agencies are more likely to end up in jail than to graduate from school. This article compliments the article published by Canada Court Watch of June 27, 2008 which deals with the issue of kids running wild without supervision in many CAS agencies and that many kids are being corrupted by the influences they face when in care of the CAS.  In many cases, the actions of CAS agencies is akin taking kids out of the frying pan and then throwing them into the fire!

Article in Adobe PDF format

Government may compensate foster-home victims!
(May 30, 2008) An article written in the Sun Media regarding how the government of Manitoba is considering a compensation package and apology for the many, many children who were abused while in the care of child protection services in that Province. Seems as if these child protection agencies just cant get it right, not matter how much funding they get.

Article in Adobe PDF format

It would seem that there is a problem in Ontario as well and even more current as the below links from children testify.  The links below are very recent situations as well.

Link to CAS abuse video

Link to CAS abuse video

Link to CAS abuse video

Justice Zuker involved in another case of altered transcripts claims party from the Toronto area.
(August 25, 2007) A party has contacted Court Watch claiming that they have evidence to support that Justice Marvin Zuker of the the Court at Sheppard Ave. E. in Toronto was involved in yet another court case where altered transcripts were being used in court and that Justice Zuker went on the record as supporting the false and misleading transcripts which involved misleading submissions to the court by the Toronto Children's Aid Society.

Justice Zuker is the judge who was caught altering court transcripts in violation of the Criminal Code of Canada as it relates to the obstruction of justice and breach of the public trust.  Has Justice Zuker's incompetence as  a judge been exposed yet again? Further information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.  The Parliament of Canada should take steps to immediately remove judges such as Justice Zuker who violate the law and violate the public trust.  As is the case with Justice Zuker, it would appear that the Ontario Judicial Council is failing to protect the public's interest from incompetent and morally corrupt judges.

Evidence to support the case for the use of recording devices
(August 19, 2007) The link to You Tube below graphically demonstrates the importance of using recording devices to protect not only members of the public, but professionals as well.  Court Watch endorses the use of audio and video recorders by CAS workers, police and by professionals associated with the courts such as the Office of the Children's Lawyer and child custody assessors.  Court Watch receives many complaint from children and parents about CAS workers, lawyer and custody assessors.  False allegations against professions  would be virtually eliminated with the use of electronic recording equipment, yet it seems that most of the professionals associated with the family courts do not want an electronic record of their interviews and meetings recorded.  Wonder why?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KgxwPU0W-Wg

Province poised to revoke mandate of CAS
(August 18, 2007) The Province of Nova Scotia has effectively seized control over the Children's Aid Society of Cape Breton-Victoria after workers were exposed for misleading the court and procedures within the agency were found to be lax.  The agency is currently on life support and if problems within the agency cannot be cleaned up, the Province may permanently revoke the private corporation status of the agency and convert it from a private agency into a government agency.  Link to article below:

http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=55260&sc=89

It is the position of Court Watch that if CAS agencies were to operate with tight controls to maintain transparency and accountability of workers, then the vast majority of complaints and lawsuits which plague many CAS agencies and workers would be eliminated.  Converting CAS agencies into government agencies will only increase the government's exposure to lawsuits and ultimately cost the taxpayers more money.

Increased transparency and accountability are the only solutions to reducing operating costs and improving services to the public.  Link to recommendations for CAS agencies

In the spirit of America's founding fathers and in support of the fathers of our nations!
(August 18, 2007) In the same spirit and determination that America's forefathers demonstrated when they founded America, members of the Fathers for Justice organization in America, dressed as Batman and Captain America, conducted a non-violent protest at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on August 17, 2007.   The F4J demonstrators climbed the monument and held up a banner promoting the rights of fathers to have a relationship with their children.  The protest at this location is quite symbolic. Lincoln helped to liberate the slaves, yet in both Canada and the US there is now a new class of slaves - fathers without children who have been made into slaves by the family courts.

Click here to see the video. 

While the video shows that members of Fathers for Justice conducted their protest peacefully on public property with no harm or damage to anyone or anything, it was quite evident that it was the authorities who resorted to intimidation, violence and force in order to prevent members of the public from bearing witness to the peaceful demonstration by Fathers for Justice.  Why were authorities so concerned about cameras recording the event?  Why did police keep ordering tourists to put their cameras down?  Why did police push those with cameras and block them from recording?  Why did four police officers jump on and rough up a citizen just because he chose to watch the demonstration and not to go to the bottom of the stairs as ordered? Why did police want members of the public out of view of the protesters?  Authorities knew that this as a peaceful protest and not an act of terrorism.  Deep inside, most citizens know the real answers to these questions. Most know that only those who fear the truth and transparency, fear cameras and public witnesses.

It is a tragedy that authorities in the United States have had to resort to such abusive and forceful measures against peaceful citizens when these citizens were only doing what America's forefathers did before them - exercise free speech and the right to demonstrate in the name of a just and reasonable cause. Lincoln, if he was still alive today would likely be proud to see the spirit of America's founding fathers still alive today for without that spirit, America would not exist today.

Hopefully, the brave fathers who did this demonstration will not be abused and instead will be treated by police with respect for what they were really trying to protect - the rights of all fathers in America and around the world to have a relationship with their children.  Hopefully, those authorities who deal with these protesters will recall what one of America's greatest and most respected civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King, once stated,

"I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

If the governments of the United States and Canada continue to allow the legal industries in their countries to  destroy families and to separate fathers from their children, there will only be increased resistance by the people and a breakdown in the Rule of Law in both countries. This ultimately will spell economic and political and social disaster for both countries.  It has always been the fathers who have defended our nations at times of crisis,  If we lose the respect of fathers for the laws of our nations, them we lose the will of the very fathers we need to defend our nations at time of crisis.

Province seizes control of children's aid society after misdeeds and abuse to the administration of justice by child protection workers
(August 17, 2007) The Province of Nova Scotia has seized control over the Children's Aid Society of Cape Breton-Victoria after a Supreme Court judge ruled that child protection workers with that agency were found  guilty for knowingly and deliberately misleading the court in a child custody dispute.

Article in Adobe PDF format

Court Watch receives many complaints from parents, especially in the Province of Ontario, of bias and unprofessional conduct by workers with various CAS agencies, especially when child custody disputes between parents are involved.  Court Watch predicts that it will be only a matter of time to when the Province of Ontario will take similar action against CAS agencies in that province.  Much of these problems could be avoided with the implementation of policies and procedures which would improve accountability and transparency with CAS agencies such as recommended by the Family Justice Review Committee.  Link to recommendations for CAS agencies

Fortunately, with computers and the ease of use of video and audio technology today, many parents are now beginning to gather the necessary evidence to show that child protection workers are failing to carry out their duties with due diligence in child custody disputes.  In one case involving the Jewish Family and Child Services of Toronto, a child has provided videotaped testimony to Court Watch that he was being sexually abused, drugged, threatened and abused by workers with the Jewish Family and Child Services from Toronto.  The child's testimony included testimony of threats and intimidation by the office of the children's lawyer.  In this case, witnesses to the mother abusing this child were never interviewed by workers with the Jewish Family and Child Services with a blind eye being turned to credible and direct eye witnesses.  Rest assured that In the years to come, CAS agencies and their workers will be facing huge lawsuits as children get older and evidence of abuse, lies and cover-up by workers at these agencies comes to light.

As we all know, "the truth shall set you free."  In the years to come, many CAS workers, even in their retirement and with their misguided belief that they are immune from prosecution, will soon learn what this well known phrase is all about as they find themselves hauled into court to face a civil action against them or find themselves the subject of a provincial inquiry similar to the one currently being held in Cornwall, Ontario.

Townsfolk sad to see Mennonites move away after threats to have children taken away by "child protection" workers
(August 17, 2007) Canada claims to be a country where there is freedom, democracy and religious tolerance.  This article published by the Gazette shows that religious persecution is very much alive in Canada and that government authorities are using child protection agencies in an attempt to threaten and terrorize families into giving up their rights and freedoms in Canada.  The article describes how peaceful and family oriented Mennonites are being forced to flee the Province of Quebec as a result of religious persecution with child protection agencies being used by the government as the weapon of choice.  Fortunately, these good Mennonites, just as the Pilgrims did when they fled to the New World to escape religious prosecution, are refusing to bend to intimidation and terrorism by the government and child protection workers.  Hats off to them for their bravery and commitment to their beliefs.  Link to story below:

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=8aa6f3f4-45fd-42d3-ad45-38b1106bddfc&k=6422&p=3

Court administration misled me and gave me altered court transcripts claims Thunder Bay citizen
(August 11, 2007) - Court Watch has received a call from a citizen who has claimed that he was given the run-around by administration personnel at the Thunder Bay, Ontario court and that the transcripts of his court hearing were altered significantly from what was said in court.  The caller will be forwarding to Court Watch a copy of his complaint letter to the Attorney General of Ontario as well as the Premier of Ontario about his unpleasant experience with the court and the tampering of his court transcripts.  Court Watch will be posting this letter in the near future.

Iran immigrant: Coming to Canada to raise a family was the worst mistake of my life!
(August 10, 2007) - Court Watch has received a call from an immigrant from Iran who indicated that shortly after coming to Canada, his wife took him to family court after less than three years of marriage.  According to the caller, his wife was quickly indoctrinated into radical Canadian feminism.  He indicated that his experience with the lawyers in Canada's family court has bankrupted and destroyed him. According to this immigrant, coming to Canada was one of the worst mistakes he made in his life.  He intends to write to organizations in the Middle east and to warn other potential immigrants to stay away and to tell them that Canada is not the place for men to get married or to raise their children.

Legal System Suicidal! - Lawyers's services too costly to many judge warns
(August 9, 2007) - Readers are urged to purchase a copy of today's National Post and to read the articles about how the costs of obtaining justice is out of control.

15-year-old boy commits suicide while under supervision of York Region CAS
(August 9, 2007) - Sources connected to CAS have reported to Court Watch that a 15-year-old York Region boy may have committed suicide yesterday.  At the time of his death, the boy was under the supervision of the York Region CAS.  Court Watch has received a number of calls from parents and children complaining about the mean-spirited actions of over-zealous workers at the York Region CAS, including the worker who was this boy's worker with the CAS. Could this boy's death be the result of yet more incompetence and lack of due diligence by York Region CAS workers and/or the courts?  The reports of how the boy died have yet to be confirmed and Court Watch will provide readers with more information as soon as it becomes available.

More complaints against Justice Marvin Zuker for transcript altering
(August 8, 2007) - The issue of Justice Zuker altering court transcripts appears not to be going away. Another parent has contacted Canada Court Watch with claims that Justice Marvin Zuker altered the transcripts in his court hearing as well and that he will be taking action this through appropriate legal channels. According to this parent, Justice Zuker also violated this person's rights by refusing him to record his court hearing as is legally permitted under section 136 of the Ontario Court of Justice Act.  Of course many judges do not want recording devices in their courts as this limits their ability to "fix" transcripts after hearings.

There is growing public concern about Justice Zuker being allowed to sit on the bench after it was revealed that that he had altered court documents in a court case in which he was the presiding judge.  Altering court documents in a judicial proceeding is a criminal offence under section 139 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Court Watch has received hundreds of signatures on petitions to the legislature asking that Justice Zuker be removed as judge and that he be charged by police for his acts which have violated the public's trust in the administration of Justice.
Download petition form for Ontario Legislature (pdf format)
Download petition form for Parliament of Canada (pdf format)

Democracy, freedom and the Rule of Law cannot continue to exist in Canada if unelected Judges are allowed to break the law with impunity and then still be allowed to sit as a judge over the rest of Canadians.  This amounts to a situation where there is one set of laws for the citizens and another unwritten set of laws for our unelected judges. This is not the kind of Canada our forefathers gave their lives for.  By allowing Justice Zuker to remain on the bench, the Ontario Judicial Council has only tarnished the Administration of Justice in Canada and given fuel to those who argue that judges must be elected in Canada.
Link to Article

Court Watch executive, Oriena Currie, passes away at 72 years of age
(August 1, 2007) - Canada Court Watch executive member, Oriena Currie has passed away recently. She will be missed by the many people she had helped throughout her career as a justice advocate.
Link to article in PDF format

Ex Police officer helps in efforts to restore justice to family courts
(July 16, 2007) - An ex police officer who acknowledges that he has seen how family courts are responsible for many injustices against children and families has offered his services to conduct videotaped interviews of children who have been physically or emotionally abused or who have had their rights and freedoms violated while in the care of the CAS or by other agencies during family court proceedings.  A growing number of professionals have contacted Court Watch in recent months to express their concern about what they see are a growing number of legitimate complaints against the family court system, the CAS and the Office of the Children's Lawyer.  These professionals are asking what they can do to help restore justice in our courts.  If you have a child who has been abused by the system and who is willing to speak out on videotape, then please contact Court Watch by email at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Barrie, Ontario Family Court destroyed our loving family: Teens
(July 6, 2007) - Read the latest article from Canada Court Watch which was distributed at the Barrie, Ontario courthouse today by members of the public about the Ontario teens who are fighting back against a family court system that has separated their family.
Link to article in PDF format

Plan to attend the Barrie, Ontario public awareness rally - Friday July 6, 2007
(July 2, 2007) - Parents and children interested in promoting transparency and accountability with the courts and Ontario's various children's aid agencies (CAS) are urged to attend the second annual public awareness rally in Barrie, Ontario. All parents and children welcome. A free barbecue will be provided afterwards to those who participate.  Exercise your democratic rights and freedoms to be heard.  Join in with those who want to see our courts dispense justice, not injustice.  Those interested in participating are urged to register beforehand.  See attached flyer for event details.  The Archbishop Dorian A. Baxter will be present for prayer and to give blessings to those parents and children fighting to protect the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.  If you have not met the Archbishop in person and would like to do so, then please plan to attend.
Link to Event flyer in PDF format

Teens come out fighting against Justice Craig Perkins and the family court system
(June 30, 2007) - Three teens who claim that their family is one of the latest victims of Ontario's family court system have joined in the movement of Canadians who are fighting the bias and corruption in the family court system.   The three teens wrote their letter to Justice Craig Perkins (The Grinch) who sits in the Barrie and Newmarket court to let him know just how they feel about him and how he has destroyed their once close and loving family.   The names have been removed as one of the things which Judge Perkins did to keep other Canadians from finding out was to put a publication ban on the case to prevent the names of the children from becoming known.

All readers of this website are encouraged to tell all older children who have been adversely affected by the family court system to write a letter about their feelings to the judge in their family's case and to send a copy to Court Watch. It's time that Canadians know just what the children who have been adversely affected by  Canada's broken down family court system, think about the system.
Link to Teens' letter in Adobe PDF format

A message to society: Fathers are needed now more than ever
(June 16, 2007) - As a result of the family courts and CAS agencies tearing families apart and in too many cases removing fathers from their homes and the lives of their children (as has been seen in the recent case involving Justice Craig Perkins of the Barrie and Newmarket courts), the consequences of these actions are beginning to be seen.  Many of the children we see today who are involved with drugs, guns and gangs come from fatherless homes. 

How can society expect the youth of Canada to have respect for the law when they witness how agencies such as CAS and the family courts have torn their own family apart and in many cases forcefully removed their father from the home?  In many cases, agencies such as police, support these government funded institutions in their acts to destroy families which in turn erodes the public's trust in police.  Fathers are being forcefully removed from their children and taken out of the family homes at alarming rates on mere allegations by a vindictive spouse.

Our courts and the unaccountable and unelected judges who preside over the courts are out of control and are helping to spread anger and resentment to the young people of Canada because of anti-family and anti-father policies in the courts.  More children and families are loosing respect for the courts and the Rule of Law in Canada as a result of the courts persecuting innocent fathers.

There is hope, however, as more children and their families begin to fight back.  Just as fathers in Canada fought in the great wars to protect our freedom, we need fathers more such fathers to join in the fight on our own soil to defeat the forces of evil which are at work to destroy the important role that fathers play in Canadian society today. Without fathers in the lives of their children, our society is doomed to collapse.  It is about time that some of our family court judges wake up to this fact.

Read the article below by writer Greg Laurie
Article in Adobe PDF format

Barrie Ontario Court continues its reign of terror and destruction on a once loving family
(June 13, 2007) - Court Watch was notified that Justice Craig Perkins who sits as judge in the Barrie and Newmarket courts, has ordered that a loving father pay $300,000 in court costs in a court matter which involved the simple request by the father to have every-other weekend access to his 10-year-old daughter. Although the 10 year-old desperately wanted to see her father and older siblings, Justice Perkins ordered that the father and the older children could not see or even speak to the 10-year-old until she was 18 years of age!  The child's access to her father and older siblings was completely severed by Justice Perkins..  In a decision which contradicted the evidence presented to him in court, including testimony of the older children as to their mother's abuse and violence, Justice Perkins severed a once loving a close family with a decision that many see as a form of punishment on the father and the older children who chose to live with their loving and stable father.

To those who are familiar with this family's case, these court costs are outrageous and yet another example of how the family court system continues to destroy children, bankrupt families and to punish those who dare to speak out against the justice system and the CAS.  Justice Perkins never even asked to have the wishes and preferences of the 10-year-old child brought before the court even though he could have easily found out.  Justice Perkins even had the option of speaking to the 10-year-old in private but chose not to exercise this reasonable option.  Everyone who knew this family was aware that the youngest child desperately wanted to see her father and her older siblings but this did not seem to matter to Justice Perkins who maliciously broke the family apart because the mother had wanted to sever the child's contact with the rest of her family in what appeared to be a classic case of parental alienation by the mother.

Court Watch cannot mention the names of family members or where they live because Justice Perkins ordered a publication ban to this effect although it must be noted that Justice Perkins is in violation of his own court Order when he published his reasons for judgement in the case.  It would seem that the learned Justice Perkins cannot even properly interpret his own court orders.  To many Canadians, these sorts of publication bans are only intended to hide the dirty work going on in many of our family courts today and to keep Canadians from finding out about how families in our communities are being torn apart and destroyed by Canada's family justice system.  The actions of Justice Perkins are eroding the respect of the justice system by Canadians and making a mockery of justice and freedom in Canada.

At one point, Justice Lydia Olah was also involved in this family case and at one court hearing involving this same family had police from the OPP in Collingwood, Ontario illegally obstruct members of the media from entering her courtroom by having police lock the courtroom doors.  Again, just as with Justice Perkin's publication ban, the actions of Justice Olah were intended to maintain secrecy within the courts so that other Canadians would not find out how families are being destroyed by Canada's justice system.  It is disgusting that these sorts of court shenanigans are being orchestrated by some of Canada's Judges who should know better.

Playing the system to the benefit of mom and to the detriment of the children
(June 11, 2007) - Fathers appear to attract all the attention when they are unable to pay child or spousal support but seldom is any mention made of mothers who shun their responsibility to their children.  Documents have been passed to Court Watch which appear to show that one Barrie, Ontario professional mother has played the family court system to ensure that she is not paying child support for two children who live with two separate fathers.  While this Barrie, Ontario mother plays the system so that she does not have to work, she sits back and collects spousal support instead.  The mother's actions have thrown one of the custodial father's into bankruptcy and have done great harm to her teenage daughter who is angry at her mother's vindictive actions and refusal to work.  Court Watch is working on this story for publication sometime this coming summer which will show how current spousal and child support formulas and a biased court system acts as a de-incentive for some parents to work.

Court ruling prompts review of children's aid group
(June 8, 2007) - As reported by CBC news, the Children's Aid Society of Cape Breton is now under investigation after it was found that workers with the agency caused children to be put at risk of harm by misleading the court.  Providing misleading information to the courts is a common complaint voiced by many parents who contact Canada Court Watch.  In some cases, CAS workers resort to extortion, perjury and fraud to ensure the persecution of innocent children and families.  This story may be read at the link below:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2007/06/08/cb-childrensaid.html

Woman tells of grim trail of abuse by CAS workers
(June 7, 2007) - A former ward of the CAS testified before the Cornwall inquiry that she was sexually, physically and psychologically abused by CAS workers as were other children in the care of the CAS. Published in the Ottawa Sun.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Another Superior Court Judge confirms that recording in court is legal for citizens of Ontario
(June 5, 2007) - While some citizens continue to complain about judges in Ontario courts violating the law by preventing citizens from unobtrusively using tape recorders in the court, yet another Ontario judge of the Superior Court of Justice has affirmed that citizens do have the right to record their court hearings under section 136 of the Courts of Justice Act and that the practice directive to all judges by the former Chief Justice of Ontario, Justice Howland, is still in force today.

On April 23, 2007, Justice D. Brown of the Superior Court of Justice after reviewing arguments about recording in court and after reviewing the Courts of Justice Act and the Practice Directive from the former Chief Justice Howland, ruled that recording of court proceedings was permitted under law.  The citizens of Ontario can thank Justice Brown for his correct decision and for joining the growing ranks of those judges who have correctly applied the law as it relates to audio recording in the courts.

It should also be mentioned that the Attorney General of Ontario, Michael Bryant, stated before an audience of journalists at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference held in Toronto last week, that the citizens of Ontario should be allowed to record their hearings and that the Attorney General's Office will be taking steps to put an end to the practice of judges not interpreting the Courts of Justice Act correctly.  Hopefully, these few remaining judges who continue to bully and intimidate the citizens of Ontario by violating people's rights under the laws of Ontario, will be straightened out once and for all by the Attorney General.

Petition to remove Justice Zuker from the bench
(June 3, 2007) - Court Watch was contacted by citizens from Ontario who indicated that Justice Marvin Zuker of the Ontario Court of Justice should be removed from the bench for breaking section 139(1) and section 122 of the Criminal Code of Canada (Obstruction of Justice for tampering with transcripts and Breach of Trust).  In response to the Ontario Judicial Council's inability to protect the public's interest in the administration of justice as a result of Justice Zuker's criminal acts, they have started a petition to have Justice Zuker removed from his position as judge.

If you are a citizen anywhere in Canada who would like to participate in protecting democracy and the administration of justice in Canada by assisting in the effort to have Justice Zuker removed from the bench by collecting signatures on a supplied petition form in your own area, then please send in your request to info@canadacourtwatch.com and we will put you in touch with those involved in this effort.  Although many have e mailed us about Justice Zuker, please, only those who are willing to collect some signatures and submit them to their local member of Parliament need apply.

Please include your name, address and phone number as all requests will be verified by phone.  An information package will be sent out participants about collecting signatures in their own areas. Participants will be expected to deliver their petitions to their our local Member of Canadian Parliament (Federal) and additionally to their local member of Ontario Provincial Parliament if they live in the Province of Ontario.  This will be done in coordination with the other Canadian citizens who will participate in this initiative.  To view articles on Justice Zuker:
Article in Adobe PDF format
Article in Adobe PDF format

More tampering with transcripts at Sheppard Ave E court claims local citizen
(June 1, 2007) - Another citizen contacted Court Watch today to advise us that his transcripts from the Sheppard Ave. E. court in Toronto have serious problems with them.  According to this citizen, significant sections of what was said in court was missing from the transcripts which it would make it more difficult for him to appeal the judge's case.  In light of the recent story of senior judge, Marvin Zuker, being caught for altering court transcripts, could the altering of court transcripts at the Sheppard Ave. E. courthouse be widespread?  The citizen has indicated that he will be writing a letter to Court Watch for publication on this website.

Ontario Judicial Council condones breaking the law by judges in Ontario
(May 30, 2007) - According to the Criminal Code of Canada, Justice Zuker of the Ontario Court of Justice on Sheppard Ave. E. has broken the laws of Canada which are supposed to govern all Canadians and help to maintain the rule of law in this country.  Yet, Justice Zuker has been given special treatment and only given a warning by the Judicial Council for tampering with court transcripts. The actions of Justice Zuker and the response of the Ontario Judicial Council in dealing with the issue tarnishes the administration of justice in Canada and sends a strong message to all Canadians that Judges are above the laws which govern the rest of Canadians.

Canadians who wish to help protect democracy and freedom in Canada should contact their local MPP and demand that Justice Zuker be charged under the Criminal Code just like anyone else would have been if they had been caught tampering with official court documents. Justice Zuker and the Ontario Judicial Council have made a mockery of the law in Canada and have further eroded the rule of law in Canada.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Judge gets "slap on wrist" for breaking the law by altering court transcripts
(May 24, 2007) - Justice Zuker of the Ontario Court of Justice on Sheppard Ave. E. has been given a warning by the Judicial Council for tampering with court transcripts. Basically, he was allowed to do something which most Canadians would consider in contempt of his position of judge with only a small slap on the wrist as a consequence.  According to Mr. Harry Kopyto of Toronto, a former lawyer who launched the complaint, the outcome of Justice Zuker's actions are "outrageous" and show that judges consider themselves above the Law in Canada.  Many Canadians would agree with Ms. Kopyto and would support a law making it illegal for anyone, including a judge, to interfere with the process of preparing official court transcripts.
Article in Adobe PDF format

New Brochure: Understanding the risks of being a foster parent
(May 24, 2007) - This three part folded brochure submitted to Court Watch by a parent group in eastern Ontario is intended to be given out to members of the public as part of public awareness campaigns.  This brochure is designed to help ensure that members of the public are made more aware of the risks associated with being a foster parent and more aware of of their duty to protect children's rights, not act as enforcers for over-zealous CAS agencies and workers.
Brochure in Adobe PDF format

Peel Board of Education stereotypes boys and men as perpetrators of abuse while girls are painted as the victims
(May 24, 2007) - It has been learned that the Peel District School Board outside of Toronto is promoting a program called "Breaking the Silence" in which boys and men are being stereotyped as being abusive while girls simple victims.  Some parents, including teachers have indicated that this sort of program should not be in the schools as it stereotypes the genders and provides misleading information to both teachers and students. Schools should be a place where children get an education, not get indoctrinated into the agenda of special interest, women's shelter groups.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Parent claims cover-up and corruption with court transcripts at the Jarvis St. courthouse in Toronto
(May 20, 2007) - A parent has written a letter to the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, telling him to do something about what appears to be cover-up and corruption within the Jarvis St. courthouse regarding official court transcripts.   Just after this parent sent in his complaint letter, Court Watch received another complaint call from another parent who also claims that his transcripts were of poor quality and altered at the same Jarvis St. courthouse.  Even after those two calls, yet another parent called about transcripts being altered in another Ontario court. Read this parent's scathing letter to the Premier of Ontario.  Court Watch has been told that other parents will be submitting copies of their complaint letters as well.

Even lawyers have contacted Court Watch to advise us that there are lawyers aware of the unwritten practice of altering transcripts but who are afraid to speak up because of the code of silence which exists.  If you are a citizen who has experienced problems with your court transcripts, including the altering of official transcripts, then please contact Court Watch.  If you are experiencing problems recording your own court hearing in court then also call Court Watch.  Calls from lawyers who wish to blow the whistle on the practice of transcript tampering are also greatly appreciated.
Copy of parent's complaint letter in Adobe PDF format

Judge slams children's aid society for misleading court
(May 18, 2007) - In a recent court ruling, the judge slams the children's aid society for intentionally misleading the court with information which would cause the court to follow the recommendations of the children's aid agency.  In this case the CAS took the child from the mother and gave the child to the father.  Unfortunately, withholding information and twisting facts when there is a custody dispute involving parents is a common tactic used by many children's aid agency workers to allow one parent to win in court.  In many cases CAS workers act like judge and jury with tragic and often deadly outcomes for children.
Article in Adobe PDF format

In Ontario, there was a similar case in which a Toronto area children's aid agency removed a child from a father and forcefully placed the child with his mother in spite of credible evidence from eye witnesses and other evidence on videotape which showed that the mother had violently abused both her son and the father.  In one video segment, the child disclosed that a workers with the children's aid had abused him, both physically and sexually while he was in the direct care of the CAS and that CAS workers were telling him to lie to the court.  The child also reported that his lawyer from the Office of the Children's Lawyer was threatening and coercing him to do what the CAS workers wanted him to say so that he would have to live with his mother. (Court Watch has copies of the video evidence which CAS has but which according to witnesses in the court, CAS officials and Office of the Children's lawyers deliberately withheld from the court.  One party in the court proceedings disclosed that the Children's lawyer attempted to have the child's videotaped disclosures which implicated the Office of the Children's Lawyer, destroyed.  Names of the workers involved were identified by the child in the videotape)

Information wanted about CAS worker Ms. Sandeep Banga
(May 15, 2007) Court Watch has received information which has been verified as credible and which would appear to impact on the public's interest in the Administration of Justice.   A complaint has been received about a Ms. Sandeep Banga of the Children's Aid Society of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.  According to claims by a parent in the region, Ms. Sandeep Banga has fraudulently represented herself in front of witnesses as being a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers when in fact she was not.  A copy of a letter from the Ontario College of Social Workers has been forwarded to Court Watch in which it was confirmed that Ms. Banga is not a member of the College.

If readers have information which they feel might be helpful in our investigation involving Ms. Sandeep Banga who works as a worker with the Children's Aid Society of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry in Cornwall, Ontario then please contact Canada Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com 

Witness says time in foster care was terrible
(May 11, 2007) - A witness at the Cornwall inquiry tells about the abuse the physical, psychological and sexual abuse he suffered while a child in the care of Ontario's foster care system.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Access quite limited to "open" courts
(April 30, 2007) - The steps taken by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General since the release of a special media-justice report last August do not go far enough to comply with open court principles set out by the Supreme Court of Canada, say media lawyers and reporters who cover courts regularly.  The Attorney General's office has "cherry picked" from certain legal decisions in order to help justify maintaining secrecy to court documents. 

Court Watch also gets regular complaints about court transcripts being inaccurate and judges and lawyers maliciously breaking the law and obstructing the administration of justice by not allowing persons in court to exercise their rights under section 136 of the Courts of Justice Act.  Yes, judges and lawyers are breaking the law and/or obstructing the administration of justice in order to maintain secrecy in the courts!
Article in Adobe PDF format

Deaths spur dad to action after failure of the Simcoe Children's Aid Society to protect his children
(April 25, 2007) - An article published today in the Toronto Star Newspayer by writer Moira Welsh about an Ontario father, Leo Campione, whose children were murdered by their mother after repeated calls to the Simcoe Children's Aid Society warning workers of the danger that the mother posed to the children. 

In spite of the obvious warning sighs of the mother's serious mental health problems and in spite of the evidence which showed that the father was a good parent to the children, the Simcoe Children's Aid Society workers felt that the children must remain with their mother.  The failure of the Simcoe Children's Aid Society workers to protect the Campione children played a large part in the deaths of the two beautiful children.  Mr. Campione has now joined the ranks of the growing number of families in Ontario who are demanding the the province's children's aid agencies be made more accountable to the children and families of Ontario.  Mr. Campione is demanding that the Ombudsman be given the power to investigate the various CAS agencies in Ontario.

Readers are urged to pick up a copy of today's Toronto Star to read the full article by Moira Welsh.

Information wanted about CAS worker Ms. Lisa Potts
(April 22, 2007) - Court Watch has received a written complaint regarding a Ms. Lisa Potts of the Halton Children's Aid Society (Burlington, Ontario) which has been verified as credible and which would appear to impact on the public's interest in the Administration of Justice.

If readers have information which they feel might be helpful in our investigation involving Ms. Lisa Potts who works as a child protection worker with the Halton Children's Aid Society, then please contact Canada Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com 

Being a foster family for the CAS does carry its risks
(April 19, 2007) - While there are a number of happy stories to be told about children raised in a foster care environment which child protection agencies often use as examples to show the public, on the other side are stories which child protection agencies do not want members of the public to know about.  In this article, writer Cathleen Thomlinson, whose own family once took foster children in for child protection agencies, reveals some of the risks associated with being a foster family that child protection agencies want to keep secret.
Article in Adobe PDF format

EXTORTION by CAS!
(April 17, 2007) - Court Watch received a call today from parents who report that they have gathered solid evidence which shows that CAS attempted to extort them to sign legal documents without a lawyer and against their better judgement.  Extortion is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.  Keep an eye on this site for further updates. The name of the worker involved will be disclosed once evidence has been properly organized and prepared for police investigators.

Global Investigative Journalism Conference
(April 17, 2007) - Investigative journalism and freedom of the press is one of the important safeguards to our freedom and democracy in Canada.  If you would like to know more about the field of investigative journalism or have an interest in becoming an investigative journalist as are some of the investigators for Canada Court Watch, then you may consider attending the Global Investigative Journalism Conference to be held in Toronto from May 24 to 27 at the Toronto Hilton hotel.  This event is being sponsored by the Canadian Association of Journalists.

Meet many well-known and highly respected journalists from around the world who make it their job to uncover corruption and the abuse of the rights and freedoms of people throughout the world.  Members of Court Watch will be in attendance at the conference.

For more information about this conference visit the website for the Canadian Association of Journalists at: http://www.caj.ca/events/conf-2007/index.html

FBI targets child care agency
(April 15, 2007) - Shortly after Children's Aid agencies in Ontario were identified by the Ombudsman of Ontario as abusing taxpayer's funds in Canada, a similar situation comes to light involving a child protection agency in Broward County, Florida.  Many workers with child protection agencies have engaged in fraud and cover-up in the name of money and personal benefit, not for the protection of children.  In this report from Florida, it describes how child protection workers were stealing debit cards intended for kids.  Court Watch helped to uncover a story about a York Region CAS supervisor who recently pleaded guilty in court to stealing money and candy from children in the care of the York Region CAS.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Information wanted about Toronto CAS worker Ms. Julia Parisheva-Fort
(April 6, 2007) - Court Watch has received a written complaint regarding a Ms. Julia Parisheva-Fort of the Toronto Children's Aid Society which has been verified as credible and which would appear to impact on the public's interest in the Administration of Justice.  Information provided to Court Watch would reasonably show  that Ms. Parisheva has failed to maintain accurate and reliable records in her work position as a social worker involving a Toronto family.  If CAS workers do not maintain accurate and reliable records, this could result in harm to children and their families.  If readers have had dealings with Ms. Julia Parisheva-Fort of the Toronto Children's Aid Society, past or present, and would like to share information, then please contact Canada Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Maintaining accurate and reliable information relating to child protection matters is critical, especially those involved with the Province's various CAS agencies.  Court Watch receives many complaints from children and parents claiming that other CAS workers have provided misleading and inaccurate information to the courts just so that the CAS can win their cases against parents.  Children have been harmed as a result of poor record keeping. The Front Page of the Toronto Star on Thursday April 5, 2007 wrote again on the issue of how workers with CAS agencies have abused tax dollars and failed to protect children.

Court Watch maintains the position that all meetings and interviews with children and family be recorded electronically and that all parties be given copies of the recorded meetings.  With the multitude of small and inexpensive recordings devices and storage media, electronic recording of all meetings and interviews will increase transparency and accountability significantly.  CAS workers who have confidence in their decisions and who believe in being truthful and honest should not object to electronically recorded meetings. (currently many CAS workers object to recording and in some cases threaten parents who attempt to record meetings)

Tape recording CAS workers pays off for one family
(March 24, 2007) A family called Court Watch today to thank them for the advice about how to covertly record CAS workers.  CAS workers had made promises they did not keep and refused to close the family's file even when the parents had met all conditions laid out by CAS workers. At first, CAS workers tried to jerk the family around and said that they were not going to close the file.  When the parents showed the workers the hidden video and audio surveillance recording devices and advised workers that everything that workers had said since the day the file the file opened had been recorded, including previous commitments by workers, the CAS workers left the home with their tails between their legs.  The parents were then advised the next day that their file would be quietly and immediately closed.  Of course, the CAS workers involved did not want the evidence of their unprofessional actions to be found out. The parents plan to personally sue to workers involved using video and audio recordings as their evidence.

Court Watch receives many complaints from children and parents about CAS workers fabricating false information and lying in court documents.  Electronically recording CAS workers will help put to a stop to this.  All families dealing with CAS are highly encouraged to covertly record all of their conversations with CAS workers.  If CAS workers are honest and doing their jobs professionally, the workers should have nothing to worry about.  Recording will make people accountable for their actions and words.

A "deadbeat" writes: The revolution against decency continues unabated
(March 24, 2007) An article published in the Western Standard by a Canadian father, David Warren, who has been labelled as a "deadbeat dad" by the court system. In this article he writes how a number of Canadian judges continue to erode the standards of decency and respect in Canada by their actions and rulings which fly in the face of common sense and fairness.  An article on the front page of today's National Post (Saturday March 24), "The loss of civility" also gives indication about how the standards which once kept Canadian society functioning are now being thrown to the wind with disastrous results on Canada's young people.  In many cases, the courts and the justice system are setting bad examples and laying the groundwork for social upheaval.

If the family courts and agencies such as the CAS continue their assault on families and continue to violate the rights and freedoms of Canadian children and their families, there will be grave consequences for Canada.  Like writer David Warren has stated, the courts and Canada's system of justice have pauperized fathers, stripped them of the protection of the law and driven many to suicide.  In some cases fathers have been driven over the edge by the system that they have resorted to murder (eg. - the Ralph Hadley murder-suicide).
Article in Adobe PDF format

Child protection worker/teacher and former Catholic CAS worker arrested for having sex with under-aged teen while in position of authority!
(March 10, 2007) - A child protection worker and counsellor who was once a worker with the Catholic Children's Aid Society has been charged by police for having sex with one of her students who is under the age of eighteen. Toronto police have charged, Paola Queen, a 35-year old teacher at Nelson A. Boylen Collegiate Institute.  According to police, Ms. Queen is pregnant and it is believed that the teen victim is the father of her child.  It seems that some CAS workers cannot seem to act to the same set of standards that they expect from others in the community.

Lawyer calls for judicial inquiry into disfunctional family court system!
(March 2, 2007) - A long standing member of the Law Society of Upper Canada contacted Court Watch recently and stated that there is an urgent need for a full judicial and/or Parliamentary inquiry into what this experienced Law Society member believes is corruption and incompetence within the family court system in Ontario.  This lawyer says that the current family court system is destroying children and families and bleeding them dry of their financial resources.  This unnamed source has offered Court Watch the opportunity to review documents and other evidence to support this whistle-blower's allegations about the system and will go on the public record soon about his allegations.  This lawyer has said, that in the name of justice, the truth about the family court system in Ontario must be made known to the people of Ontario and that the family court system must be cleaned up from top to bottom as it is bringing scorn and disrespect to the entire legal profession and to those remaining lawyers in other sectors of the law who still believe that it is their duty to stand up to vigorously defend the principles of truth and justice.  The videotaped interview with this lawyer will be included as part of a shocking and chilling video documentary on the state of Canada's family justice system which will be available to the students and members of the public later this year.

Information wanted about Kimberly Janse with York Region CAS
(Feb 28, 2007) - Court Watch has received recent complaints regarding a Ms. Kimberly Janse of the York Region CAS located at 85 Eagle St. in Newmarket, Ontario which have been verified as credible and which would appear to impact on the public's interest in the Administration of Justice.  According to documents reviewed by Court Watch, Ms. Janse appears to feel that she is qualified enough as a CAS worker to also make assessments about electrical and plumbing systems, certainly areas which she is not properly qualified.  According to records released from the Ontario College of Social Workers, Ms. Janse's certificate as a social worker with the Ontario College of Social Worker was listed as "suspended" on July 27, 2006.  As part of its mandate to protect the public's interest in the administration of justice, Court Watch would like to hear from readers who may have information about Ms. Kimberly Janse and her work with the CAS.

Why the York Region CAS is allowing the qualifications of its child protection workers to be downgraded is certainly highly questionable and not in the best interest of children.  If anything, York Region CAS officials should be encouraging its child protection workers to improve their qualifications and credentials and encourage all workers to be members of the Ontario College of Social Workers.  The people of Ontario want CAS agencies hiring workers with the highest credentials, not those who are less qualified.

During a recent Court Watch investigation, Court Watch uncovered the unlawful activities of another York Region CAS supervisor, Ms. Donna Lennon and with the assistance of the York Regional Police, managed to have Ms. Lennon arrested and fired from her position with the York Region CAS.   Ms. Donna Lennon pleaded guilty in court to theft of property from a child in care of the York CAS.  Bringing Ms. Lennon to face justice was possible as a result of the investigation by Court Watch.

If readers have information which they feel might be helpful in our investigation of this matter involving Kimberly Janse, then please contact Canada Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Upcoming information night - Videotaping children's interviews
(February 23, 2007) On Monday March 12, 2007, Court Watch will be conducting an information night about videotaping children's interviews to ensure the accuracy of evidence provided to courts by CAS workers and children's lawyers.  See our calendar of events above for further information.

Parent alleges collusion and cover-up by police and CAS workers to obstruct justice by attempting to fabricate false information for the courts
(February 15, 2007) A parent came forth to Court Watch with evidence which would support the parents claims that police officers in Ontario colluded with CAS workers in what would appear to be an attempt to fabricate false information in a child abuse investigation.

According to the parent, he has videotapes of interviews conducted jointly by police and CAS which were highly flawed and in the opinion of a leading expert on the subject, one of the worst cases of evidence tampering by law enforcement officials and those involved in the protection of children.

Two almost identical videos of the same child using the same questions by the same officials in the same room but a few days apart support claims that there was collusion amongst the professionals involved to conduct a second identical interview while covering up the fact that two interviews were conducted.

According to the parents of the child, unless one looked at the two videotapes very carefully, it would be difficult to detect that the interview tapes were not copies of each other.  After viewing the tape carefully clear differences could be seen.

According to this parent, the police and CAS workers were colluding to provide misleading evidence to the court in order to frame the parents for child abuse.  According to the parent, "CAS workers did not get what they wanted during the first interview, so they did a second interview asking the child the same questions again........They (The CAS workers) were very careful when they set up the interview.  Everyone on the second tape was in the same position and in the same room.  The second interview was almost identical, but they screwed up and made some mistakes which are apparent upon close inspection of the videotapes."

CAS workers and police originally denied the existence of the second video tape which CAS workers had attempted to conceal.  Copies of CAS worker notes secretly obtained from CAS files reveal that the interview which CAS workers attempted to cover-up, was in fact conducted a second time by workers.

According to the parents, one police officer swore an affidavit as to the number of videotapes, yet the parents obtained copies of tapes which clearly contradicted what was said in the police affidavit. The videotaped interviews of the children including the videotapes that the CAS tried to hide will be presented to a jury during an upcoming civil lawsuit against the CAS and the workers who were responsible for this attempt at obstruction of justice.  A full Court Watch Report will follow up on this story.

This story of incompetence and evidence tampering by CAS workers reinforces the importance of recording every conversation with CAS workers and police during a child abuse investigation.  Parents in Ontario must protect themselves by also ensuring that they exercise their rights to audiotape their court proceedings as permitted under section 136 of the Ontario Courts of Justice Act.  Parents in other provinces should push for legislation which will give them the right to record court hearings as is allowed under Ontario law.

Upcoming information night - Dealing with Ontario's Child Abuse Registry
(February 13, 2007) A number of callers to Court Watch have reported that their names have been placed on Ontario's Child Abuse Registry without due process and without due diligence by CAS workers who are not even registered social workers in the Province of Ontario.  Some claim that their names have been placed on the Registry maliciously by CAS workers.

If you are a person who has had your name placed on Ontario's Child Abuse Registry and you feel that this has been done without due process then you may wish to attend an evening workshop on Monday March 19, 2007 7pm to 9:30 pm. to be held in Halton, Ontario  Participants will learn about the Registry, what steps can be taken to have a name removed from the Registry and legal options for lawsuits against those CAS workers who may have placed names on the Registry without due process. Pre-registration and $10 registration fee required.  To register send an e mail to Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com providing your full name, address and phone number.

Another Canadian father left out in the cold
(February 3, 2007) This article from the Edmonton Sun reinforces how fathers in Canada continue to get shafted by Canada's family courts.  Courts in Canada are stripping fathers out of the lives of their children at an alarming rate and throwing dads into poverty and despair after stripping them of their money through legal costs.  Many Canadians believe that the time has come for the Parliament of Canada to enact a law which would allow the citizens in communities across Canada to get rid of these biased and anti-father family court judges.  Let the people of Canada get rid of judges who continue to act contrary to the interests of children and families.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Attorney General of Ontario must be joking about fairness in our courts
(January 31, 2007) An article written by Canadian justice advocate Jeremy Swanson from Ottawa Ontario. According to this article, it would seem that Ontario's Attorney General, Michael Bryant, has absolutely no clue as to what is happening to children and families in Ontario's family courts.  To many citizens of Ontario, especially loving fathers, justice in Ontario's family courts is nothing but a joke.  Some members of the Law Society of Upper Canada have also expressed their concerns that Ontario's family justice system has become out of control and unaccountable to the people of Ontario.
Article in Adobe PDF format

"Isolated incidents"
(January 30, 2007) An article published in McLeans Magazine about the recent death of 3-year-old child while in foster care.  Children dying or being killed while in foster care is becoming regular news and are no longer just "isolated incidents."
Article in Adobe PDF format

How my ex-hubby paid to be a judge!
(January 24, 2007)  An article about how some judges in the US are involved in payoffs and corruption.  This problem is not unique to the US.  At least in the US the people can get rid of their judges very quickly, unlike in Canada where the people have little say in getting rid of bad and incompetent judges.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Members of Court Watch support the position that legislation should be passed in Canada which would give the citizens the power to get rid of Judges in their communities who reveal themselves to be either incompetent or act outside of the Law. One such case of a Canadian Judge acting outside of the law recently was the case involving Madame Justice Lydia Olah of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Barrie, Ontario. She is the brazen Ontario judge who ordered officers with the Ontario Provincial Police from Collingwood, Ontario to padlock her court doors with lock and key from the outside and then without a court order to that effect, privately instructed police to keep members of the media out of her court using police force if necessary.  In light of such brazen disregard for the Rule of Law and the fundamental principles of justice, Madame Justice Lydia Olah of the Barrie, Ontario court should be stripped of her position of judge and removed from the bench as should other judges who act in a similar manner.  The Parliament of Canada should give the citizens of Barrie, Ontario the power to do just that!

Information wanted about Lorrie Pepin with Simcoe County CAS
(January 24, 2007) - Court Watch has received complaints regarding a Ms. Lorrie Pepin of the Simcoe Country CAS which would appear to impact on the public's interest.  As part of its mandate to protect the public's interest in the administration of justice, Court Watch would like to hear from readers who may have information about Ms. Peppin and her work with the CAS.  If readers have information which they feel might be helpful in our review of this matter then please contact Canada Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Jan. 24, 2007. Nevada has joined Maine and Iowa in state-wide recognition of April 25th as Parental Alienation Awareness Day. In its Certificate of Recognition, Nevada states, "With awareness comes education and understanding, in stopping the abuse of children caught in the crossfire of people they love."  Shawn A. Evans, Sr., president of P.A.S.S.A.G.E. in Las Vegas, Hazel Davis, founder of PASkidsindistress in Maine and Kaycee Schippers helped in efforts to have the state proclaim April 25th as Parental Alienation Awareness Day.

Former President Clinton has declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. In conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month, Parental Alienation Awareness Organization (PAAO) is working on numerous events including a Governors campaign to increase awareness of Parental Alienation (PA) and Hostile Aggressive Parenting (HAP).  Hostile-Aggressive Parenting was a term first used by Family Conflict Resolution Services from Oakville, Ontario Canada to describe parents who abuse children by their parenting during divorce and separation.

Alienating behaviors such as talking negatively about a parent, or interfering with communication and visitation of a parent in a divorce and custody situation, can severely damage or destroy the parent-child bond. The most common symptom of children affected by Parental Alienation is their severe opposition to, and contact with, one parent and/or overt hatred towards that parent with little or no reason.

This can result in devastating emotional problems for the child," explains Robin Denison, PAAO co-founder. "These maladaptive consequences can range from confusion, divided loyalties, depression and anxiety, to difficulties with their own relationships."

PAAO encourages courts to consistently follow custody guidelines, issue sanctions for those who would violate these laws, and provide for intervention and reintegration programs for those families affected by alienating behaviors.  Sarvy Emo of Oakville, Ontario, the co-founder of PAAO, states, "Parental Alienation and Hostile Aggressive Parenting rob a child of a loving relationship they once shared with a parent.

For more information about the Governors campaign, as well as information about Parental Alienation, Hostile Aggressive Parenting, and April 25th - Parental Alienation Awareness Day, visit http://www.parental-alienation-awareness.com.  Sarvy Emo Tel: 416-840-5654 Fax: 866-232-8134  or info@parental-alienation-awareness.com

Ontario's Ombudsman pleads again for oversight over CAS
(January 24, 2007) - Readers are urged to purchase a copy of today's Globe and Mail Newspaper and to read the article about Ontario's Ombudsman's call to the government to have CAS overseen by his office.  According to the Ombudsman, not a day goes by without a horror story coming into his office about the Children's Aid Society.

CAS foster teen pleads guilty to toddler's murder
(January 23, 2007) - Readers are urged to purchase a copy of today's Globe and Mail Newspaper and to read about the 14-year-old teen who murdered a 3-year-old boy while in a foster home under the care of the Niagara Children's Aid Society.

This senseless killing is the consequence of kids turned violent and angry as a result of being torn from their home and kept under the care of the children's aid society.  Many young teens and young adults tell of being abused for years while under the care of Ontario's various CAS agencies and further tell of how the system covered up the abuses in order to protect workers and professionals associated with the agencies.  Court Watch has received a number of calls from CAS foster parents who report that they are not being told about a child's history of problems so that they might be better prepared and to understand the risks involved, especially with troubled kids.  Foster parents who have children of their own and decide to take in foster children from the CAS may well be putting their own children at risk of harm, including possible death.

Readers will hear more about violence and cover-up of abuse of children in the care of the CAS in the months and years to come as the CAS bubble gets near to the bursting point.  Stories continue to come into Court Watch almost daily about continued abuse of children and families by Ontario's CAS agencies.

Conrad Black's problems no worse than those facing Canadian divorced dads
(January 20, 2007)  An article written by Canadian lawyer and former business and ethics professor, Grant Brown, DPhil (Oxon) LLB. about the hardships facing fathers in Canada's biased family courts.
Article in Adobe PDF format

Refusal to lay charges against teenage girl by Barrie, Ontario Regional Police sends the wrong message to area teens
(January 19, 2007)  Read this article from the Canadian Family Forum about the teenage girl in Barrie who made up a story about being sexually abused in the girl's washroom at her school but was let off the hook by the local police without being charged.  Many parents would wonder that if it had been a boy, would the police have given the same consideration and not pressed charges.
Article in Adobe PDF format

ANOTHER mother takes her own life because of Ontario's family courts and CAS!
(January 9, 2007) Court Watch has received yet another call today from a family who have disclosed that their daughter took her own life very recently as a result of what the family believes was the relentless abuse by the courts and an Ontario CAS agency.  The family told Court Watch that even the children blame CAS workers as the children themselves have witnessed how their parents and their families were relentlessly persecuted by the CAS in Ontario.  Court Watch has written previous articles about the CAS agencies involved and has taken complaints directly from children regarding abuse by the CAS.  Court Watch will be looking into the circumstances surrounding this mother's recent death as well.

In less than 24 hours, Court Watch has been contacted by families of two mothers who have taken their lives out of a sense of sheer frustration of being persecuted by CAS.  CAS policies and procedures are literally driving loving mothers to their deaths, destroying families and robbing children of their mothers.

Mother's diary shows abuse by courts and CAS prior to her taking her life!
(January 9, 2007) In follow up to a story of a young mother who killed herself, Court Watch has now had the opportunity to review the original copy of the young mother's diary and to speak to family members. Disturbing references abound in the diary about how the young mother felt tortured and abused by Ontario's CAS system prior to her death.  Even when she knew she was sick from an intentional overdose of medication, she refused to go to the hospital to obtain help out of fear of what CAS would do to her if they found out.  It appears that some parents are so afraid of CAS that they will refuse medical treatment even under the threat of dying, just so that CAS will not use this information to subject the parents to even more CAS abuse.

Court Watch will be conducting an investigative review into the circumstances surrounding this young mother's case to determine as to how the involvement of the CAS contributed to the tragic death of this young mother.  It has already been learned that a number of unlicensed workers with CAS were involved in the case.

Official court transcripts altered significantly to protect judge claims father!
(January 8, 2007) An Ontario father has written to the Attorney General of Ontario, Michael Bryant, regarding court transcripts which he claims were significantly altered.   Court Watch has received a number of complaints from citizens complaining about transcripts being altered and about other "irregularities" about court transcripts, all of which appear to be attempts to conceal the truth.  In the fall of 2006, former Toronto lawyer, Harry Kopyto, fired a complaint to the Judicial Council about Justice Marvin Zuker of the Ontario Court of Justice regarding alleged alterations to official court transcripts.  Other readers who believe that court transcripts have been altered in their case are urged to contact Canada Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com
Copy of letter in pdf format

Security at Newmarket, Ontario Courthouse bully and threaten law abiding Canadian citizens!
(Dec 22, 2006) It was reported to Court Watch that on Thursday, December 21, 2006, court security officers from the Newmarket, Ontario Court came outside of the court and threatened members of the equal parenting group, Fathers-4-Justice.  Members of Fathers-4-Justice were outside of the front entrance to the court and peacefully obtaining signatures on a petition.  The protesters had signs on the grass to the side of the court entrance which were not in any way impeding the public's access to the entrance to the court. Fathers-4Justice members were told to take their signs down off public property.  The one large sign read, "Put fathers back in Christmas"

Court officers told the Fathers-4-Justice rep that members of their group would be arrested for public mischief if anyone inside the court complained about their activities against the court system.  Basically, what the officers were telling demonstrators was that if people inside of the court did not like what the demonstrators were doing outside, then they could be criminally charged based on a complaint, not on whether those outside of the court were really breaking the law or not.  But as many Canadians know, false allegations and perjury are used all the time in the courts with nothing being done against those who fabricate lies.

Although security officers allowed the demonstrators to remain outside less their signs, when one of the supporters for fathers-4-Justice attempted to enter the public court building to simply use the washroom, he was told that he was not allowed to enter the public court building to use the washroom.  Court security workers gave the lame excuse that fathers-4-justice supporters might hand out literature inside of the building. Officers could have easily checked for flyers and allowed the citizen to use the washroom but as any intelligent person could see, this was just an excuse to confront the citizen and to punish those whose opinion dares to oppose the courts or the judges inside.  Political correctness seems to dictate that peaceful demonstration outside of a public court building about the courts is not acceptable at some courts.

In an earlier incident, a 70-year-old senior citizen was also told by court security at the Barrie, Ontario Court that she could not use the public washroom in the court building because court officers knew that she was a supporter of Court Watch.  Every security official at a courthouse has a sworn duty to uphold the law and to uphold the provisions of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms which all our laws are founded upon.  Following the orders of superiors must come second to upholding the law and respecting the rights and freedoms of the citizens.  It would seem that some officials may be too intimidated by forces higher up to respect those sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which are supposed to guarantee Canadians the right to peaceful assembly and association.  When we have armed security officials blindly following orders from superiors which conflict with Charter rights of Canadians then we have a serious problem.  Judges are not supposed to be issuing orders direct to court security officials or police except through an official written court Order or through orders given on the record in their court.

As some residents in the area stated to Court Watch, it would appear that the courts have lost touch with the hearts and souls of the people in the community and have become the enemy of the people. At one time security was not needed at the courts because there was mutual respect between the people and those who managed our courts.  At one time most Judges rendered fair decisions which were respected, but today this is not the case, with children and families being able to see the injustice in our family courts which have become a joke in many cases.  If true Justice was being delivered by our courts, there would be no need for security at all.  The system is now having to protect the judges because they know that some judges are not delivering justice to the people they are supposed to serve.  Our Justice system is supposed to protect our rights and freedoms, not ignore and trample upon them and work against the citizens.  It seems that those who work for the court, including some judges, will step outside of the law and violate the rights and freedoms of Canadians in order to stifle the opinions of those who dare to protest against the justice system and against those judges who oppress the rights and freedoms of law abiding Canadian citizens.

Due Diligence: Romance, love and the Pursuit of Happiness!

(Dec 22, 2006) Article published in the Canadian Family Forum about the financial implications of marriage in Canada by Peter Merrick, President of Merrick Wealth Management. There are many pitfalls facing those who do not take the time to educate themselves about the implications of marriage or living with another person while living in Canada.
Link to article in PDF format

Prominent Judge and Lawyer acknowledge that tape recording by parties in court IS permitted under Ontario law!

(Dec 20, 2006) Court Watch will be adding the names of the Honourable Mr. Justice Craig Perkins of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Toronto Lawyer, Nicole Tellier to our growing list of legal professionals and judges who have publicly acknowledged that the citizens of Ontario have the right to record their own court hearing in a reasonable manner using their own recording device as lawfully permitted under Ontario's Court of Justice Act.

The citizens of Ontario can thank both Justice Perkins and Ms. Nicole Tellier of Toronto for showing their respect for this section of Ontario's Court of Justice Act in a recent court matter. Recording in the court is also supported by other prominent judges such as the Honourable Mr. Justice James MacPherson of the Court of Appeal of Ontario as well as a number of other well known professionals who were part of the Attorney General's Panel on Justice and the Media [Link to report on Attorney General's Website].

"The Panel recommends that Section 136 (2) (b) of the Courts of Justice Act by amended to permit the unobtrusive use of tape recorders at a court hearing without the prior approval of the judge"

Court Watch feels that it is in the public's interest for members of the public to know that the Courts of Justice Act IS in fact being respected in some Ontario courts and to be able to make reference to these cases if needed to promote the administration of justice in their own court.  Currently, a number of Ontario citizens are reporting that their lawful right to record their court hearing is being violated by some judges and lawyers in Ontario who would appear not to possess the same level of knowledge about the law as do Justice Perkins and Ms. Tellier. Some members of the public have indicated to us that a list of those in the court system who have supported recording in the court would be helpful in their own cases.  Some citizens have reported transcripts being altered in some court hearings with important statements removed which might help in an appeal of a court case.  Recording in court by the parties themselves will help to ensure accuracy of the proceedings and lessen the chances of transcripts being altered.

If readers have the names of other judges or lawyers who have respected the use of recording devices in their courts, then please contact Court Watch so that we can add the names of those individuals to our list as well.  On the other hand, if readers know of citizens in Ontario whose rights to record their court hearing were denied them, then please contact Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com. Another group from Ontario wants to bring this issue before the Prime Minister and the Parliament of Canada and is now in the process of collecting cases where the rights of parties under the Courts of Justice Act in Ontario have been violated.

Justice Craig Perkins - The GRINCH who stole one young girl's Christmas!
(December 17, 2006)  - In what many in the community of [blanked out because of court order of Justice Perkins]  say is a bizarre and unjust court ruling, Justice Craig Perkins of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ordered that a 10-year-old girl [name of girl or her family cannot be named because of court Order from Justice Perkins] be basically stripped of her rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to have ANY association with her loving father, her one older sister and two older brothers. Justice Perkins ruling also contradicts the principles embodies in the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child of which Canada is a signing nation.

Instead of delivering justice to this young girl and her family and protecting the rights and freedoms of this family's children, Justice Perkins ordered that the girl be forced against her wishes to remain in the care of her abusive mother in spite of the girl's strong bond and loving attachment to her father and older siblings.  The older siblings had previously fled from the care of their mother because of what they described as physical and emotional abuse by their mother, including what were described as criminal assaults by the mother.

The mother's own witnesses in court disclosed to Justice Perkins how the mother committed a break and enter and broke into the father's apartment after the parents had separated and that the mother personally installed spyware on the computer at the father's home to spy on the activities and personal communication of the father and her children when they were at their father's home. [As a side note, the mother in this case was the daughter of a once prominent Canadian Judge. It would appear that even when a parent is a respected Canadian judge that this is no assurance that the kids will turn out to respect the law themselves.]

In fact, when the mother's illegal and unethical activities were exposed during testimony, Justice Perkins granted immunity to the mother from criminal prosecution because of the testimony provided which incriminated her in the court.  This mother committed a serious criminal act that would sicken most parents in her community, violated the trust and personal privacy of her ex-husband and children and yet this was allowed to go unpunished by the court.  Courts are supposed to make people accountable, not help them hide their criminal activities and their abuse of children.  Madame Justice Mary Lou Bennotto once said that lawbreakers in court often go unpunished when she was referring to people committing perjury in family court.

During the course of the lengthy trial, Justice Perkins did not bother to do what any respectable and competent judge should have done which was to have an independent third party simply speak with the young girl to solicit her true wishes and preferences.  Yet, no one was allowed to speak to the 10-year-old to ensure that Justice Perkins would know her wishes nor did Justice Perkins bother to find out even though he had the authority and responsibility to do so.   The girl's mother and her lawyer did not allow anyone to solicit the young girl's wishes as they were the ones who most wanted to silence the girl and hide her true wishes to see her family.  Everyone who knew this girl and her family intimately were well aware that the young girl desperately wanted to see her loving father and siblings and that many nights she cried herself to sleep at her mother's home, wondering why she was being prevented from being with or even seeing those she most loved and wanted to spend some time with.

This ruling by Justice Perkins is an insult to the rights and freedoms of Canadians and an assault on the principles of justice in Canada.  Justice Perkins has completely stripped a young girl from her loving family without reasonable and just cause and placed her in the care of an abusive mother who very knowingly committed despicable criminal acts.  Many might wonder if the fact that this girl's mother came from a well-to-do family and was the daughter of a Canadian judge would have had anything to do with Justice Perkins decision.  Nobody in Canada, including our judges, should have the power to take children from their parents under these circumstances and to destroy families like this without being made accountable. You can be sure that Justice Perkins will be getting a lump of coal is his Christmas stocking this year from Santa which will be just the beginning of a public awareness campaign to reign in unelected and unaccountable judges such as Justice Perkins who are making a mockery of Canada's family courts and quickly turning Canada into a morally corrupt country controlled by Judicial Tyranny and oppression. Word is quickly spreading in many foreign countries that Canada is the place to stay away from because of Canada's oppressive and unjust family court system.

Please note:  Justice Perkins also made an order that the name of the family members and even the name of the city in which this family lived could not be published.  Could this highly unusual publication ban be an attempt to keep the public from the community in which this family lives from finding out about the injustices being perpetrated against this young girl and her family?  Are widespread publication bans the next step our judges will be taking to turn Canada's family courts into Star Chambers where Canadian children and their families will be destroyed under a veil of Judicial secrecy and unaccountability?  There should be no doubt that the actions of Justice Perkins in this case are a threat to freedom and democracy in Canada as it is tantamount to the state taking children away from their parents by force such as was done in Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
Link to article in PDF format

More complaints about Justice Lydia Olah of the Barrie, Ontario Court
(December 13, 2006)  - Court Watch continues to receive complaints of bias and unethical behaviour about Justice Lydia Olah of the Barrie, Ontario Court.  Anyone with a complaint about Justice Olah is urged to contact Canada Court Watch.  Court Watch is building a file of complaints about Justice Olah to see if she is acting outside of the law and violating the rights of Canadians.  Should evidence show that Justice Olah continues to step outside her jurisdiction as a judge, then evidence will be presented to the Parliament of Canada and to the international court if necessary.  Please forward complaints to info@canadacourtwatch.com

BC Parents to March for children's rights to see both parents
(December 11, 2006) - The fathers for Justice organization in BC is organizing a Christmas March over the Lions Gate Bridge in BC on Saturday December 23, 2006 at 10:00 am to protest the "Grinches" who rule the courts in BC.  Listen to their audio file on the fathers for justice website at http://www.F4J.ca

More Government Spin on CAS
(December 11, 2006) - An article written by Toronto mother and freelance writer, Erika Klein of Mothers In Exile. Erika claims that the Ontario government does not seem really interested in cleaning up the mess with the abuse of tax dollars by the CAS and only seems interested in starting up more bureaucracies at even more expense to the taxpayers of Ontario.
link to article in PDF format

CAS workers must be screened for illegal drug use!
(December 7, 2006) - The National Chairman of Court Watch, the Archbishop Dorian A. Baxter, writes to Minister Mary Anne Chambers about the abuse of illegal drugs by CAS workers at the Hamilton "Grape Expectations" fundraising event.  In his letter to the Minister the Archbishop Baxter has suggested that all CAS workers be required to subject themselves to periodic drug tests as a condition of employment.  The recent arrest and conviction of CAS worker, Sarah Villella, for running guns and drugs clearly show that steps must be taken by the Ontario government to ensure that criminal elements do not get a foothold in any of the province's CAS agencies.
link to letter to Minister Mary Anne Chambers

Power to Probe CAS urged for ombudsman
(December 2, 2006) - Former ward of the CAS, David Witzel, now an activist fighting to bring accountability to the CAS says that the Ombudsman of Ontario must be given power to oversee the CAS agencies in Ontario.  Unfortunately, calls to make the CAS accountable seem to be falling on deaf ears with the government.
Link to article in PDF format

Stress because of abuse by CAS workers killed by daughter claims mother!
(November 30, 2006) - An Ontario mother has come forth to Court Watch to report that her daughter took her own life after enduring months of psychological abuse by over-zealous CAS workers.  This mother claims that her daughter literally gave up after being continually harassed and degraded by CAS workers.  Court Watch is currently investigating this developing story.  More to follow.

Leaked report critical of Ontario's Children's Aid
(November 30, 2006) - A leaked report detailing spending abuses at four Ontario Children's Aid societies, including buying luxury vehicles and vacations for executives, provoked a flurry of condemnation Thursday from the opposition but muted response from the government.  Readers are encouraged to watch CTV News for further information about this developing scandal.
link to article

Ontario children's aid societies misspent money, auditors charge
(November 30, 2006) - Luxury vehicles for executives, trips abroad and personal trainers are just a few of the "questionable" expenditures made by certain children's aid societies in Ontario, the provincial auditor general says.  CBC News has obtained a final draft of the province's first value-for-money audit of children's aid societies, scheduled to be released next week.  Readers are encouraged to watch CBC News for information about this developing story.

Information wanted about Justice Craig Perkins of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
(November 25, 2006) - In response to inquiries from the public, Court Watch is conducting a preliminary investigation into the practices of Justice Craig Perkins of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Is he a good judge or bad judge?  Court Watch would like to find out how the citizens of Ontario feel about Justice Perkins.  If you have have been a party who has appeared before Justice Perkins and would be willing to share your experience with us, we would like to hear from you.  Please contact Court Watch with your information at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Risk Assessment Model for Child Protection in Ontario (2000)
(November 24, 2006) - Readers have asked that we repost and bring attention to the Risk Assessment Model which CAS agencies and workers in Ontario are supposed to follow when involved with families.  Every family involved with CAS in Ontario should download and familiarize themselves with this document as the information contained within could be helpful in defending your family from CAS or helpful in launching a lawsuit against a CAS agency or its workers.
link to Risk Assessment Model

Barrie, Ontario area mother charged with killing child's twin!
(November 21, 2006) - A Barrie, Ontario area mother has been charged for the killing one of her twin infant daughters.  33-year-old Jody-Ann Lee has been charged for neglecting to obtain the assistance of delivering a child and concealing the body of an infant.

The case began a year ago, when the Simcoe County Children's Aid Society took custody of Lee's newborn infant.  When she was in the hospital it was noticed that the mother had given birth to a second child.  As a result, an investigation was commenced into the other child.  The mother was not cooperative about the birth and Barrie authorities.  Search warrants executed by police located a deceased newborn child in the trunk of the mother's car.

What is also very bizarre about this case, that although the mother was under investigation by the police for the alleged murder of the child, the family court in Barrie, Ontario and the Simcoe County CAS allowed the mother to parent the remaining twin who was still alive and in the care of the father. If it had been a father under investigation for disposal of a child's body, the Barrie court and the Simcoe CAS would have likely ensured that the father would have never seen the living child.  Yet for some strange reason the authorities in Barrie, Ontario felt it OK for this mother to have access to her surviving child.

Lee is now facing charges of first degree murder.  Should evidence presented in trial conclude that this mother did kill her child then hopefully the courts will deal with this crime with more than just a slap on the wrist.  Questions should also be raised why this mother was allowed to be with her child when fathers in the Barrie area are being removed from their children by the courts and the CAS for far less offences.

Peel youth worker charged with sexual expoitation!
(November 14, 2006) - A 39-year-old female youth worker with the Peel Children's Centre in Brampton has been charged after she became involved in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy who she was supposed to be counselling at the Center.  The boy has been a full time resident at the center since August of 2006.  The worker, Satvir Sodhi of Brampton has been charged with sexual exploitation.  The Peel Children's Centre takes referrals from the Peel CAS.  Parents with complaints about the Peel Children's Centre which involve their children are urged to contact Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Participants wanted for community consultation committee to make recommendations regarding CAS risk assessment tool!
(November 11, 2006) - In response to a number of concerns from professionals in the social work field about current CAS protocol in regards to risk assessment for children, Court Watch will be forming a community based committee and hosting consultations in regards to the Ontario's Risk Assessment tool which is used by CAS agencies in Ontario.  This group will include parents and professionals from Ontario. 

The purpose of the committee will be to analyse the failings of the current risk assessment tool and to suggest revisions to the risk assessment tool which is currently used by CAS workers in Ontario.  A number of professionals, including social workers have contacted Court Watch and say that they are interested in being part of the committee as many are saying that the current risk assessment tool and the way in which it is being applied by CAS workers is significantly flawed and is resulting in harm to children and families, not to mention the violation of the rights and freedoms of children and parents.  Members of the public and professionals from anywhere in Canada who have concerns about the current CAS risk assessment process  and who are interested in being part of this initiative should contact Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Whistleblower claims CAS workers used illegal DRUGS during Hamilton "Grape Expectations" CAS fundraiser!
(November 10, 2006) - Hamilton Court Watch Bureau (Exclusive) - An inside whistleblower who was a paid guest at  the "Grape Expectations" CAS fundraiser in Hamilton, Ontario on October 30, 2006, has reported to Court Watch that CAS workers brought illegal drugs into the public fundraising event.  A group of female CAS workers was observed outside sharing drugs and "smoking up" at their own little drug party during break times. The whistleblower said that it was disgusting to see CAS workers bring further shame and disgrace to the Hamilton CAS by acting in such an irresponsible manner, especially at a high profile public event in the community intended to raise funds for the agency. The use of illegal drugs has become almost a culture with a number of CAS workers believing they are above the law.  Sarah Villella, who was a worker with the Hamilton CAS was recently caught for possession of drugs and gun running.  Chances are she was involved with illegal drugs while working for the CAS.  It appears that Sarah is not the only CAS worker at the Hamilton CAS who is involved with and is using illegal drugs.  How many other CAS workers may be under the influence of the criminal sector because of their own involvement with illegal drugs?

Court Watch maintains the position that ALL CAS workers should be required to submit to mandatory drug testing prior to employment and at 6 to 12 month intervals after being hired. How can the public have faith in CAS workers when those who work for these CAS agencies act like irresponsible kids themselves, use illegal drugs and break the law.  Having CAS workers involve themselves with drug use at a public fundraising event is a serious matter.

CAS workers seem to have no problem in ordering parents to take drug tests so it's about time the shoe was put on the other foot.  It's time for the Minister to put an end to this nonsense and to immediately demand that each and every worker at Hamilton CAS immediately submit themselves to drug testing at an independent lab with Court Watch given the right to oversee the testing procedures.  If CAS workers are innocent, then they should have no objection to submitting to drug testing.  It's time for the Ontario Government to introduce mandatory drug testing every 12 months for ALL CAS workers!  Drug users should not be making decisions affecting children and families and doing this at the expense of the taxpayers of Ontario.

Link to article

CAS apprehends infant from family then pulls worker off the case - nobody at CAS will now work with the family!
(October 31, 2006) - Court Watch was presented documentary evidence several days ago which shows that an Ontario CAS agency took the family's child from their home and then within days after taking the child, took the worker off the case and left the family in limbo as to how to get their child back home.  Removing the worker was also done just before the family was told they would have to go to court.  The family is now being told that they may not be assigned a new worker until matters go to court which will almost guarantee an adjournment and cause further harm and disruption to the close and loving family. The lack of due diligence by workers in this case has caused a violation of the charter rights of all family member, specifically a violation of their right to liberty and security of their persons.

As can be expected, the CAS worker who removed the child was not registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers.  During a videotaped interview with one of the other older children, the child disclosed to Court Watch that he felt the CAS worker did not want to believe what the child was saying.  The child said that the CAS worker kept reminding him that he was supposed to be telling the truth even though he was!  This child's complaint about the CAS reinforces the need that CAS workers MUST videotape children during interviews so that the process of how these children are being interviewed by CAS workers can be scrutinized. If Court Watch can manage to videotape kids there should be no reason why CAS cannot do this as well.  Too many kids are complaining about CAS workers and Lawyers with the Office of the Children's Lawyer using leading questions which are intended to coerce or intimidate children into saying things which workers want the children to say.

The unethical tactic of pulling the worker off the case is typical of the highly flawed and just plain unprofessional procedures that some of these CAS agencies employ which hurt children and families and waste our tax dollars.  While the courts are pushing for case management to ensure consistency in dealing with families, it seems that some CAS  agencies are doing the exact opposite in order to confuse issues and to make it more difficult to track down the CAS worker accountable.

The Family Justice Review Committee has appointed an investigative team which is reviewing all documents and speaking to collateral witnesses.  The Committee will be preparing its own detailed report for the court in this case. Preliminary review of documentation already has uncovered that CAS workers have provided false and misleading information to the court in their preliminary documents.

Help support us in our efforts to improve our justice system by purchasing your phone number and long distance package from Canada Court Watch
(October 30, 2006) - Court Watch believes that the Internet plus the ability of the people of Canada to inexpensively communicate with each other by phone are powerful tools which will help to promote a more transparent and accountable system of justice.  If you currently are a subscriber to a high speed internet connection, then order your phone and your long distance package through Canada Court Watch. Only those with high speed internet connection can take advantage of this offer.  You may even transfer over your existing phone number to this service.

Canada Court Watch is now a distributor for internet phone service via IGONET based in Port Charlotte, Florida.  Founded in 2004, IGONET provides high-quality telephony products and services in the United States and Canada. Using IGONET's reliable Digital Phone platform, customers benefit from both cost effective and feature rich calling. IGONET's technology enables customers to connect with any other telephone user, anywhere in the world.  IGONET is a front-runner in the Digital Phone industry, providing our customers with the most recent advances in Voice over Internet calling. Features not available with other telephone services, as well as traditional offerings customers have come to expect, are all included in our low monthly rate of less than $30 per month (includes phone service) with unlimited long distance calling North America wide.  As a distributor, a percentage of all monthly revenues is diverted to Court Watch to be used in our justice oriented initiatives.

Help to support Court Watch and save yourself money at the same time too!

For information about the new IGONET phone service plan from Court Watch visit our webpage [link]

Former CAS worker gets two years in jail for gun running
(October 27, 2006) - Former CAS worker, Sarah Villella was an honour student in school. She was a drug counsellor who tried to steer at risk youth away from a dangerous habit and while she worked at the Children's Aid Society she lectured on the evils of crime.

Yet, while Sarah Villella appeared on the outside as a woman who was doing so much good, on the darker side, she was doing the unimaginable - helping to smuggle guns into Canada to be used to commit crimes. Today, Sarah Villella stood in a Toronto courtroom where many of her clients had once appeared. But unlike those cases, she was the prisoner. The 27-year-old was sentenced to two years in jail for helping to smuggle weapons to the Malvern Crew, a notorious Toronto area street gang.

Ms. Villella was found guilty on 13 charges including smuggling guns through Windsor and the possession of prohibited weapons.  She was also convicted of possession of drugs. Her boyfriend was caught crossing the border into Canada with 23 guns.

Both sides of her double life came out at her trial.  The Crown accused her of being a greedy double dealer who never practiced what she preached. As a CAS worker, she should have known better.  She will now face the consequences of her decisions.

Woman charged with theft against two elderly persons
(October 27, 2006) - Ottawa Court Watch Bureau - Ottawa Police Elder Abuse Unit charged a housekeeping services worker, who had been placed in the private homes of seniors through a seniors assistance program, following an investigation into a series of thefts reported to police.

Roxanne Neveu, 24, of Ottawa has been charged with 2 counts of theft under $5000.  The woman was released on a Promise to Appear with conditions of non-association with persons over the age of 65 and is scheduled to attend court on Wednesday, November 8th, 2006.  Anyone with questions or concerns about this housekeeping worker can contact the Elder Abuse Section from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 236-1222, ext. 5650. CONTACT: Constable Isabelle Lemieuxr

Simcoe Children's Aid Society supported mother who murdered her children while failing to properly protect the interests of the children
(October 26th 2006 at 11:45 am) - Readers are urged to purchase today's copy of the Globe and Mail newspaper and read the article by Christie Blatchford regarding the case of the Barrie, Ontario mother who killed her 2 young children.  After extensive research into the court files it would appear as if the Simcoe County CAS was providing support to the mother in regards to her domestic violence allegations but ignoring the interests of the children.  It appears that even the main stream media are beginning to pick up on the gross injustices occurring to families in our family courts.

Court Watch has had many similar complaints about CAS workers working outside the mandate of their agencies and in effect providing help and support for just one parent while ignoring the needs and interests of the children.  It appears as if this most recent case supports the claims that there is a hidden agenda by many CAS workers, with the support of the courts, to deprive good loving parents (most often fathers) from their children.  If the Simcoe CAS had properly done its work and had put the the interests of the children first, the two Campione Children would still be alive today.

Ottawa man arrested for possession of child pornograpy.
(October 25th 2006 at 11:45 am) - Ottawa Court Watch Bureau - A 67-year-old male was charged today with Possession of Child Pornography after a tip lead the Ottawa Police Service to seize a computer that was being repaired at a local computer repair shop.

The High Tech. Crime Unit attended the repair store and the officers observed Child Pornography images on the computer. Charles CHARRON, of Ottawa, will appear for a show cause hearing this afternoon.  Any citizen having additional information about Charles Charron should contact Det.Dan LaHaise of the Ottawa Police High Tech Crime Unit at telephone: 613-236-1222 ext 5643.

This is another example of partnership between the business community and the Ottawa Police Service striving
together in the protection of the youth in our city.  Court Watch strongly encourage citizens to do their part in the community to report any instances of child exploitation to their local police agency or Crime Stoppers.

Former senior worker with York Region CAS pleads guilty in court for stealing money and candy from a child in care of the York Region CAS.
(October 20, 2006)  A former supervisor with the York Region CAS, Donna Lennon, pleaded guilty yesterday in Newmarket, Ontario court to stealing money and candy from a child who was under her supervision and in the care of the York Region CAS.  Ms. Lennon, a child protection worker for over 20 years with the CAS, was given a conditional sentence and allowed to go back into the community. The mother of the child in care said she could not believe how long it took the case to finally get resolved as Ms. Lennon made many court appearances prior to pleading guilty.  "It must have cost the taxpayer's thousands of dollars in this case." said the mother of the child who had been victimized by the former York CAS supervisor.  Although the police were able to catch this thief this time, a number of parents who had dealings with Ms. Lennon felt that she had likely been stealing from other children for a long time but just never got caught previously.

CAS supervisor "merchant of death" says Crown Attorney.  CAS supervisor linked to bringing guns into Canada for youth gang
(October 18, 2006)  A former supervisor with the Children's Aid Society acted as a "merchant of death" says Ontario Crown Prosecutor, Nevina Crisante.  Sara Vilella, 27, left her job as a CAS supervisor to be part of a gun smuggling ring which was caught bringing arms into Canada.  When crossing the U.S. border, drugs were detected on her person.

Was she involved with organized crime while working for the CAS?    Many would find it hard to believe that in just 5 months after leaving her well paid job as a CAS supervisor, that this woman would manage to gain the confidence of members of organized crime.  Many would believe that this CAS supervisor was involved in organized crime while a worker with the CAS and left her job in order to pursue a more active role with those she had become associated with in the criminal sector. 

To help reduce the chances of CAS workers being involved with crime, Court Watch maintains that all CAS workers should be required to face routine drug tests as part of their conditions for employment as a CAS worker.
Link to Toronto Star article

Divorce files of slain Barrie, Ontario children to be made public
(October 17, 2006)  The divorce files of the parents involved in a high conflict custody dispute in the Barrie, Ontario court and whose two children were killed by their mother will be made public today.  In the better interests of the general public, a judge ruled Monday that that the files were to be open on Tuesday (today).  Ontario Superior Court Justice John McIsaac had previously temporarily sealed the files to give the families  time to grieve the loss of the children.

It is important now for the facts in this case to come out so that the causes of this tragedy can be made known and what part the Simcoe Children's Aid Society played in placing these children at risk of harm of their mother.  There has been claims by other children and families in the Barrie, Ontario region that the CAS agencies in the area have placed children into the hands of abusive mothers while loving fathers are ignored in custody disputes.  Families and even some lawyers in the Barrie, Ontario region claim that there is a general bias against fathers in the family court system and that this is also a factor which is resulting in a number of children actually being placed into the care of abusive and controlling parents.

Global Television - The Dads Who Fought Back
(October 15, 2006)  On Saturday, October 14, Global Television aired the documentary "Dads who fought back"  This video documentary shows some of the grief that fathers in Canada face as a result of gender bias against fathers in Canada's adversarial family court system. View the documentary on Global website. Although it is mostly men who lose custody and contact with their children, a small number of mothers are also affected as well.  This documentary is reflective of a growing movement of parents from all over Canada who are now beginning to fight back against injustices committed against them and their children by Canada's adversarial  family court system.
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/globalshows/globalcurrents/Dads/index.html

Role of Simcoe, Ontario Children's Aid Society questioned after Barrie, Ontario slayings
(October 12, 2006)  The Globe and Mail has published a story in today's newspaper regarding the Simcoe Children's Aid Society and the role its workers played in the deaths of the two children, Sophia and Serena Campione, whose mother was charged with murdering them. 

As Court Watch has reported many times in the past, based on information coming into our organization by children and families in the region, the Simcoe County CAS agency is not doing it's job in a professional and accountable manner and children and families are being harmed as a result.  Just check some of the earlier posting on this site about the Simcoe CAS.  In spite of the deaths of innocent children, the province's CAS agencies continue to fight attempts to give the Ombudsman of Ontario the ability to review cases.  Many of these cases in which children are being harmed are being managed by workers who are not even licensed as social workers in the Province of Ontario. 

While CAS workers and some courts continue to discount Court Watch as a radical organization not worth listening to, Court Watch can only respond by saying that if people in authority, including those at the CAS, had listened to Court Watch and had acted on our previous reports and/or had allowed Court Watch to have collaborative input on high conflict cases, these two children would likely still be alive today. 

Will the CAS take action now or will we have to wait for the next story about a child murdered or maimed while under the care of a CAS agency? Court Watch predicts that if CAS agencies do not change the way they operate, if they do not take down the barriers separating workers from those in the community who want to help and to begin to operate in a more open and accountable manner, there will be more deaths related to CAS involvement.

Readers are encouraged to pick up a copy of today's Globe and Mail newspaper and to read this article written by well known writer, Christie Blatchford.

Some quotes relating to the subject of taping in court and access to the courts by members of the public
(October 9, 2006)  In light of what many would say appears to be a conspiracy or mass incompetence by a number of judges and lawyers in Ontario to keep members of the public and members of the press out of family and child protection courts and to obstruct justice by taking away the rights of the citizens in Ontario to audio record their own court hearing as is permitted under Section 136.2(b) of the Courts of Justice Act, Court Watch offers the following comment for public discussion:

"In the darkness of secrecy, sinister interest and evil in every shape have full swing. Only as proportion as publicity has place, can any of the checks applicable to judicial injustice operate. Where there is no publicity, there is no justice. Publicity is the very soul of justice. It is the keenest spur to exertion and the surest of all guards against improbity. It keeps the judge himself while trying under trial"

[Attorney General of Nova Scotia v. MacIntyre [1982] 1 S.C.R. 175 quoting from Bentham]

The above quote is referenced in a recent report by the Canadian Judicial Council itself. 

In addition, the Judges Technical Advisory Committee [JTAC] of the Canadian Judicial Council has concluded,

"based on a review of jurisprudence established by the Supreme Court of Canada, that the right of the public to open courts is an important constitutional rule, that the right of an individual to privacy is a fundamental value, and that the right to open courts generally outweighs the right to privacy."

In addition, the Panel of Justice and the media [Link to report on Attorney General's Website] which was commissioned by the Attorney General of Ontario himself, in a report presented to the Attorney General in August of 2006, recommends the following:

"The Panel recommends that Section 136 (2) (b) of the Courts of Justice Act by amended to permit the unobtrusive use of tape recorders at a court hearing without the prior approval of the judge"

Citizens in court who wish to have family and friends attend court to support them or those who wish to record their own court hearing, must insist on their rights to an open court being respected and include the above statements to the presiding judge should the court attempt to exclude the public. The right to a fair hearing under the watchful eye of the public is one of the cornerstones of the Canadian justice system which currently appears to be under attack by a number of judges and lawyers.  The actions of these judges and lawyers is putting democracy, freedom and the Rule of law in Canada at great risk.

Court Watch welcomes comments from all, including those judges and lawyers who feel that audio recording by parties in their own court hearings should not be allowed in courts. Email your comments to info@canadacourtwatch.com

Simcoe, Ontario Children's Aid Society gets it wrong again!
(October 7, 2006)  As more information comes out from the case involving the murder of two young children by the Barrie, Ontario mother, it has been revealed that the Simcoe CAS was involved with the mother and was the agency primarily responsible for allowing this mother to keep the two kids.  Other children from unrelated families have reported to Court Watch (some on video) that they too felt that the Simcoe CAS has supported abusive mothers while working against their loving and involved fathers. It seems that whenever there is domestic conflict in the home, one of the first things the CAS does is to turn the kids over to the mother and to keep dad from seeing the children.  Often, false allegations or minor incidents are used as a weapon to get the father charged and at a disadvantage in divorce courts.  If anything, helping to give one parent an unfair advantage in a custody dispute and separating children from a parent only heightens the conflict and heightens the potential risk of violence to all members of a family.  There have been a number of documented cases where abuse of the parents by the system itself in an adversarial court process has resulted in tragic murders or murder-suicides.

Court Watch continues to get calls about CAS workers taking sides with one parent and then breaking up families - all based on the unfounded allegations of just one parent in a family court dispute.

A message that came into Court Watch just today (October 7, 2006) reflects just what some CAS agencies are doing to destroy families in our communities. Link to this message on our "messages from the people" page. This father  reached out to the CAS to get help for his family but in return was forced away from his family and is soon to be homeless himself.

If CAS agencies don't get their act together and to learn to provide services in a fair manner in the best interest of children without favouring one parent or the other, their will be only more children and parents who are needlessly killed.  A good tool which may help CAS workers to better assess when children are at risk of harm by parents involved in a high conflict custody matter is the Risk of Harm to Children Assessment Protocol to assess the risk of harm to children by Hostile-Aggressive parents.  This protocol is found at this link.

Court Watch will offer testimony to any inquiry into the involvement of the Simcoe CAS as well as some children who would like to speak out about how they felt that they have also been abused by CAS agencies.

Ontario judge, Marvin Zuker to face misconduct probe into claims that court transcripts were tampered with
(October 6, 2006)  The Globe and Mail newspaper has reported that Mr. Justice Zuker, who often sits at 47 Sheppard Ave. E. in Toronto will be probed for misconduct over allegations that sections of transcripts were deleted.

Court Watch has received a number of calls from people who complain that transcripts have been altered. At least one lawyer spoke to Court Watch indicating that she found sections of a transcript missing as well at the Sheppard Ave. E. court but feared for her security if she made an issue of the altered transcripts.  Some lawyers have disclosed to Court Watch that altering of transcripts is something that many lawyers know is going on but not spoken about. 

Recent threats against citizens by judges and security officials for attempting to take their own recording devices into the Sheppard Ave. E. court to record their own court hearing as permitted under the Courts of Justice Act certainly seems to indicate that people within the system are trying to maintain an iron clad grip over the contents of transcripts and are actively engaged in a campaign to make it difficult for people to check the accuracy of court transcripts.  A few judges have given free transcripts as an enticement to get people to give up their rights to record their hearings but this is not the right solution as this results in only a further added expense to the taxpayers and a further burden to the justice system.

This investigation is going to needlessly cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars and further tarnish the administration of justice.

A simple solution to reduce the tampering of court transcripts is to simply have judges and court security persons to respect the law as it is written, specifically Section 136.2.(b) of the Courts of Justice Act.  If people were being permitted to record their court hearings, this complaint against Justice Zuker and the resulting cost to the Canadian taxpayers would have been avoided. If Justice Zuker said something he should not have said, then he should have simply admitted his statement was in error

Readers should read about their rights by reading the brochure in pdf format found at this link.

If any other reader to this site feels that court transcripts in their own case have been altered or lost by the court, then please contact Court Watch with details of your experience.

Link to Globe and Mail article

Unstable Barrie, Ontario mother kills her children just before going to Barrie, Ontario family court.  Failures of the court system blamed as a major cause!
(October 6, 2006)  A Barrie, Ontario mother has been charged with first degree murder in the death of her two young children.  What is so interesting in this case was that the mother who had care and control of these children before being charged for the murder of her two children was to appear in the Barrie, Ontario family Court.  According to stories published in other Canadian media, the families of the slain girls said that a "catastrophic failure of the system" was responsible.  A statement from the children's family also suggested that flaws in "the system" were a factor in the deaths.  According to persons who knew the mother well, she was an insanely jealous mother with suicidal thoughts.  One neighbour, Wendy Ramsay, stated, "We've seen her at 5 :30 a.m. in the morning running out of the house, crossing the street, jumping on vehicles, looking down the street to see where her husband was turning to go. In fact, the mother's tantrums and explosive jealousy were the talk of the town."

How did two young children get placed by the court into the hands of a parent who had such obvious parenting problems?  Was bias by the courts a factor?  Was this just another case where mentally unstable mother is granted custody of her children because of gender bias?

Tragically, the Barrie, Ontario court is the same court in which children and parents from other unrelated families have told Court Watch that they feel that the court system has tragically failed to address the needs and best interests of their children as well.  Some of the children from these families who have spoken to Watch report being placed into the care of abusive parents by the court in Barrie, Ontario and that the court appears to support violent and abusive mothers.  In one Barrie, Ontario case, a mother who had given birth to a child and then allowed it to die in the trunk of her car was granted parenting rights to the child's twin just months later while she was still facing charges.  Some children from the Barrie, Ontario region whose families are involved in family court report that they feel that the court system allows mothers to abuse them while their good loving fathers are being mistreated and abused by the court system.  Children from Owen Sound complained to Court Watch on videotape of being placed by the courts in the care of their mother after she had been charged with assaulting one of the older children.

Whenever there is a tragic death of a member of a family involved in family court, questions must be raised as to what role the adversarial family court system played in the tragedy. 

Was there bias involved on the part of the court system in giving the mother interim care of these children in the first place?  Many questions need to be answered.  Based on information and court records provided to Court Watch by children and parents in the Barrie, Ontario area, it appears that family court system itself as well as some unethical lawyers and professionals have been responsible for a lot of needless litigation and family destruction.

The truth about incompetence, cover-up and unethical practices within our family justice system is beginning to emerge as more and more families and legal professions bring information to Court Watch and indicate their willingness to speak out about failures of the system.  One thing is for certain, that unless those within the system start to change their ways and begin to operate the court system in a more open and more accountable manner and to start treating mothers and fathers equally, there will be a major political shake-up within the family court system, including the real possibility of having elected judges.  The ranks of Canadian families who are dissatisfied with the court system is growing every day and is quickly approaching a critical mass.

Judge caught on tape
(October 3, 2006)  According to news reports from other news agencies, a Canadian Immigration Judge, Steve Ellis,  has been caught on tape telling a woman that she would be be granted status in Canada if she was to have an affair with the judge.  The woman's boyfriend managed to secretly capture the conversation on tape while the judge met with the woman in a restaurant.  No wonder some judges don't like video or audio tapes.  Watch the news tonight on TV to hear all about this story.

Members of the pubic wanted to review decision of Madame Justice Waldman
(Sept 24, 2006)  Court Watch is looking for members of the general public outside of its own organization who are willing to be be part of the review group which will provide public comments and feedback on the decision of Madame Justice Waldman to refuse to allow a self represented person to record the court hearing as is permitted under Section 136(2) of the Ontario Courts of Justice Act.   It would appear from Justice Waldman's written decision that she has engaged in "judge made law" in which current laws on the books are replaced with decisions of judges with no due parliamentary process by our elected legislature.

In the matter of the Justice Waldman decision, we are looking for at least 100 members of the general public who will agree to review Justice Waldman's decision of this year and to answer a questionnaire about her decision.  A summary of the responses from the public will be published and sent to our elected officials, both federally and provincially to let them know how Canadians feel about application of the law by our judges.  Many Canadians say that the time has come for judges to be elected.  If you would like to be part of this historic initiative then please sent Court Watch an e mail at info@canadacourtwatch.com. Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number. Persons from outside the province of Ontario are also welcome to respond as the issue of accountability of our judiciary is of significance to all Canadians.

New Brochure - Recording your court hearing is your RIGHT in Ontario
(Sept 23, 2006)  A new brochure is now available on our public domain brochures regarding the rights of the citizens of Ontario to record their court hearings under Section 136(2) of the Courts of Justice Act. Members of the public are encouraged to download and copy the brochure and then to distribute it at courthouses in Ontario.  The people of Ontario should be properly informed of their rights and freedoms.
Link to public domain brochures

Mr. Justice Harvey Brownstone recommends flawed and unreliable Phallometric testing in his court
(Sept 19, 2006)  Court Watch has been provided information which shows that Justice Brownstone of the court at 47 Sheppard Ave. E. in Toronto has attempted to push fathers to take phallometric testing contrary to a ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada which says that this sort of testing should not be relied upon to assess individuals.  This testing his unreliable and should not to be used on fathers as a way to determine if they have sexual perversions towards children.  Justice Brownstone may be causing innocent fathers to be labelled as pedophiles as a result of this quack junk science.

Anyone who has been requested to take phallomentric testing by Justice Brownstone or any other judge in Ontario should refuse to submit to such testing and to contact Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com

Mother and child flee Canada to escape relentless persecution by over-zealous Children's Aid Society workers
(Sept 19, 2006)  Court Watch has been contacted by members of a Canadian family who claim they had to flee Canada to escape the relentless persecution by CAS workers.  The family claims the family court system has ruined them financially and broke up their once loving family.  Family members said that they cannot believe how CAS destroys families.  CAS should stand for "Crush and Shred" said the father who indicated that this was exactly what CAS had done to his loving family.  His wife and daughter are afraid of Canada and have already fled to safety outside of Canada.  While immigrants flood to Canada, natural born Canadians flee Canada to escape the horror of taxpayer funded agencies which are tearing Canadian families apart.

The couple's teenage daughter told her parents that she wants to leave Canada in order to escape all of these CAS workers and children's lawyers who have been harassing her and her family for so long. The girl said that CAS workers have harassed her enough at her school to the point where she feels embarrassed to go to her school anymore in Canada.  The mother and child have fled Canada where they now feel much safer.   Readers should stay tuned as Court Watch will be investigating and doing a full investigative report on this case.

Woman charged for stealing from from the elderly
(Sept 18, 2006)  The Ottawa Police Elder abuse unit has charged a 45-year-old personal support worker with over 100 charges involving fraud relating to her work with the elderly.  Heather Meeks of Ottawa was charged by police and will appear in Ottawa court October 18, 2006.  One 92-year old woman was defrauded by almost $11,000 by this worker.  Should anyone have any further information about Heather Meeks, they are urged to contact the Ottawa Police Elder Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222 Ext 5650.

Dad fights back against what he says is a "hired gun" psychologist who was hired by his ex-wife's unethical family law lawyer
(Sept 14, 2006) At the link below is a copy of complaint letter sent off to the Ontario College of Psychologists by a family who is fighting back against what many in Ontario see as growing problem of corruption and collusion between some members of the legal and psychology professions in Ontario.  It seems that this one lawyer and a psychologist will employ a number of tricks to destroy a family for a fee.  In the end, however, these sorts of tactics will only further destroy the credibility of the Justice system in Ontario as well as harm the  credibility of Law Society of Upper Canada and the Ontario College of Psychologists.

In this divorce matter, the mother's well known lawyer arranged to have a well known area psychologist write a report to support the mother's claim for huge spousal support payments and to keep the father from seeing the youngest child.  This psychologist's report was based on information (much of it lies) obtained from the mother.  The psychologist knew that the report was going to be used in court and that it could adversely affect the children, yet did nothing do reasonably verify the accuracy of the information that she put into her report.  This psychologist did not take steps to speak to the father or the older children to validate any of the information.  In fact, the father and the children did not even know that the psychologist was involved in writing this report.

In her report, the psychologist  tried to make the mother appear to be unemployable and unable to work because of her husband and the effects of her divorce.  Although the mother comes from a well-off family family, this mother seems determined to make her former husband pay for her upkeep.  Information provided by the mother's own children revealed that this mother had been physically and emotionally abuse to her family and that she appeared to suffer from anger management problems.

The problem of unethical lawyers seeking the services of "hired guns" is becoming a growing problem as some professionals will write any report for the sake of money, even if it means destroying children and their families.

Court Watch will be conducting is own critique of this psychologist's report and will be having its own 12 member Justice Review Committee review this psychologist's involvement with the family.  Copies of this psychologist's report and the subsequent critiques of her report will be posted on this site after all the information has been gathered and analyzed.  It is in the public's interests that the public become aware of the practices used by unethical and corrupt professions who falsely claim to be working in the best interest of children.

Court Watch will also be following up on what the College of Psychologists will do to put an end to the unscrupulous practices by some members of their profession who appear to place the pursuit of money and building up their practices above all else, including the lives of children and families from the community.
Link to parent's complaint letter in pdf format

Prominent lawyer to go public about "corrupt" and "unethical" practices in Ontario's family court system
(Sept. 12, 2006). Today, Court Watch was contacted by a highly respected lawyer with many years experience on the bar who has indicated that he is fed up with what he sees is happening with the family law system in Ontario.  He has indicated that he is willing to go public and to provide testimony about what he sees is horrific abuse of children and families by a legal system and by those who are supposed to be upholding the Rule of Law in this country. He has indicated that the actions of many lawyers who practice family law are causing people to hate lawyers.  He said that children are being used as "pawns" while lawyers "fleece" parents of their hard earned assets.  In his words, "I now understand why people hate lawyers."  This lawyer is not alone and a number of lawyers who feel the same have also contacted Court Watch and advised us of their similar concerns about the justice system.  If any reader of this site is a lawyer or an employee of a court who would also like to give testimony about abuses in the family law system for the purpose of making the justice system in Ontario better, then please contact Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com and provide us with your name and contact information.

44-year-old Toronto man charged with distribution of child pornography
(Sept. 7, 2006). The Toronto Sex Crimes unit busted a Toronto man for allegedly posting child pornography on the internet.  Jules Delorme, 44-years of age was arrested by Toronto Police after they had traced the posting on an internet site back to its source.  He is in custody and is to appear in Toronto court today.  If anyone has information which may assist police in their investigation please contact Toronto Police with your tips.  Good work Toronto Cops.

Madame Justice Waldman's reasons for judgement to be reviewed by the Family Justice Review Committee
(Sept 6, 2006) Public documents recently released from the court at 47 Sheppard Ave. E. in Toronto show that Madame Justice Waldman of the Ontario Court of Justice recently refused to allow a party representing themselves to audio record their own court hearing as is permitted under section 136 of the Courts of Justice Act.  Justice Waldman properly issued an eight page written ruling for the record.  Justice Waldman must be commended for putting her position on paper for the record for public review.  One good decision that Justice Waldman did in this case was to order that official court transcripts be given to the party for free although this was at an expense to the taxpayers.  In these days of spiralling costs of court operation and overburdened schedules, judges and court staff should be looking a ways to reduce court costs and delays, not increase them as Justice Waldman's recent court decision appears to have done. It also appears that Madame Justice Waldman is of the opinion that if one party makes allegations of abuse that this should have a bearing whether to allow audio recording in the court.  Madame Justice Waldman appears to have made up her own law which clearly contradict the meaning and spirit of the Courts of Justice Act and violates the rights of Canadians under the law.

In her August 21, 2006 reasons for judgement, which took over two months to prepare, Madame Justice Waldman stated that it was not appropriate for the self represented party to supplement their notes with a tape recording.  A copy of Justice Waldman's recent decision will be put out for an analysis to 12 members of the citizen's based Family Justice Review Committee and also to other members of the public to see how they feel about Justice Waldman's decision to refuse recording in the court to supplement a party's notes.   While a number of other judges have consented to tape recording in their courts, it appears that Justice Waldman is willing to put her position on record and to the test.  A final report on the decision by Justice Waldman will be released to the public in the near future by the Family Justice Review Committee.  Copies of her reasons for judgement will be available to the public at our next public meeting on September 25, 2006 in Burlington, Ontario. The report will be send to Justice Waldman and will be circulated to all Members of the Provincial Legislature where Members are currently debating amendments to Legislation under Bill 14.

If you are a resident of Ontario and would like to participate in a public review of Madame Justice Waldman's reasons for judgement in this case, Court Watch will be accepting requests.  A sampling of 50 to 100 people from across Ontario will be randomly selected in order to obtain a reasonable consensus on this issue from a cross section of Ontario citizens.  If interested in participating, contact Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com .

Attorney General's office criticized for failing to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens in Ontario
(Sept 5, 2006) Read this response letter from one Ontario parent, Corey Jamieson, to the Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Ann Merritt, after the the Assistant Attorney wrote a letter to this parent stating that judges in Ontario courtrooms can do whatever they want to do under the claim of "judicial independence".   This parent feels that staff at the Attorney General's Office are attempting to strengthen secrecy and unaccountability at the courts and by doing so are going against the direction of their own Minister, Michael Bryant, who has stated publicly that he wants a more open and transparent court system.  Mr. Jamieson feels that staff at the Attorney General's office have forgotten that they are supposed to be working in the interests of the people of Ontario and that the courts are to serve the people of Ontario, not suppress their rights and freedoms.  Mr. Jamieson says that the courts must stop posting signs at the courts which appears to deliberately mislead members of the public about their rights under the Courts of Justice Act.
Link to letter in pdf format

Panel appointed by Ontario's Attorney General reinforces rights of citizens to record their own court hearings
(Sept 4, 2006)  The Panel on Justice and the Media recently delivered a report to the Attorney General of Ontario in regards to media in the courts.  The recommendations of the panel reinforce the rights of citizens to record their own court hearings as is currently outlined under section 136 of Ontario's Courts of Justice Act.  The panel also recommended that signage at the courts be changed to reflect this right under law.  Recently, courthouse employees in various courthouses across Ontario have been putting up signs at the entrance to courts in an attempt to misinform the citizens of their rights under the law. As a result, this has caused a lot of unnecessary confusion amongst court security and resulted in additional costs to the court system.

Hopefully, the recommendations of this panel will, once and for all, help to ensure that the rights of the citizens of Ontario are not ignored any more by judges and court security. Those who are insisting on their rights to record their own court hearing should include this document in their arguments before the judge along with materials included in the link "recording your own court hearing" at the top of this web page.
Link to report on Attorney General's Website

Should the above link to the Attorney General's website become outdated, copies of the report from the Panel can be obtained in PDF format by sending in a request by Email to Canada Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com.  Readers who are refused their rights to record their court hearing should contact Court Watch for assistance in filing complaints.

Ontario Children's Aid Society loses court case seen as a test case to silence growing public opposition to CAS.
(Sept 1, 2006) In what would appear to be a reasonable ruling at the Kitchener, Ontario court on August 31, 2006, Justice Thomas Lofchik dismissed a motion by the Children's Aid Society of Kitchener and Waterloo to find a local parent, Aneurin Ellis, in contempt of court, allegedly for defaming the local CAS and one of its directors, Mr. Peter Ringrose.  The case was seen by many as an attempt by the Kitchener Waterloo CAS to criminalize  parents who speak out against the CAS.  Justice Lofchik's decision was reasonable in that it supported the principle that criminal law and civil law are clearly separate and that criminal law should not be indirectly used as a weapon in civil matters by government funded agencies (such as the CAS) to silence financially disadvantages parents who speak out in opposition.  Actions involving slander and liable are matters for a civil court, not a criminal court and Justice Lofchik's recent decision appears to reinforce that reasonable principle in Law.

Although Mr. Ellis was upset previously about the CAS and had made statements which condemned CAS publicly, it appears that Mr. Ellis and his wife had reasonable grounds to be angry at the CAS.  Facts surrounding the case appear to support their claims that CAS had taken their children from their home without reasonable and just cause and that the CAS actions against the family were harassing the family.  CAS workers who were involved in the case did not even meet the minimum training of a social worker. When Mr. & Ms. Ellis attempted to become members of the CAS to help promote change to procedures, their application for membership was rejected by the CAS.  Many see this as yet another attempt by the CAS and its workers to stifle change and to silence criticism by citizens in the community.  CAS is supposed to be a community based organization with membership open to the public but it seems that to those parents who believe that some changes are required within the CAS - they are not welcomed.

It can be noted that in a previous trial involving this same CAS and the Ellis family,  CAS lawyers unsuccessfully attempted to have Court Watch reporters kicked from the court and also argued against the parent's right to record their own court hearing using their own recording device.  The learned trial judge honourably listened to arguments in court from all parties, including arguments from Court Watch.  The trial judge even took a recess during the trial to review the Canada Court Watch website.  After careful deliberation of the materials and arguments put forth by all parties, the learned trial judge ruled that Court Watch would be allowed to remain in the court as a media representative and that the parents would be allowed to record their court hearing using their own recording device.  For both arguments the CAS, at taxpayer's expense, argued against the rights and freedoms of the parents, argued against freedom of the press and argued against laws which any layperson can read and understand.

It's a shame that CAS agencies such as the Kitchener Waterloo CAS continue to spend our taxpayer's money on silly lawsuits against parents in the community.  Taxpayer's monies should be used to benefit children in the community, not benefit the lawyers who work for CAS. If CAS agencies were doing such a great job in caring for children, they should have nothing to fear from a few upset parents speaking up against them.  The actions of CAS alone should be proof of their good work.  As long as CAS agencies continue to hide behind a veil of secrecy and to fight against such simple things as recording interviews with children and trying to keep things secret by keeping the media out their courts, there will be more parents and organizations speaking out.  As has been found in the US., a more open and transparent child protection system has resulted in a better system and has cut down on the number of cases significantly.
Copy of Justice Lofchik's endorsement

Note: Court Watch would like to remind all readers that although there have been many cases of abuse of children and families by CAS workers, that there still are some CAS workers who do their jobs professionally.  There are children who are being abused who do need help.  Readers should be reminded that the task at hand is not to destroy CAS but to make all various child protection agencies and their workers work in a more open and accountable manner with parents in all provinces for the benefit of all childreno.  Public criticism and condemnation of the CAS unfortunately is part of the solution because before there is political will to fix the problem with the CAS, the public must be made aware of the extent of the problems that families face when dealing with child protection agencies.

Family Courts and Ontario's Office of the Attorney General fail to  help Toronto father obtain justice.  Canadian father now forced to seek help direct from U.S. authorities
(August 29, 2006) A Toronto father, Lucian Sava, claims that he has been given the run around by the family court and the Attorney General's office in obtaining help to find his children.  He has not seen or heard from his children for over two years yet in all this time, none of the authorities in Canada seem able or willing to help.  His children were abducted from Canada by their mother, Violetta Sava, and taken to the US while the mother was in contempt of a court Order issued at the family court on Sheppard Ave. in Toronto.  The father believes that the mother provided false information to US authorities in order to gain entry to the US in violation of US immigration rules and procedures and that Canadian courts are turning a blind eye to this.

Before entering the U.S., it appears that the mother may have defrauded Canadian financial institutions before fleeing the country with the children.  Mr. Sava has told Court Watch that staff at the Attorney General's office has done nothing to provide any real help and that if anything, have tried to pass the buck to the State of Texas.  Nobody seems to know where the mother and her children are and it seems that nobody in the courts can even arrange to allow Mr. Sava the opportunity to see or talk to his children.

Mr. Sava also claims that although nobody knows where his ex-wife is located, FRO seems still to want to take his money for child support for children which nobody seems to know how to locate them, not even the authorities. In fact, the FRO are threatening to take away his driver's licence while being forced onto welfare as a result of his wife and the lawyers taking all of his money and assets.  Read Mr. Sava's letter to the Attorney General in Texas together with some attachments which show how Mr. Sava is being given the run-around by authorities in Canada who seem to not care less about a mother who abducts her children from the father and then disappears with all the cash and assets.

According to Mr. Sava, "it appears that authorities in Canada could not care less about the relationship between a Canadian father and his children.  It seems that honest and hard working Canadian fathers are disposable commodities in this country while mothers get away with stealing children and breaking the law with impunity.  I have been ruined financially because of all this while the mother laughs and makes a mockery of the Canadian justice system for allowing her to steal the kids and snub her nose at a Canadian court Order."
Link to letter in PDF format

False allegations being used to spread fear at the Barrie, Ontario court
(August 28, 2006) Court Watch was provided information coming from an inside source at the Barrie, Ontario court in which it was revealed that court security staff were spreading misinformation and what appeared to be outright lies concerning the public awareness campaign held in Barrie on August 25, 2006.  It would appear that that some court employees are spreading lies by saying that Justice Olah was threatened by a group of "deadbeat dads" and that because of this, steps have been taken to provide extra security for her.  Extra police officers were assigned to her court on Monday and court staff were reported as telling citizens that Justice Olah also was being given 24 hour police security at her home.  According to the inside source, court staff were also reporting that a police investigation is now under way (at further taxpayer's expense of course).

These false stories being told by court staff are absolute lies which members of Court Watch believe intended to only justify further oppression and harassment of those good citizens who are only trying to make our justice system better. First of all, the group who participated at the event on Friday were mothers, fathers, grandparents, children and grandchildren. The issue of gender was not part of the public awareness campaign that day.  There were teens and young children who participated. Most were just good citizens who were aware of the problems with the court system and agree that changes are needed to the system to benefit the future of our children.  The citizens, ranging in ages from 3 years to 70, simply distributed flyers in the community and in the geographical areas surrounding the Barrie court to bring attention to the people that Justice Olah was not behaving like a competent judge.  It was a fun day for all who participated.  Yet, court officials appear to have transformed this peaceful event into a physical threat against Justice Olah.

Court Watch acknowledges that the public awareness campaign last Friday was intended to embarrass Justice Olah but that this was undertaken in the spirit of protecting the public's interest.  This campaign was was the result of reporters from the media, including Court Watch, who on at least two occasions were threatened with arrest for simply attempting to quietly and peacefully enter her court and to do their job of monitoring the court to help protect the public's interest in the administration of Justice.  Justice Olah's reaction was to kick members of the media out and to threaten them with arrest.  Madame Justice Olah even had the Archbishop D.B. excluded from the court, even though a teenage girl had requested that he attend with her to support her at the court in which she was the principle subject.  Justice Olah has also impeded parties in obtaining transcripts of hearings for no fair and just reason. Certainly, this is not how a good judge should conduct business in any court in any community.

A good judge would not would not prevent a teenage girl from bringing in a support person of the teen's choice into the court.  A good judge would not put up barriers to parties obtaining court transcripts.  A good judge would not refuse the media the opportunity to respectfully argue in court and to allow the arguments to be placed on court record.  A good judge would not ignore the reasonable wishes of the parties in the court.  A good judge not ignore the age-old tradition of freedom of the press.  A good judge would not threaten to arrest members of the media without fairly and honourably allowing argument.  A good judge would not issue instructions (but not orders) in some back room to have members of the Ontario Provincial Police select who gets to go into a court and who is made to stay out and to then have officers padlock the courtroom doors.  A good judge would not be afraid to have his/her words put on the court record and to have any orders given put into a written "court order" for the record.  Justice Olah has not acted like a good judge and has brought dishonour to herself and brought dishonour to the administration of justice.  Prior to this public awareness event on August 25, 2006, Court Watch wrote a letter to the Attorney General to seek assistance but the Attorney General of Ontario was unable to assist.  The only recourse left open to the citizens of of Canada was to launch a public awareness campaign to bring the issues involving Justice Olah into the court of public opinion where there are no armed police officers and courtroom door to silence those who citizens who wish to participate.

It is unfortunate that false allegations have to be used by court officials as a weapon against those citizens who were only exercising their democratic rights under Canadian Law and doing so quietly and peacefully.

The use of lies and false allegations are well known and accepted in the courts these days.  In fact, Ontario Justice Mary Lou Benotto has stated publicly that false allegations are used in court regularly in court and that those who make false allegations in family court are seldom punished by the court system. The use of false allegations by making claims of threats against a judge appear intended to cause police to participate in a campaign to harass the citizens (just as CAS workers do) to justify the further waste of taxpayer's monies on unnecessary court security and steps to further blame the citizens for the failings of the system.  If Justice Olah was a good judge she should have no problems feeling safe and walking freely in the community as one of our respected citizens.  Hopefully, Justice Olah will correct her ways and be the the honourable and respectful judge which is all that the citizens of Barrie want of her.

The chairman of Court Watch, the Archbishop Dorian A. Baxter would welcome an invitation to a meeting with Justice Olah and the court administrators at the Barrie court to discuss the issues of concern which affect members of the public.  Court Watch believes that all judges should be willing to dialogue openly with the citizens of the communities they work in and to be willing to discuss issues relating to the court system, not be isolated from the people behind a wall of police security and secrecy.  Justice Olah and those at court administration know the Email address of Court Watch.  Representatives from Court Watch welcome the invitation from Justice Olah to discuss the issues of concern to people in the community in an open and transparent manner.

Officials at Barrie, Ontario court refuse seniors access to public washrooms
(August 28, 2006) At a public awareness campaign held in Barrie on August 26, 2006, senior officials at the courthouse told senior citizens that they could not use the public washrooms because they were wearing T shirts which had the name Canada Court Watch printed on them.  In fact, those wearing the T shirts were considered "gang" members, including young children and seniors.  Will workers at the courts begin to claim that the senior citizens and the children who support Court Watch are terrorists? Truly a sign of what some individuals will do to maintain secrecy and unaccountability in the court system.
Link to article in PDF format

Barrie, Ontario's Judicial Tyrant - Madame Justice Lydia Olah
(August 25, 2006) Court Watch has been contacted by a number of people, including children, parents and even lawyers about Justice Lydia Olah of the Barrie, Ontario court.  To many in the area, including some lawyers who have called Court Watch, she is a judicial tyrant.  During the distribution of the attached flyer on the streets in the community of Barrie on August 25, 2006, many citizens acknowledged hearing about the abuse of power and authority by Justice Olah and of personally knowing of others in the community who have been adversely affected by her decisions.  While Court Watch maintains that judges are human and can make mistakes in their judgements at times (which are acceptable) and although Justice Olah has made some good decisions in her court at times, it appears from an analysis of some of the facts related to some of her court cases that some of her decisions are not mistakes, but clearly an abuse of judicial authority which has hurt children and families in her community and tarnished the justice system.  Judicial tyranny is not acceptable nor should it ever be. Judges who conduct themselves in a manner with  clearly shows that they are abusing the power and authority vested in them by the citizens of Canada should not be judges in this country.

Court Watch states publicly that should Justice Olah, any member of the legal profession or anyone in the Justice System who may be reading this report, wish to challenge our claims about abuse of power by Justice Olah in an open public forum before the citizens of Canada, then Court Watch would be pleased to meet the challenge.  Just e mail Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com  A formal public forum face to face with those having issues with Justice Olah and the justice system can be arranged.  Attorney General Michael Bryant says we need a more open court system so an open public forum would be a good place to start.
Link to article in PDF format

CAS workers and police harass family - incident caught on video surveillance cameras
(August 21, 2006) A mother has reported that CAS and police have repeatedly been to her home to harass her and her teenage son over the disappearance of her younger son from the care of the CAS. The mother has had video surveillance equipment installed in her home, including hidden video and audio equipment which has caught all the action.  It seems that the younger boy is running from the CAS because he hates being in care and hates having his rights violated by CAS workers. 

The runaway boy will at some time in the future when he comes out of hiding likely tell Court Watch of his story of abuse and why he fled the CAS just as many former children in care of CAS are now contacting Court Watch to offer video testimony of their physical and emotional abuse by CAS workers and agencies.  Unfortunately, police are being mislead and being made to look like fools by CAS workers who in many cases are getting police to be enforcers of CAS policies which are unprofessional and unethical in many cases. Court Watch maintains that police had better stop taking the word of CAS workers as more and more cases are being uncovered where CAS workers are lying to police and making police look like fools.

Recent cases of police breaking down doors and harassing families is sounding more and more like the story of families in Germany where the SS police searched homes looking for children and families to haul away to be killed.  For those who know of the story of Anne Frank, she and her family hid from the Nazi SS with the help of sympathizers in Germany.

If any readers of this site wish to have hidden audio and video surveillance equipment installed in their homes or vehicles to secretly record visits from CAS workers or police then contact Court Watch. A number of home security firms, sympathetic to families being harassed by by CAS workers have contacted us and have indicated that they have for sale specialized equipment for this purpose.  In the future, Court Watch will be offering such equipment on a monthly rental package for those gathering evidence for a possible harassment and malicious prosecution lawsuits.

Hincks-Dellcrest child worker charged by police for kiddie porn
(August 16, 2006) Court Watch has received complaints about the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre in Toronto in regards to parent's complaints about biased custody and access assessments.  According to this recent newspaper article it would seem that Hincks-Dellcrest Centre may have the same problem as many CAS agencies do in recruiting reliable and competent workers.  Robert Fedoruk, a worker with the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre has been charged for having child porn on his computer.  The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre received referrals from the CAS and the courts in regards to cases involving children.

Link to article in PDF format

If you or someone you know has experienced problems with this worker or any other worker with the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre then Court Watch would like to hear from you.  Contact Court Watch at info@canadacourtwatch.com or call us by phone at (416) 410-4115.

Ontario Judge says that CAS worker lacks credibilty.
(July 27, 2006) Court Watch has been informed that an Ontario judge recently told his court that he had serious concerns about the credibility of a certain Ontario CAS worker and others associated with her.  From information provided to Court Watch, it appears that this CAS worker was involved in a case in which false testimony was given to the court.  It appears that the judge seen through the CAS worker's testimony and could see the fabrications and lies in the case.  Court Watch will be publishing an article on this case in the near future but in the meantime, the names of those involved will not be published pending a civil action against the CAS worker involved.

Are you a father who has been subjected to or is being requested to submit to a Penile Plethysmograph test?
(July 19, 2006) Court Watch has learned this week that some CAS agencies in Ontario are forcing fathers to subject themselves to the draconian Penile Plethysmograph tests in which fathers must have electrodes attached to their penis while they are shown graphic pictures of pornography including child pornography.  Any arousal after seeing the pictures  subjects the father to removal from his family and the labelling of him as a pedophile.  This flawed testing procedure has been found to be highly unreliable and has been discredited in the scientific community.  Yet today, it seems to be one of the tools which CAS agencies are now using in their witch hunts to destroy good dads.  Some fathers in Ontario are being sent to the CAS's own "penis doctors", who likely because of close ties to CAS agencies will come up with results which support what the CAS wants. The taxpayers of Ontario pay these quack doctors for all this.  The CAS pays for these tests using taxpayer dollars in most cases so that CAS agencies can get to choose their own quack to administer the tests. Many would say that this sounds like a great palm greasing scheme where quack doctors and unregistered CAS workers label fathers as perverts and of course these quacks and the CAS agencies benefit financially as they open files and force intervention, all of this paid by the taxpayers of course.

In case you are wondering, there is a similar device for measuring female arousal. G. Sintchak and J. H. Geer created a vaginal plethysmograph in 1975, but vaginal probing for signs of arousal is no more reliable than penile measurements. There is no sound theoretical basis for interpreting what the measurements mean (Meston 2000).  The bottom line is that these tests are unreliable and should not be used.  Nobody should consent to one of these tests if requested to do so by CAS workers, especially those who are not even licensed social workers.