New Initiative to Support Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce

Today, the Honourable Robert Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced a new family justice initiative to strengthen Canadian families - Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce.

"This is a good day for Canadian families dealing with the painful realities of separation and divorce," said Minister Nicholson. "The Government is taking action to improve access to the family justice system. The initiative will encourage parents to comply with their family obligations, including support and access obligations."

Beginning in fiscal year 2009/2010, overall funding of $122 million over five years will be provided, including $16 million per year for the provinces and territories - which are responsible for the delivery of family justice services. "At the recent federal, provincial and territorial meetings of Justice Ministers in Quebec City, my provincial/territorial colleagues stressed the importance of our collective commitment to supporting families. I am therefore pleased to announce the Government of Canada's contribution to this important initiative."

The Government will continue to provide enforcement services directly to provinces and territories to help them collect child support for the benefit of families.

Funding will also support mediation, parenting education and child support recalculation services, which all help to reduce costly and stressful litigation. These services help parents make sound decisions and maintain positive relationships with their children.

The initiative builds on the strong, longstanding collaboration between the federal government and the provinces and territories. This on-going partnership has produced solid results for Canadian families and reduced hardship for children across Canada.

In announcing this initiative, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to Canadian families and ensuring that those families experiencing separation and divorce will continue to be well served.

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