Feb 11, 2026 – Join the Movement and Make a Difference
The Best Interest of the Child: Canadian Campaign for Equal Shared Co-Parenting
“We are a child focused advocacy group dedicated to bringing meaningful reform to the Divorce Act with a rebuttable presumption of equal shared parenting at the onset of divorce or separation, in the absence of abuse, neglect or violence.
We believe Children’s Best Interests are served by having Both Parents actively involved in their upbringing and that its a child’s right to have the love and care of both parents after separation or divorce.”
Polls tell the story. Canadians want Equal Shared Parenting. It’s about time, Canada!
BREAKING UP WITH OLD IDEAS: CANADA IS READY FOR EQUAL SHARED PARENTING
February is often framed as a month about relationships — which ones endure, which ones evolve, and which ones no longer reflect who we are or what we know to be true.
When it comes to family law and in particular when it comes to resolving parenting issues, it is time for an honest reckoning.
For centuries, parenting decisions after separation have been shaped by outdated assumptions about parental roles. Those assumptions borne of the ’60’s and ’70’s no longer reflect modern families, modern parenting, or modern evidence. It is time to break up with old ideas — and seriously commit to Equal Shared Parenting.
The Public Has Already Made Up Its Mind
According to a national survey conducted by Nanos Research, over three-quarters of Canadians support legislation that creates a rebuttable presumption of equal shared parenting, absent special circumstances.
- Nearly 90% of Canadians agree it is in a child’s best interest to have as much time as possible with both parents.
- Approximately 90% support children having the right to equal or near-equal time with both parents, absent safety concerns.
- Support for equal shared parenting has increased steadily since 2017, not declined.
The polls do not lie. Canadians are not clinging to outdated models of parenting.
The Law, However, Is Lagging Behind
While jurisdictions in the United States continue to move toward rebuttable presumptions of equal parenting time, Canada remains cautious — often defaulting to discretionary frameworks that allow old biases to persist.
To be clear, Equal Shared Parenting does not mean ignoring safety, family violence, or genuine incapacity. It simply means that capable parents should not begin litigation from a position of disadvantage based on outdated gender roles or institutional inertia.
Why This Matters — In Practice, Not Theory
At the Gene C. Colman Family Law Centre, we see the real-world impact of these legal structures every day. Parents are forced to “prove” their worth. Children are caught in unnecessary conflict. Resources are drained litigating issues that should never have been controversial in the first place. As Gene C. Colman has said for decades:
“To achieve Equal Shared Parenting, the father should not have to prove in court that he is super dad. Simply put, our legal system should mandate ESP for adequate parents. It’s really a no-brainer.”
That position was once seen as radical. Today, it aligns squarely with public opinion, social science, and common sense.
Continuing the Conversation
Below, we present a few short AI videos that reinforce a simple message we’ve been presenting (both in court and elsewhere) for years: Equal Shared Parenting — It’s about time.
If you are a parent navigating parenting-time or decision-making issues in Ontario — or if you want to understand how Equal Shared Parenting can be advanced in your case — we are here to help. Contact us today!
Link to Gene C. Colman’s Equal Shared Parenting Web Page
Link to past issues of the ESP Thought of the Day publication
Sincerely,
Gene C. Colman
Gene C. Colman Family Law Centre
https://www.complexfamilylaw.com
Email: gene@complexfamilylaw.com
Phone: 416-635-9264, Ext. 101
