I have developed a raport with my local MPP. I have just sent him information on Francois' case. I know that there has been no "official" call to action from the foundation as yet, but Francois did request that we all e-mail Canadian politicians. I will send further e-mails as I have time:
Dear Stephen:
Thank you so much for the lovely Christmas card and the prior and subsequent information you sent to me regarding international parental child abductions. Fortunately, I already had most of that information but it was beneficial none-the-less.
I had taken a bit of a break over the holidays from the campaign and to celebrate the return of Sean Goldman to his rightful father! I am not sure how much American news you watched over the holidays but it was a joyous Christmas Eve for sure when David finally was given the right to parent his son! A true Christmas Miracle!
Now I’m writing to ask for more miracles. Following is a post on the Bring Sean Home Foundation forum by a CANADIAN left-behind parent. He was awarded custody of his son by both Canadian AND Brazilian courts more than two years ago. His ex-wife’s appeals were also denied and yet he still does not have his child. Chris Smith, an American politician took up the cause of David and Sean Goldman and became a true hero. There are currently two resolutions being looked at in the house and senate to help stop international child abductions in the United States. We need to get our own government on board to apply pressure to Brazil and other non-Hague countries like Japan who fail to recognize the rights of children.
Here are Mr. Larivee’s comments:
My son was abducted from Canada to Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) in October 2004. It took 2 1/2 years before the trial. I went to Court in Rio in February 2007 for a 2 day hearing (me, mother of my son, witnesses, respective lawyers, etc). On March 19, 2007 the judge ordered the return of my son to Canada.... Mother appeals...
On October 18th, 2007 Court of Appeal (Tribunal Regional Federal da 2a Regiao) confirmed the decision (3-0 judges in my favor).
Child is hidden by the mother and in November she gets a suspension of the enforcement order pending her appeal of the Appeal decision. Granted by Justice Fernando Marques, Vice-President of the Tribunal Regional Federal da 2a Reggio.
For 2 years now waiting for my case to be heard at STJ (Superior Tribunal de Justicia).
I've never wanted to go public but I think it's the only way I could get my son back.
If some of you want to help my strategy would start by sending emails to Canada's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs explaining what we all know and why Canada must pressure Brazil to apply the Hague Convention in a proper way.
As you can see we will likely be starting a push soon for the Canadian Government to get on board. I’ve also attached a chronology of events for Mr. Larivee’s case. You had mentioned that you would attempt to discuss this situation with the Minister. Did you have an opportunity to do this?
Thanks so much for your help and attention. Children deserve BOTH parents in their lives. There are so many unwanted children in this world...to have children denied access to a parent who does want them is nothing less than criminal. As a society it’s our responsibility to protect our children. I hope that you will agree and help once more.
Kindest regards and best wishes for the New Year...
Wendy Irving
Bring Sean Home Foundation supporter
