WHEREAS Parental Alienation is prevalent in high conflict divorces and custody situations during which time a parent influences a child in the denigration of the other parent.

These undue influences on a child can break what is otherwise a good and loving relationship between that child and the targeted parent.

Parental Alienation is considered harmful to children, robs them of their sense of security and deprives them of their right to love and be loved by both parents.

Behaviours which interfere with the child/parent relationship can be problematic for the lifetime of the child. The personal cost and emotional harm of parental alienation can have long-term consequences. Raising awareness and bringing these behaviours and their impact on children to the forefront will help in the prevention of parental alienation.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim April 25, 2012 as "Parental Alienation Awareness Day" in the City of Toronto.