Yellowknife (Oct 20/04) - A father's rights activist wants the territorial government to weigh in on custody issues following separation and divorce.

Dad's North organizer Mark Bogan met with Justice Minister Charles Dent at the legislature building last Thursday. He is seeking a commitment from the minister to form a special committee to study child custody problems in the NWT.

Father's rights activist Mark Bogan met with Justice Minister Charles Dent last week, hoping to form a special legislative committee to study child custody problems in the NWT. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

He claims that non-custodial parents - most often fathers - are treated unfairly by the courts when deciding the amount of child support payments and determining visiting rights.

"One of the problems we've identified today was the lack of participation from people that are showing concerns," said Bogan.

"Many people are afraid to come forward, feeling this may have a negative impact on their relationship with their children."

Dent said while child custody decisions fall under federal legislation, he is willing to poll MLAs to see if there is support to form a committee to study the issue.

They could come up with recommendations to pass along to Ottawa.

"The change isn't something we can accomplish," said Dent. "It has to be done at the federal level."

Bogan made news earlier this summer during the federal election campaign when he threw packets of purple-dyed flour and chalk at Western Arctic candidates at a public forum at Northern United Place.

A single charge of assault with a weapon was later dropped by Crown prosecutors.

Frequent protests

Bogan is often seen protesting outside the legislative assembly or the Yellowknife courthouse while wearing a homemade superhero-type outfit under the name "Plywood Man."

Costumes emulating comic book superheroes have become the trademark of fathers' rights activists throughout North America and Great Britain.

Bogan didn't wear his costume during his meeting with Dent last week, but said the superhero campaign has become a big hit in Great Britain, and expects it will continue to build here.

"Plywood Man in Canada will continue to conduct peaceful protests in the Northwest Territories to support the initiatives of Fathers-for-Justice in the (United Kingdom) and Fathers-for-Justice in Canada," said Bogan.