FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Parent Stages Protest Outside MCFD Offices to Demand the Return of His Child
Victoria, BC — July 11, 2025 — In a bold act of personal conviction, local resident and parent Frankie Weidner is launching a protest outside the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) offices at
- 525 Superior Street, Victoria, BC
- Monday, July 14th at 11:30am
120 children died in MCFD care last year alone, and more than 740 received ‘critical injuries’.
“This is gender discrimination. If I were the mother, and the father had died in MCFD care, there’s no way the child would have been kept from me for over 220 days.”
Frankie Weidner is calling on MCFD to:
- Adhere to their own policy of reuniting children with parents, and return Caia immediately
- Take accountability for the fact that Caia’s mother died in their care
- Stop gender discrimination against fathers
This peaceful protest seeks to amplify this story and highlight the urgent need for reform. The protest will end outside the Parliament building, where Mr. Weidner will answer press questions.
For interviews, media inquiries, or to learn more about Frankie Weidner’s reasons for protesting, please contact:
Media Contact:
Lisa Page
778.350.0456
LisaKPageCommunications.com
Background information on Frankie and Caia
Caia’s mother suffered an addiction relapse triggered by severe postpartum depression. Caia's mother died in MCFD care after being placed and neglected. Frankie wasn't even contacted until 5 days after her passing at 2:30pm on December 9th, when he was told he would need to be in court the next morning in another city. To this day, Caia continues to be held 120 km from her home.
Frankie Weidner was doing his best to be a supportive partner and navigate an incredibly challenging situation. In one episode, Caia’s mother violently attacked Frankie, which was documented by police and hospital staff. After this episode she and Caia were placed in a halfway house, while social services coordinated a rehabilitation facility for Caia’s mother to go to. Four days into this stay, Caia’s mother died.
For 220 days, MCFD has placed condition after condition upon Frankie. He is completing every assignment, course, or requirement MCFD sets, and there is still no return date articulated.
The physical, mental, and emotional toll is overwhelming. Frankie is spending up to 100 hours a week meeting requirements, as well as travelling to the mainland to visit Caia on the two visitation days MCFD has allowed.
MCFD has ignored the judge's instructions to allow the maximum time and frequency for visitation.
#BringCaiaHome
