A new name change and image.... 

The Block Parent Program of Canada, Inc. (BPPCI) started a suit in Federal Court in January 2001 against the Edmonton Block Parent Association (EBPA) stating that we were infringing upon the Block Parent name and logo. The EBPA Board has worked and fought continuously since that time to retain the name and logo that this community has known for 33 years.

The EBPA did not have the funds to hire a lawyer but attempted to respond to all allegations from the BPPCL Board members wrote motions and affidavits, with supporting documents, and tried to file them with the Federal Court.

The Federal Court has a rule stating that all parties involved must he represented by a lawyer and only a lawyer could file motions and respond to statements from the opposing side. After months of hard work and constant contact with the Court in Ottawa the EBPA was granted permission to file a motion. Unfortunately, even after all of our sweat and tears, we lost the case and were ordered to cease and desist using the Block Parent name and logo.

The order will be complied with and all changes are to be complete by November 1, 2006. The first change is of course the name. As of July 2 the EBPA legally changed their name to The Edmonton Safe Parent Association (ESPA). A new logo was been created using our mascot, Spunky, and new signs will he created as well. The premise of this very successful crime prevention association will continue to be the safety of children and anyone else who finds themselves in an emergency situation.

Please continue using the current Block Parent sign as you normally would until further notice. Arrangements are being made to exchange signs and update files in various locations throughout the city for your convenience. Please check the Examiner for dates, times and locations nearest to you.

The Board thanks you for your patience and is trying to make this transition as quickly and stress free as possible.

If you wish further explanations please call me at the office, 421—3419. 1 would he happy to speak to you about this matter.

Karen Larsen

Program Co-ordinator