Alisa P. Williams

The applicant society sought an order for Crown wardship without access for a two-year-old child who suffered severe, non-accidental brain injuries while in the parents' care.

The respondent mother sought the return of the child, and the respondent father supported placement with the paternal grandmother.

The court reviewed extensive medical evidence, a parenting capacity assessment, and a kinship care assessment.

Finding that the mother lacked the necessary skills to care for a special needs child and that the paternal grandmother faced significant stressors, the court concluded that placement with either was not in the child's best interests.

Given the statutory time limits and the child's need for permanency, the court ordered Crown wardship without access.

The respondent brought a motion seeking a declaration that a family law application was not validly issued, a change of venue, and leave to file an answer.

The court held that any irregularities in the issuance of the application were merely technical and did not invalidate the proceeding.

The request for a change of venue was denied due to the respondent's failure to comply with a prior court order requiring financial disclosure.

Leave to file an answer was not granted immediately; instead, the court imposed a condition that the respondent first comply with the disclosure order within 30 days, failing which a further motion would proceed to determine whether leave should be granted.