During a lengthy and complex family law trial involving international access, child support, and allegations of domestic violence and parental alienation, the trial judge appointed counsel as amici curiae to assist the court after both parents became effectively self‑represented.
The Attorney General objected to the appointments and appealed, arguing the court exceeded its jurisdiction and improperly required the province to fund counsel acting primarily for the parties.
On the appeal motion, the court determined that independent responding submissions were necessary because the parties lacked resources to participate.
The court therefore appointed the same amici to respond to the appeal and directed them to file materials and make oral submissions.
The court also commented on principles governing remuneration of amici and encouraged the Attorney General and counsel to agree on reasonable compensation.
