for the subject child)

The Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto brought a status review application.

The court addressed the issue of whether a party from a previous status review application automatically remains a party in a new one.

The court determined that party status does not automatically roll over and that the maternal grandfather, who was a party in a prior proceeding, no longer met the statutory definition of a "parent" under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, nor did he meet other criteria for party status or notice.

Relying on its inherent authority to control its own process, the court ordered the removal of the maternal grandfather as a party, finding it to be in the child's best interests and to prevent unnecessary delays and costs.

The Jewish Family and Child Services of Greater Toronto brought a motion to declare the respondent Z.Y. a "special party" under subrule 2(1) of the Family Law Rules and to appoint the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) as her representative.

Z.Y., the mother of the subject child, opposed the motion.

The court reviewed the legal framework for determining mental incapacity, including provisions from the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, and relevant case law.

Based on evidence of Z.Y.'s severe mental health decline, disorganized thinking, and inability to understand the proceedings or appreciate the consequences of her decisions, the court found that Z.Y. met the criteria for a "special party" due to mental incapacity.

The motion was granted, and the PGT was appointed as Z.Y.'s representative to protect her interests and ensure proper presentation of information for the child's best interests.