Karen Lindsay-Skynner

Two child protection cases were heard on the same date following the proclamation of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 into force on April 30, 2018.

The first case involved an 11-year-old autistic child brought into care due to the mother's inability to manage significant behavioural problems.

The second case involved an infant under two months old brought into care due to the mother's mental health concerns.

Both cases were at the case conference stage with adjournments granted to allow the Children's Aid Societies to develop service plans consistent with the new statutory purposes and to report back to the court.

The parties separated after a 6.5-year relationship during which they raised four children together.

The applicant sought custody of the twin girls, spousal support, and a division of property, while the respondent sought custody of all children and permission to relocate to Kamloops.

The court granted the respondent custody of her two older boys and the applicant custody of the twins, with a shared parenting schedule.

The court dismissed the respondent's mobility claim, awarded the applicant spousal support for seven years, and found that the parties' home and bank accounts were part of a joint family venture, ordering an equal division of those assets.