Karen Veenstra

The applicant sought an interim parenting order for joint decision-making and graduated parenting time with the child.

The respondent mother filed a cross-motion to file a domestic contract, stay the applicant's motion, and amend the child's birth certificate to identify the biological father.

The court granted interim contact time to the applicant, ordered the involvement of the Office of the Children's Lawyer, directed the filing of the domestic contract, and dispensed with the applicant's consent to amend the birth certificate.

The court found a strong, positive relationship between the applicant and the child, and largely dismissed the respondent mother's arguments against contact.

A Children's Aid Society brought a summary judgment motion seeking a declaration that a child born in 2013 was in need of protection under the Child and Family Services Act and should be made a ward of the Crown without access.

The child's mother consented to the order.

The father did not appear despite having answered.

The court found that the child was at risk of physical and emotional harm due to the mother's substance abuse, violent mood swings, and criminal history.

The father's extensive criminal record and incarceration history rendered him unable to provide care.

The court granted the summary judgment motion, making the child a Crown ward without access to either parent.