Katherine MacDonald

In an uncontested trial, the applicant mother sought sole decision-making responsibility, primary residence, and child support for the parties' five-year-old child.

The respondent father, who resides in Qatar or Morocco, did not participate.

The court granted the applicant sole decision-making and primary residence, noting she had been the primary caregiver since birth.

The court also dispensed with the respondent's consent for travel and passport applications.

Income of $44,937 was imputed to the respondent based on his historical income as a firefighter in Qatar, the lack of personal income tax there, and employment benefits, resulting in a child support order of $417 per month.

A divorce order was also granted.

The parties brought competing urgent motions regarding the choice of school for their 7-year-old twin boys for Grade 2.

The applicant mother sought to enroll the children in an English secular school, arguing their English skills were weak and impacting their safety and relationships.

The respondent father sought to enroll them in a French Catholic school, consistent with their separation agreement, to maintain their Francophone heritage.

The court found that it was in the best interests of the children to attend the French Catholic school, noting that they would naturally acquire English living in Toronto and that the previous agreement between the parties remained appropriate.