The respondent mother, who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, brought an urgent motion for an order allowing her to visit her 12-year-old son before she died.
The applicant father opposed the motion, citing the child's stated preference not to see his mother due to historical conflict and alleged trauma.
The court applied the best interests of the child framework under section 24 of the Children's Law Reform Act.
Despite the child's clear preference not to visit, the court found that a single, one-hour compassionate visit was in his long-term emotional and psychological best interests to provide closure and prevent future regret.
The motion was granted.
