Charles Hammond

The applicant, a 50-year-old with developmental disabilities, brought an application for dependant's support against his late mother's estate under s. 58(1) of the Succession Law Reform Act.

The applicant lived in a supported group home and his expenses were met through government benefits, though his mother had assisted administratively with his finances.

The court found that the applicant was not a 'dependant' as he had withdrawn from his mother's charge and was not reliant on her for support.

In the alternative, the court held that the mother's will, which left the applicant a 10 per cent share of the residue, made adequate provision given the modest size of the estate, the applicant's independent means, and the competing moral claim of a granddaughter who relied on the deceased for housing.

The application was dismissed.

The appellants brought a motion seeking disclosure of documents and the consolidation of three separate appeals against the Dairy Farmers of Ontario and the Director of Regulatory Compliance.

The Tribunal ordered the disclosure of the requested board minutes and communications, subject to claims of privilege.

However, the Tribunal dismissed the request to consolidate the appeals, noting that section 9.1(1) of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act requires the consent of all parties to consolidate or hear proceedings together, which was not provided.

The Tribunal ordered the appeals to be heard consecutively by the same panel.