M. Shelston

The parties separated after an eight-year relationship during which they had three children.

The applicant mother sought sole decision-making responsibility, restricted parenting time for the respondent father, child support, spousal support, and $400,000 for unjust enrichment.

The court ordered joint decision-making responsibility and significantly expanded the father's parenting time, finding the mother had unjustifiably restricted his access.

The court imputed an income of $82,768 to the self-employed father and ordered retroactive and ongoing child support.

The mother's claims for spousal support and unjust enrichment were dismissed, as the court imputed a part-time income to her and found no evidence of a joint family venture regarding the father's farming assets.

A child protection trial involving three Indigenous children apprehended by a children’s aid society following earlier permanent guardianship orders involving seven siblings in another province.

The court examined allegations of parental instability, lack of financial and medical supports, transient living conditions, and the significant influence of the father over the mothers.

Expert psychological evidence raised concerns about the father’s paranoia and control over the family dynamic, and whether the mothers could protect the children from associated risks.

Although the mothers demonstrated appropriate parenting during supervised access, the court concluded the ongoing risks of physical and emotional harm remained significant.

Applying the Child and Family Services Act best‑interests framework and considering Indigenous cultural placement factors, the court ordered Crown wardship without access for the purpose of adoption.