R.E. v. Nova Scotia (Opportunities and Social Development)

Decided: 2026-10-01. Docket: CA 553286. Citation: 2026 NSCA 70 (CanLII). Child protection — Disposition — Permanent care and custody — Best interests of the child — Whether palpable and overriding error in assessing competing care plans — Whether child remained in need of protective services under Children and Family Services Act, ss. 22(2)(g), (k) — Statutory timelines and finality considered — Permanent care order upheld — Appeal dismissed | Constitution — Charter — Fundamental justice — Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, s. 7 — Whether absence of legal counsel caused a procedurally unfair trial or patently unjust result — Withdrawal of counsel permitted due to ethical considerations, Cunningham v. Lilles — Accommodations for self-represented parent assessed — No Charter breach fou