Montreal Mother Awaits Bail in Toddler Abandonment Case

A Montreal mother faces charges of child abandonment and criminal negligence causing bodily harm after her three-year-old daughter was found dehydrated but safe beside an Ontario highway on June 18, three days after being reported missing. The child was discovered by an OPP drone following an extensive search launched when the mother, claiming memory loss, reported her missing on June 15. The identities of both mother and child remain protected under a publication ban. The mother appeared emotional during her multi-day bail hearing, which featured police testimony and will conclude with a bail decision next week. The Crown opposes her release, citing public safety and justice concerns, while the defense argues she needs help. The mother remains in custody as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.