The mother, whom CTV News is not naming in order to maintain her young son’s privacy, had posted several public videos in recent days outlining a tug-of-war with social workers and hospital staff over the child’s medical care after he was hospitalized after fainting and running a high fever.

“My son isn't vaccinated and I live a very naturopathic lifestyle,” she said in one video posted days before the alleged abduction. “A part of me can't believe I'm hiding from the ministry and their police, all because I'm exercising my Charter of rights.”

She acknowledged being warned about consulting a lawyer if she refused medical treatment for her son, who was prescribed several rounds of antibiotics after an initial round she’d approved. She also said her son looked healthy and that she did not believe he needed more antibiotics, but that she’d taken him back and forth to hospital for further testing and consultation with doctors.

What precipitated the alleged abduction is unclear. The hospital did not respond to CTV News requests to explain whether the boy was supervised and how he could’ve been taken from a healthcare facility.

For its part, the Ministry of Children and Family Development would not confirm its involvement in the case. In response to a request for an interview, it sent an email explaining that when there are concerns about a child’s safety, they may get involved with the “minimum intervention” required, and that “this may include instances where a parent or caregiver may refuse medically necessary or life-saving care or treatment.”