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The government was not initially part of the court case, launched by McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ont., but got involved after the ruling came down and ignited a heated debate.

Since then, the attorney general’s ministry has been talking to both J.J.’s family and representatives of the Six Nations reserve where they live about the “principles” flowing out of the decision by Justice Gethin Edward, said Paul Williams, the family’s lawyer.

“The conversations are really positive and are going well and we have taken the time to do it right, which means we’ve had to request a couple of extensions,” he said. “My sense is Ontario has no desire to appeal this. Ontario has a desire to resolve it, and that’s what we’re doing.”

My sense is Ontario has no desire to appeal this

Williams declined to reveal, however, what exactly is being discussed or what kind of agreement might emerge from the mysterious talks. He also said he was not authorized by his clients to discuss J.J.’s health. Her mother has said a recent test found no evidence of cancer.

“It’s a difficult time for the family,” the lawyer said. “Obviously looking after their daughter is their first priority, but, yes, they are also interested in the bigger issues.”

The government will not comment further on the case since it could be before the courts again, said Christine Burke, a spokeswoman for Madeleine Meilleur, Ontario’s attorney general.

J.J. was the second of two southern Ontario girls, both 11 and from neighbouring reserves, diagnosed last year with leukemia. Both started undergoing chemotherapy but then withdrew, saying they wanted to pursue aboriginal remedies instead.