What is the impact of having a step-parent in an application for a stay of removal?

The respondent relies on the decision in Hussey v. M.C.I., [2000] F.C.J. No. 1279 (F.C.T.D.), where McKewon J. on an application for stay of removal, stated: The applicant is not the father of his new wife's three children. The cases where the best interest of the children are considered with respect to irreparable harm are all cases where it was the father and not the step-father who was involved. This applicant has only resided with his new wife and step-children for less than four months. The applicant was married to the new wife ten months ago and spent some time with her during the first six months. While separation from the wife and the step-children will be difficult for all the parties, it does not amount to irreparable harm in the circumstances of this case. I urge the immigration department to promptly deal with his sponsorship application.