A federal minister has stepped in to temporarily stop the deportation of a Montreal father and son, a last-minute decision the family's lawyer says underscores growing concerns that Canadian authorities are increasingly and abruptly separating the families of recognized refugees.

The intervention came Saturday, just days before the father, Ravi Chauhan, and son were scheduled to be removed from Canada Monday evening. Their lawyer says the one-month deferral will give officials time to review the situation and consider longer-term options to allow the family to remain together. CBC News reported Chauhan and his family's story Friday.

Immigration lawyer Stewart Istvanffy welcomed the decision, crediting Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree for stepping in, but said the case raises concerns about how such removals are being pursued in the first place.