Aset Magomadova admitted to killing her 14-year-old daughter in a 2007 fight but the manslaughter conviction she received wasn't enough for the prosecution.
The Crown successfully appealed the court’s decision and a new trial was granted for Magomadova to face a second degree murder charge.
The trial was scheduled to begin on Monday, but the defence argues Magomadova is unfit to face the charges because of her ailing health.
The lawyer representing Magomadova says his client has been critically ill for more than a year and he's asking that the charge of second degree murder be stayed.
The defendant has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is undergoing treatment to extend her life.
Magomadova has already admitted to strangling her teen daughter to death but maintains the act was committed in self-defence.
With files from Elissa Carpenter
