Supreme Court reviews common-law rights

Common-law couples in Quebec may be granted spousal benefits.

According to the CBC, the Supreme Court of Canada is reviewing a landmark case that could alter alimony and property rights for Quebec’s unmarried couples. 

Government lawyers argue that the province should allow common-law couples to settle their own affairs.

Several years ago, a wealthy Quebec businessman and his ex-partner argued over alimony payments in court.

The lower courts ruled that the defendant did not have to pay, since the couple had never been married. 

However, the Quebec Court of Appeal overturned the verdict, ruling in favour of the plaintiff.

In most Canadian provinces, common-law partnerships are given alimony and property rights.

Quebec is the only province that does not recognize common-law unions, despite the fact that one-third of Quebecers are not married.