Same-sex partners

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An Act of Parliament in 2000 formally extended benefits and obligations to all couples—be they of the same or opposite sex—who have been cohabiting in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.

This legislative action is a reflection of Canadians' continuing concern for fairness and equality. The legal adjustment reflects values of tolerance, respect and equality, consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It takes a step toward legitimizing what a 1998 poll revealed: the general populace is accepting of same-sex couples.

These legislative changes among others permit persons in a same-sex partnership to be entitled to tax credits in regard to support of the dependent partner and for survivor benefits to apply under the terms of the Canada Pension Plan.