I-16 - Interpretation Act

Section 61.1 Disposition versions

2002-06-24

61.1. The word “spouse” means a married or civil union spouse.

The word “spouse” includes a de facto spouse unless the context indicates otherwise. Two persons of opposite sex or the same sex who live together and represent themselves publicly as a couple are de facto spouses regardless, except where otherwise provided, of how long they have been living together. If, in the absence of a legal criterion for the recognition of a de facto union, a controversy arises as to whether persons are living together, that fact is presumed when they have been cohabiting for at least one year or from the time they together become the parents of a child.

2002, c. 6, s. 143.