Support Common Law Spouses in Newfoundland

Did you know that Newfoundland & Labrador doesn't recognize the rights of Common Law Spouses? And according to Census Canada, in 2021, one in five couples in Newfoundland and Labrador were living in Common Law Marriages. That included me up until January past.

In January I lost my beloved partner/husband to cancer. I was his sole caregiver throughout his 2-and-a-half-year battle. We lived in a common-law relationship for ten years, and together, we built a thriving Bed and Breakfast, which is located at the very tip of northern Newfoundland. It was also our home.

Unfortunately, since my beloved's death, his Ottawa-based son, who is the executor of the Estate, is denying me access to my home, my personal belongings, and to a fair share of inheritance that a spouse in any other Canadian province would expect. I am trying to right this wrong, and I need to raise funds for legal fees.

We are pursuing a case of Unjust Enrichment, which is how women in Newfoundland and Labrador seek relief in these situations. We are also asking the court to revise the Family Relief Act to include Common-Law spouses as the exclusion

is unconstitutional and violates section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

I humbly ask for your support in pursuing my case. This case will further propel this archaic law to be changed and allow women living in Common-Law Relationships in Newfoundland and Labrador to have equal rights to women all across Canada.