Quebec tables bill to redefine common law unions

Bill 56 is the third and final step in Justice Minister Simone Jean Linebacket’s family reform. It comes more than 10 years since the Supreme Court recommended the province change its laws on common law partnerships when it ruled in the Eric V Lola case. As it stands, common law spouses have no rights or obligations, despite the fact more than 65% of the province’s children are born outside of marriage. We want to be sure that every child has the protection for. Stability Bill 56 creates a new legal status for some Quebec couples. Called a parental union, it includes common law couples who share a child together if that child is born or adopted after this law comes into effect. Upon separation, certain assets like cars and the family home, would be divided and protected in the same way they are for married couples. But the law is not retroactive, and that means no changes for couples who already have a child. Jolene Barrett says the government does not want to force new changes on couples who previously made the decision to have a child. But lawyer and France Goldwater says that argument doesn’t make any sense. Goldwater is the lawyer who took the Eric V Lola case to the Supreme Court. If you’re living common law now, or if you’re a child whose parents live common law now. You’re getting nothing. And whatever is going to happen for children to be born in an unknown and unknowable future, you’re going to get close to nothing. Bill 56 also fails to include any rights for common law partners who have no children and excludes children who were born of a previous relationship. I think that all spouses should have rights. Equally, Goldwater would have preferred to see the bill give spouses access to alimony. If Bill 56 is adopted, it would take effect in June 2025. Franco Menaka, Global News, Quebec City.