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Common-law status

Part A - Short definition:

Common-law refers to two people living together as a couple but not legally married to each other.

Part B - Detailed definition:

Common-law refers to two people living together as a couple but not legally married to each other. They may be of opposite sex or of the same sex.

Census years:

2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991

Reported for:

Total population

Question number(s):

Direct variable: Question 5

Responses:

Yes; No

Remarks:

In the 1981 and 1986 censuses, people living common law could report their relationship by using one of the response categories in the question on relationship to Person 1; they were nonetheless included in the category 'Married' for purposes of data on marital status. For more information, see Marital status.

Since 2001, the response category 'Yes' includes same-sex common-law partners.

All persons under 15 years of age are considered to be not living common law.

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