GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO AMEND LEGISLATION
TO MODERNIZE BENEFITS AND OBLIGATIONS

OTTAWA, February 11, 2000 -- Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Anne McLellan introduced in the House of Commons an omnibus Bill (The Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act) that will amend 68 federal statutes to extend benefits and obligations to same-sex couples on the same basis as common-law opposite-sex couples.

The Bill will amend legislation to recognize the principle of equal treatment for all common-law relationships under federal law in relation to benefits and obligations. Same-sex partners will be included in the definition of common-law partners and they will be granted the same benefits and obligations.

The Supreme Court of Canada has made it clear that governments cannot limit benefits or obligations to opposite-sex common-law relationships. Several provinces have changed or are in the process of reviewing their laws to comply with the Charter.

The legislation affects 20 departments and agencies and is sponsored jointly by Minister McLellan, Minister of Finance Paul Martin, President of Treasury Board Lucienne Robillard, Minister of Human Resources Development Jane Stewart and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Elinor Caplan.

The legislative reforms are part of an ongoing commitment by the Government of Canada to ensure that its policies and programs continue to reflect the values of Canadians, values that are enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"These changes are about fairness. They will ensure that all common-law relationships receive equal treatment under the law," said Minister McLellan. "This Bill provides a responsible, balanced and legally sound framework within which to address recent court decisions and to ensure that both benefits and obligations are applied to common-law relationships, same-sex and opposite-sex," added Minister McLellan.

"As an employer, the Government of Canada already provides pension and other benefits to unmarried couples, whether they are same-sex or opposite-sex," pointed out Minister Robillard. "The amendments we have tabled are consistent with the fair approach that has characterized our relations with our employees," she added.

"The fiscal impact of these amendments will be minimal if anything at all," indicated Minister Martin. "This is not a cost issue."

"Canada has always been seen as a beacon of tolerance and fairness; the changes these amendments imply for our laws will reaffirm our status as one of the most progressive nations of the world," Minister Caplan stated.

"These amendments are not a one-way street. While they will result in new benefits being extended to same-sex couples, they will also impose on them new obligations. This is both fair and appropriate," mentioned Minister Stewart.

The legislative changes will preserve the fundamental importance of marriage in Canadian society; the definition of marriage will not change.

The Bill includes amendments to federal laws on benefits like the Old Age Security Act and the Canada Pension Plan, as well as tax obligations and benefits under the Income Tax Act.

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