Do common-law partners have the same rights as married spouses in Canada?
No — and the differences vary significantly by province. British Columbia offers the most protection (same as married after 2 years). Quebec offers the least (no spousal support, no automatic property division for common-law couples). Most other provinces fall somewhere in between.
What is unjust enrichment and how does it apply to common-law couples?
Unjust enrichment is a legal doctrine available to common-law partners in all provinces. If one partner contributed financially or through labour (childcare, home improvements, working in the other's business) and did not receive fair compensation, a court can order restitution even without a formal property-sharing law.
Can a common-law partner claim the matrimonial home?
Unlike married spouses, common-law partners do not automatically have possession rights to a home in their partner's name (except in BC after 2 years). However, they may have a constructive trust claim on the home's value if they contributed to it financially or through labour.