May I please confirm that statistics for common-law status began in 1991 (at least by Statistics Canada)?
A student is looking for stats on rate of common law couples or number thereof by province pre-1991. From what I’ve read, however, the breaking out of common-law status by StatsCan started in 1991.
Answer
Answer
I consulted the Census dictionary, and noted the following
http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/ref/dict/pop018-eng.cfm
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
http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/ref/dict/pop018-eng.cfm
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
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.
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.
