Justice Minister announces Same Sex Pension Benefits

Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons announced yesterday legislation to provide same-sex cohabiting partners the same rights and responsibilities as those of opposite-sex cohabiting partners.

Government had previously amended the Family Law Act to ensure that cohabiting same-sex partners have equal rights and obligations in the areas of support and cohabitation and separation agreements as those of cohabiting opposite-sex partners.

The Same Sex Amendment Act provides equality of rights and responsibilities in the areas of pensions benefits, conflict of interest matters, powers of attorney and survivor benefits under the workers compensation system.

"This act will serve to respond to government's responsibilities in law to provide to same-sex partners rights and obligations which are equal to that of opposite-sex partners. Government has also been careful to preserve the traditional values of the family in developing its legislative amendments," said Minister Parsons.

Government's Same Sex Amendment Act is in compliance with many jurisdictions, including the federal government.

"Government continues to be open to receiving input and submissions from interested parties and will actively continue its consultations as the issue of rights and benefits for same-sex partners continues to be addressed by society and the courts," said Minister Parsons.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2001 11 23                             9:15 a.m.