Mr. Chairman, when you live common law, there's no legal contract that binds you so these provisions were intended to give some sense of permanence, a short-lived permanence, or some status because when you get married there is a legal contract. Whether you separate or not, until you divorce that contract is binding. It tries to give the common-law relationship a little more equal footing so that if you lived common law, at least you don't have just a week after you've broken up to act. There has to be some measure of time but also some comfort to at least one of the parties who may want to get on with other relationships or financial commitments. That's why it worked out the way it did. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Maintenance Act
In the Legislative Assembly on February 16th, 1995. See this statement in context.
Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Maintenance Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 15th, 1995
Page 137
See context to find out what was said next.