Typically, provincial rules dictate when this designation applies, but under federal law a couple is considered common - law if they've lived together for at least a year. (moneysense.ca)
Several women's groups testified against the bill because it relied exclusively on provincial rules and access to the courts. (slaw.ca)
The current model of legal ethics, informing provincial rules of professional conduct, are based primarily on barrister dilemmas in relation to clients, courts and the wider public. (leeakazaki.com)