Recognition of Common-Law Status (CLS) between two Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

Topic

Recognition of Common-Law Status (CLS) between two Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

Case number

• 2016-090 (F&R Date: 2016–06–09)

Description

The Committee noted that when a Commanding Officer (CO) recognizes CLS, in accordance with Chief of Military Personnel Instruction (CMP Instr) 15/06 COMMON-LAW PARTNERSHIPS, it is logical that he/she does so for two individuals. Therefore, the Committee found that there should not be a requirement to have both members of a service couple request that their relationship be recognized by their respective CO, as it could potentially lead to two different decisions.

Recommendation

The Committee recommended that the Chief of the Defence Staff direct that a clause be added to CMP Instr 15/06 to clarify that a single request for recognition of CLS is sufficient when the relationship involves two CAF members.

Final Authority Decision

Pending