Classification of marital status

1 - Married (and not separated)

This category includes persons whose opposite- or same-sex spouse is living, unless the couple is separated or a divorce has been obtained. Also included are persons in civil unions.

2 - Living common law

This category includes persons who are living with a person of the opposite sex or of the same sex as a couple but who are not legally married to that person. It includes situations where the members of such a couple are living apart temporarily because of illness, work or school.

3 - Widowed (not living common law)

This category includes persons who have lost their legally-married spouse through death and who have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are not included in this category.

4 - Separated (not living common law)

This category includes persons currently legally married but who are no longer living with their spouse (for any reason other than illness, work or school) and have not obtained a divorce. Those who live with a common-law partner are not included in this category.

5 - Divorced (not living common law)

This category includes persons who have obtained a legal divorce and have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are not included in this category.

6 - Single (not living common law)

This category includes persons who have never married (including all persons less than 15 years of age). It also includes persons whose marriage has been legally annulled who were single before the annulled marriage and who have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are not included in this category.