Classification of census family status

1 - Census family person

This category includes persons who are members of a census family. A census family person can be a spouse, a common-law partner, a lone parent or a child.

1.1 - Member of couple

This category includes persons who are members of a married couple or of a couple living common law. Both members of the couple live in the same dwelling. A couple may be of opposite or same sex.

Note: In the National Household Survey 'Member of couple' is referred to as 'Married spouses, common-law partners'.

1.1.1 - Spouse

This category includes persons who are members of an opposite-sex or same-sex legally married couple where both members of the couple live in the same dwelling.

1.1.2 - Common-law partner

This category includes persons who are members of an opposite-sex or same-sex couple living common law. A couple living common law is one in which the members are not legally married to each other but live together as a couple in the same dwelling.