What Is A Family? The Struggle For Equal Benefits

In the 1990s the Government of Canada continued to discriminate against its gay and lesbian employees in the public service, crown corporations, the RCMP and the military. Heterosexuals could claim benefits for their common law partners after one year, but the government fought a six-year battle against the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and the courts, to avoid its obligations to afford equal benefits.

Follow the emotional rollercoaster of the two couples who became the test case for thousands of other employees – the years of waiting, the unwelcome spotlight, the strain. Hear from the union and legal team that put together the strategy, resources and arguments that ultimately won.

Canada has a reputation internationally for accepting equal marriage now, and we can be proud of that, but it didn't come without a struggle.