A Canadian Affidavit of Marriage is a sworn legal document in which an affiant (the person making the statement) declares under oath or solemn affirmation that two individuals are legally married. This affidavit serves as supplementary proof of marriage when an official marriage certificate issued by a provincial vital statistics agency is unavailable, has been lost or destroyed, was never issued, or when the marriage occurred in a foreign jurisdiction where obtaining certified copies is difficult.

In Canada, marriage is governed by both federal and provincial legislation. The federal Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act (S.C. 1990, c. 46) and the Civil Marriage Act (S.C. 2005, c. 33) set the framework for who may marry, while provincial legislation -- such as Ontario's Marriage Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. M.3), British Columbia's Marriage Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 282), and Alberta's Marriage Act (R.S.A. 2000, c. M-5) -- governs the solemnization and registration of marriages within each province.

The affidavit carries legal weight because it is made under penalty of perjury. Under Section 131 of the Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), making false statements in a sworn affidavit is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is one of the primary users of marriage affidavits in sponsorship and immigration proceedings.

A Canadian Affidavit of Marriage is essential for immigration cases where IRCC requires evidence of a bona fide marriage. Spousal sponsorship applications under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) often require affidavits from friends, family members, or community leaders who can attest to the genuine nature of the couple's relationship.

This document is needed when enrolling a spouse in employer-sponsored health insurance, pension plans, or other benefits programs and the official marriage certificate is not available. Employers and insurance carriers under provincial employment standards legislation may accept a notarized affidavit as interim proof while the official certificate is being obtained from the provincial vital statistics office.

Surviving spouses filing for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) survivor benefits, Old Age Security (OAS) allowance, or life insurance proceeds may need this affidavit when the marriage certificate has been lost or destroyed. Service Canada will accept sworn affidavits as secondary evidence of marriage.

In Quebec, where civil law applies under the Civil Code of Quebec (Code civil du Quebec), the requirements for proving marriage differ from common law provinces -- a notarial act or civil status certificate may be required, and this affidavit serves as supplementary evidence. Without proper documentation of marriage, individuals may be denied spousal benefits, immigration petitions may be refused, and property rights may be contested.

The full legal names of both spouses must be stated, including maiden names and any other names used during the marriage. The date and place of the marriage ceremony -- the city, province, and country -- are essential facts. If the marriage was performed by a religious officiant, justice of the peace, or other authorized individual under provincial marriage legislation, that person's name and title should be included.

The affiant must clearly state their relationship to the married couple and the basis for their knowledge of the marriage. If the affiant attended the wedding ceremony, this should be explicitly stated. If the affiant's knowledge is based on observing the couple's ongoing marital relationship, those facts should be described in the numbered paragraphs of the affidavit.

For immigration purposes, the affidavit should include specific details about the couple's relationship: how long the affiant has known the couple, how they interact together, whether they cohabitate, whether they have children, and other facts demonstrating a bona fide marital relationship. IRCC evaluates the totality of evidence.

The jurat -- confirming where, when, and before whom the oath was administered -- is mandatory. The affiant must sign in the presence of a commissioner of oaths, notary public, or lawyer who verifies the affiant's identity and administers the oath. The commissioner's signature and designation must appear on the document. Supporting documentation such as photographs and joint financial records should be referenced or attached as exhibits.