Gay Nova Scotia men receive survivors' benefits from Ottawa
Last Updated: Monday, May 31, 1999 | 11:34 AM ET
CBC News
Wilson Hodder and Paul Boulais were denied pensions when they first applied more than four years ago.
The federal government did not include same-sex partners in the Pension Act's definition of a "spouse".
But a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada upholding the Charter rights of same-sex couples appears to have paved the way for today's decision.
Hodder and Boulais say they are happy with the decision, and hope that other same-sex partners will have an easier time receiving benefits.
Boulais says "justice has been served for gays and lesbians across Canada," while Hodder adds he's pleased Ottawa is not "buckling to the stereotypes of bigots."
Lynn Reierson is the lawyer for both men.
She says the settlement of her clients' pension appeals will have greater implications across Canada.
Reierson says the federal government is signals a "change in attitude."
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