The appellant and respondent lived together in a common law relationship for almost twenty years.
During this time, the respondent supported the appellant financially while he saved his income, and later she worked extensively in their beekeeping business.
The properties and business were held entirely in the appellant's name.
Upon separation, the respondent sought a declaration of entitlement to a one-half interest in the lands and the beekeeping business.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that the respondent was entitled to a one-half interest based on the doctrine of constructive trust.
The Court found that the appellant had been unjustly enriched by the respondent's financial support and unpaid labour, and that it would be unjust to allow him to retain the full benefit of her contributions.
