Following a long-term marriage of more than three decades, the parties disputed the quantum and duration of spousal support after separation and retirement-related income changes.
The applicant spouse had been a homemaker for most of the marriage and suffered from significant health issues, limiting her ability to return to the workforce.
The court found that the respondent spouse retained sufficient earning capacity through employment, pension, and Canada Pension benefits to pay support.
Applying the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines and the compensatory principles underlying long-term marriages, the court ordered indefinite spousal support of $3,600 per month until pension division, reducing to $2,500 monthly thereafter.
Requests for indexing and for the court to fix arrears were dismissed.
