![Ontario appeals court rules for same-sex pension benefits](https://www.jurist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/jurist-white-text.png)
[JURIST] The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled Friday that same-sex partners are entitled to survivor benefits under the government-run Canada Pension Plan. The court held that benefits should be paid dating back to 1985, but there will be no payments of back-benefits to partner's estates. Justice Minister Irwin Cotler stated that he would review the opinion before deciding to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Cotler said, "This is not a case about same-nor is it a case about gay and lesbian rights," rather "the implications of this case have to do with the whole question of federal benefits programs and policy." The opinion of the Ontario appeals court can be found here [PDF]. CBC News has more. The text of the Canadian Pension Plan is here.