Legal Obligations of Having Children

In Canada, you are not legally obligated to have children once you are married. That is a decision left to you and your husband. Once you have children, you and your spouse are considered their guardians. This means that you are responsible for the well-being, health, and safety of your children.

Each province has legislation to ensure that children are not mistreated or neglected. In Alberta, for example, this is known as the Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act; in Saskatchewan, it is called the Child and Family Services Act. Each province has a governing body that oversees this legislation.

It is illegal in Canada to mistreat a child and if it is proven, criminal charges can be laid.