The New Brunswick government is amending legislation to make it clear that marriage under the age of 16 is not allowed.
READ MORE: Two-thirds of Canadian couples enter marriage or common-law relationship in debt: poll
Service New Brunswick Minister Ed Doherty says the changes to the Marriage Act bring the province in line with federal rules.
“Federal jurisdiction supersedes provincial jurisdiction, so this bill was really housekeeping to keep up with the federal legislation,” Doherty said Friday.
He says the federal government asked the provinces to make the change last year.
The Criminal Code of Canada makes it illegal to get married under the age of 16 or to even participate in such a marriage ceremony.
READ MORE: Government committee recommends changes to Quebec family law
Doherty said there are also restrictions for people up to the age of 18.
“Between 16 and 18 … you need the consent of a parent or judicial consent, one or the other.”
He said there’s no record of anyone under the age of 16 getting married in New Brunswick for many years.
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