PDF Version: Does the Dower Act Still Serve a Useful Purpose? ALRI Wants to Hear From You!
Legislation Commented On: Dower Act, RSA 2000, c D-15
The Alberta Law Reform Institute (ALRI) is studying whether the Dower Act should be reformed or repealed. The project is still in its early stages, with a consultation document forthcoming in 2021. In the meantime, ALRI is seeking preliminary feedback on the Dower Act and any practical problems it may present.
Key Features of the Dower Act
The rights under the Dower Act only apply to married people (s 1(c)). The Act is intended to protect a spouse (the “dower spouse”) if the couple’s home is solely owned by the other spouse (the “owner spouse”). It applies to a “homestead”, which is a parcel of land where the owner spouse lived during the marriage (s 1(d)). The Dower Act protects the dower spouse from losing their home, either during the lifetime of the owner spouse or after the owner spouse’s death. There are two key features:
- Consent to disposition: The owner spouse cannot dispose of a homestead without the consent of the dower spouse (s 2(1)). Disposition includes a transfer, long-term lease, or mortgage (s 1(b)). If the owner spouse disposes of a homestead without consent, they may be subject to a penalty and liable to pay damages to the dower spouse (ss 2(3), 11).
- Life estate: The dower spouse is entitled to a life estate in the homestead after the death of the owner spouse (s 18).
The Dower Act has been part of the law of Alberta for more than 100 years, but it has not changed substantially since 1948.