Whether you’re the opposite or same sex, you’re considered common-law partners if you’ve lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 1 year, but you aren’t legally married.
A boyfriend or girlfriend can be a reference if you’re not in a common-law relationship.
If your marriage or common-law relationship has ended, your former spouse or partner can serve as a reference.
parent, step-parent, foster parent, or a parent’s spouse or common-law partner
mother-in-law or father-in-law
child (biological, adopted, foster, or stepchild), or your child’s spouse or common-law partner
son-in-law or daughter-in-law
sibling (brother, half-brother or stepbrother, or sister, half-sister or stepsister), or your sibling’s spouse or common-law partner
brother-in-law or sister-in-law
grandparent (biological, adopted, step or foster grandparent), or your grandparent’s spouse or common-law partner
grandmother-in-law or grandfather-in-law
grandchild (biological, adopted, step or foster grandchild), or your grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner
grandson-in-law or granddaughter-in-law
anyone else who’s related to you or your spouse or common-law partner by blood, marriage, common-law partnership, adoption or guardianship and lives at the same address as you
For example, if your aunt, uncle or cousin lives with you, they cannot be a reference.