Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Canada, subject to provincial and territorial marriage laws, with no federal prohibition. However, restrictions exist in some regions, and compliance with local regulations is mandatory.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Canada
- Provincial/Territorial Jurisdiction: Marriage laws fall under provincial/territorial authority (e.g., Ontario’s Marriage Act, Quebec’s Civil Code). Most permit first-cousin unions, but exceptions apply.
- Age and Consent: Minimum age requirements (typically 16–18) and valid consent are mandatory. Parental consent may be required for minors.
- Prohibited Degrees: Marriages between closer relatives (e.g., siblings, parent-child) remain universally illegal. Some provinces (e.g., Manitoba) explicitly prohibit first-cousin unions if one party is under 18.
Note: Quebec’s Civil Code (Art. 545) permits first-cousin marriages, while Newfoundland and Labrador’s Marriage Act (s. 3) does not. Recent 2026 amendments in British Columbia now require genetic counseling for first-cousin applicants, aligning with public health advisories. Always verify local statutes via provincial registrars (e.g., ServiceOntario, Directeur de l’état civil) before proceeding.