🍋When life gives you lemons...

My Roommate and I Started Dating – Can They Take Half My Savings?

Everyone knows the housing situation in good ol' CA is something else, and having a roommate is one way to beat the rent. And who says you can’t find love in the same place?

However, in some provinces like Alberta, unmarried couples can become adult interdependent partners (like common-law spouses) if they live together for 3+ years or share a child. Once that happens, on separation, you split most of what you earned together. In fact, the law now says AIPs “will equally divide most of the property they acquired during the time that they lived together.” 

Let’s break it down:

• How do you qualify as AIP? If you and your roommate have shared a home continuously for 3 years, or you have a kid together, you automatically qualify as “adult interdependent partners”. Even a signed cohabitation agreement makes it official.
  

• What does it mean? As adult interdependent partners, Alberta law treats you almost like a married couple. You would have to share assets and debts if you split, and your partner could even have a claim on your estate or benefits.
  

• Why is this risky? If you never planned to be “common-law” but hit those 3 years by accident, you might owe half your savings or property after a breakup or if your partner passes away. It can affect wills, pensions, and support obligations, too.
  

• What can you do to protect your interests? Talk about finances from the start. You can sign an Adult Interdependent Partner Agreement (a roommate/cohabitation contract) to clarify things. Keep separate bank accounts and document who owns what. That way, if life does go sideways with love, you know your rights.

I Lost My Job. Do I Qualify for Employment Insurance?

Lost your job unexpectedly? EI might be your safety net, but only if you meet the rules. In general, to get EI regular benefits, you must have been in insurable employment and lost your job through no fault of your own (think layoffs, not quitting). You must also have worked enough, usually between 420 and 700 insurable hours, in the last year (the exact number depends on where you live). Plus, you must be ready, looking for work, and unemployed for at least 7 days. 

Other rules are:

• Not your fault: Only layoffs, seasonal jobs ending, or other involuntary job losses qualify. If you quit without good cause, EI won’t cover you.
  

• Ready and looking: You must be actively seeking work and able to take a job immediately. Keep a log of every employer you contact; EI may ask for that.
  

• Apply promptly: delays over 4 weeks can affect your benefits.

Remember: EI can also cover sickness, pregnancy, or caring for a newborn, not just job loss, but the rules above are for the regular job-loss benefit.

Moving On Up: PGWP → TFWP

So, your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is ticking down, and you're not quite ready to say goodbye to Canada? Good news: transitioning to a Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) permit can keep your career (and life) moving forward.

• Step 1: Secure a job offer. First, find a Canadian employer who wants to hire you long-term. The employer must be willing to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) on your behalf. This document proves they tried to hire Canadians first.
  

• Step 2: LMIA process. The employer advertises the job for at least 30 days, compiles proof of recruitment, and submits the LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada. They pay a fee (around $1,000).
  

• Step 3: Apply for the TFW work permit. Once you get a positive LMIA, apply online at the IRCC portal. You’ll need your job offer letter, the LMIA letter, proof of your education and qualifications, and a valid passport. If everything checks out, IRCC issues you an employer-specific work permit.
  

• Timing & status: In most cases, a combined LMIA and work permit takes about 6–8 months. Start 8–10 months before your PGWP expires to avoid gaps. Applying before PGWP ends grants you "maintained status," which lets you continue work until a decision is made
  

• Global Talent Stream: For tech/high-demand fields, this LMIA-exempt pilot offers approvals in ~10 business days.