Caron v. Sa Majeste la Reine (1991)

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A Rimouski woman was convicted of welfare fraud on the basis that she was living as a married rather than a single person. The woman had a male friend who often visited on weekends, protected her from her abusive husband, and helped her to obtain loans she required to provide for basic needs. Because her friend identified himself on loan applications as her spouse, the court ruled she was living as a married person.

In 1988, LEAF was granted intervener status on this case, which was precedent-setting in itself. In its judgment, the Quebec Court of Appeal ruled that courts must have broad discretion to allow interveners. In doing so, the court must establish whether the potential intervener has the ability to assist in the resolution of problems and to represent the views of groups or social interests likely to be affected by the case.