Lessons in love for Canadian couples

A story published by the Edmonton Sun reports that lessons in love could literally put money in the pockets of Albertans. Julius Yankowsky, MLA for Edmonton Beverly-Clareview, wants the province to offer financial incentives to couples who take a marriage preparation course.

He's submitting a private member's bill to amend the Marriage Act to give couples who complete the Marriage 101 course a break on the cost of a marriage license.

"I think we want to send out a message to Albertans that we are committed to healthy families and happy marriages," he said. "Beyond the personal heartbreak, family breakdowns cost all of us a lot of money.

"If people had more of a chance to find out what they are getting into and helped to acquire good personal communication skills, I believe we would have fewer family breakdowns."

Yankowsky said he wants the proposed six-hour course to cover legal and financial responsibilities, conflict management and parental duties.

Private social worker Bonnie Payne, who runs a marriage preparation course, applauded Yankowsky's initiative. "There is a massive wedding industry out there that makes it easy to get focused too much on little details like flower arrangements, and not on the big picture," she said.

University of Alberta family relationship specialist Berna Skrypnek urged caution when it comes to offering inducements. "I'm not sure external inducements are the way to go," she said.

"To get benefits from these kind of courses, the desire has to come from within, not to get some money.

"But there is evidence that these courses do enhance a marriage, particularly when it comes to conflict resolution."