An elderly couple from Cambridge, Ont. has been living separately in the same city since 2017 – but not by choice.

Jim McLeod has been trying to reunite with his 86-year-old wife Joan, who requires long-term care, for nearly eight years.

He has been living independently at Fairview Mennonite Home, which has long-term care facilities on-site.

Joan was sent to Hilltop Manor due to health complications, which is a 25-minute drive away. Jim lobbied to have her moved to Fairview, but Ontario’s long-term care system doesn’t prioritize keeping married couples together.

The pair have friends in the building who are separated from their spouses. They want to see the Till Death Do Us Part Act become law so other couples don’t lose valuable time together.

“Unfortunately, we have seen some spouses pass away and never be unified again,” said Fife