The definition of family has been debated by the Gerontological Advisory Council and the new Veterans Charter advisory group. It is true that both reports are a little ambiguous about the family. It's maybe one of those things that's dangerous to define. I'm thinking of the U.S. context, where there is the “don't ask, don't tell” policy. The situation is very inflammatory in some circles, for example. Canadians are much more at ease about things like that.
The family, though, clearly includes spouses, whether in a formal legal arrangement or consistent partners. In our Honouring Our Commitment report, it includes children, but it may also include parents, for example.