ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (RSA 2000 cA-4.2)

RSA 2000 cA-4.2

Alberta — Consolidated Statutes

© Published by Alberta King’s Printer Alberta King’s Printer Suite 700, Park Plaza 10611 - 98 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2P7 Phone: 780-427-4952 E-mail: kings-printer@gov.ab.ca Shop on-line at kings-printer.alberta.ca Province of Alberta Office Consolidation Statutes of Alberta, 2008

Chapter A-4.2 Current as of April 1, 2026 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

Copyright and Permission Statement The Government of Alberta, through the Alberta King’s Printer, holds copyright for all Alberta legislation. Alberta King’s Printer permits any person to reproduce Alberta’s statutes and regulations without seeking permission and without charge, provided due diligence is exercised to ensure the accuracy of the materials produced, and copyright is acknowledged in the following format: © Alberta King’s Printer, 20__.* *The year of first publication of the legal materials is to be completed.

Note All persons making use of this consolidation are reminded that it has no legislative sanction, that amendments have been embodied for convenience of reference only. The official Statutes and Regulations should be consulted for all purposes of interpreting and applying the law. Regulations The following is a list of the regulations made under the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act that are filed as Alberta Regulations under the Regulations Act Alta. Reg.

Amendments Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship .............. 219/2009 ......... 37/2010, 96/2010, 164/2010, 178/2011, 170/2012, 62/2013, 232/2018, 56/2019, 83/2020, 209/2022, 216/2022, 218/2022, 9/2023, 76/2023, 22/2024, 142/2025, 199/2025, 36/2026 Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship (Ministerial) ............................................. 224/2009 ......... 47/2010, 77/2012, 11/2019, 90/2020, 142/2025, 158/2025, 43/2026

1 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

Chapter A-4.2 Table of Contents

Part 1

Interpretation 1

Definitions 2 Principles

Part 2 Decision-making, Guardianship and Trusteeship Division 1 Supported Decision-making 3 Application of Division 4 Supported decision-making authorization 5 Public Guardian and Public T rustee may not be supporter 6 Recognition of decision 7 Termination of supported de cision-making authorization 8 Effect of Court order 9 Access to personal information 10 L i a b i l i t y Division 2 Co-decision-making 1 1

Interpretation 1 2 Application of Division 13 Co-decision-making order 14 Persons eligible to be co-decision-maker 15 Public Guardian and Public Trust ee may not be co-decision-maker 16 Appointment of multiple co-decision-makers 1 7 Terms of co-decision-making order 1 8 Authority and duties of co-decision-maker 1 9 Payment to co-decision-makers

Chapter A-4.2 2 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT 2 0 Application to Court for opi nion, advice or direction 2 1 Review of co-decision-making order 22 Access to personal information 23 L i a b i l i t y Division 3 Guardianship 2 4

Interpretation 2 5 Application of Division 26 Guardianship order 27 Guardianship order in urgent cases 2 8 Persons eligible to be guardian 29 Appointment of Public Guardian as guardian 30 Appointment of guardian ot her than proposed guardian 3 1 Appointment of multiple guardians 32 Appointment of alternate guardian 33 Terms of guardianship order 34 Authority of guardian 3 5 Duties and responsib ilities of guardian 3 6 Death or incapacity of guardian 37 Payment to guardian 38 Order to give effect to decision 3 9 Application to Court for opini on, advice or direction 4 0 Review of guardianship order 41 Access to personal information 4 2 L i a b i l i t y Division 4 Trusteeship 4 3

Interpretation 4 4 Application of Division 45 Jurisdiction 46 Trusteeship order 47 Duty of Public Trustee to inqui re into alleged need for trustee 4 8 Order in urgent cases 4 9 Persons eligible to be trustee 50 Appointment of Public Trustee as trustee 51 Appointment of trustee ot her than proposed trustee 52 Appointment of multiple trustees 5 3 Appointment of alternate trustee 5 4 Terms of trusteeship order 5 5 Property subject to trusteeship order and authority of trustee 5 6 Duties and responsib ilities of trustee 57 Standard of care

Chapter A-4.2 3 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT 58 Deposit account 59 Investments 60 Gifts 61 Will of represented adult 6 2 Property to be kept separate 6 3 Trustee’s accounts 64 Death or incapacity of trustee 65 Death of represented adult 6 6 Payment to trustee 6 7 Property that is the subject of a bequest 6 8 Application to Court for opini on, advice or direction 6 9 Reimbursement of represented adult 7 0 Review of trusteeship order 71 Determination of incapacity without appointment of trustee 72 Access to personal information Division 5 Foreign Orders 7 3 Foreign orders Division 6 Protective Measures 74 Temporary protection order 7 5 Complaints respecting co-decision-makers, guardians and truste es 7 6 Investigation 7 7 Powers of investigator after investigation 7 8 Collection and disclosure of information 7 9 Notification of authorities Division 7 General 80 Limit on orders 81 Review officers 82 Complaints officers 83 Investigators 84 Effect of termination of order 8 5 Testamentary disposition 8 6 Offence

Chapter A-4.2 4 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

Part 3 Specific Decisions and Emergency Health Care Division 1 Specific Decisions 8 7 Authority to select specific decision maker 88 Limit on appointment and authority 88.1 Public Guardian may act as specific decision maker 89 Selection of specific decision maker 9 0 Requirement for declaration 9 1 Requirement to keep record 9 2 Exercise of decision-making authority 9 3 Matters to be considered in making decisions 9 4 Notification to nearest relative 9 5 Discharge from residential facility 9 6 Request for capacity assessment 97 Application for review 9 8 Authority of health care p rovider to act on decision 9 9 Access to personal information 100 L i a b i l i t y Division 1.1 Specific Financial Decisions by the Public Trustee 100.1 Definition 100.2 Authority to assess adult’s capacity 100.3 Authority of Public Trustee to make financial decisions 100.4 Requirement to keep record 100.5 Application for review 100.6 Notice and requirement to act on Public Trustee’s decision 100.7 Access to personal information 100.8 L i a b i l i t y Division 2 Emergency Health Care 101 Emergency health care

Part 4 General 102 Capacity assessment 103 Access to personal information 104 Court order requiring capacity assessment 105 Determination of capacity without capacity assessment

Section 1

Chapter A-4.2 5 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT 106 Establishment of registry 107 Appointment of Public Guardian 108 Limit on duties of Public Guardian and Public Trustee 109 L i a b i l i t y 110 Protection re reports or information 111 Circumstances in which hearing is not required 112 Persons at hearing 113 Access by public 114 Appeal to Court of Appeal 115 C o s t s 116 Regulations

Part 5 Transitional Provisions, Consequential and Related Amendments, Repeal and Coming into Force 117 Transitional provisions 118-152 Consequential amendments 153 Repeal 154 Coming into force HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows:

Part 1

Interpretation

Definitions 1 In this Act, (a) “agent” means an ag ent as defined in the Personal Directives Act; (b) “assisted adult” means a person in respect of whom a co-decision-making order is in effect; (c) “assisted person” means (

i) an assisted adult, and (ii) a person who is the sub ject of a co-decision-making order that has not taken effect under

section 11(2)(b); (d) “capacity” means, in respect of the making of a decision about a matter, the ability to understand the information that

Section 1

Chapter A-4.2 6 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT is relevant to the decision and to appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of (

i) a decision, and (ii) a failure to make a decision; (e) “capacity assessment” m eans an assessment conducted under

Part 4 of an adult’s capacity to make decisions respecting personal matters or financial matters; (f) “capacity assessment report” means a report completed under

section 102; (g) “capacity assessor” means a member of a health profession designated in the regulations as being qualified to conduct capacity assessments who is designated as a capacity assessor under the regulations; (h) “co-decision-maker” me ans a person named as a co-decision-maker in a co-decision-making order; (i) “co-decision-making order” means an order of the Court appointing a co-decision-maker for an adult under this Act; (j) “complaints off icer” means a person designated as a complaints officer under

section 82; (k) “Court” means the Court of King’s Bench; (l) “custodian” means a custodian as defined in the Health Information Act; (m) “enduring power of attorney” means an enduring power of attorney as defined in the Powers of Attorney Act; (n) “financial information” means information about the property or financial matters of an identifiable individual; (o) “financial matter” means (

i) subject to the regulations, any matter relating to the acquisition, disposition, management or protection of property, and (ii) any matter prescrib ed by the regulations; (p) “guardian” means a person named as a guardian in a guardianship order or a person who becomes a guardian by virtue of the operation of this Act;

Section 1

Chapter A-4.2 7 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (q) “guardianship order” means an order of the Court made or continued under this Act appointing a guardian; (r) “health care” includes (

i) any examination, diagnosis, procedure or treatment undertaken to prevent or manage any disease, illness, ailment or health condition, (ii) any procedure undertaken for the purpose of an examination or a diagnosis, (iii) any medical, surgical, obste trical or dental treatment, (iv) anything done that is ancillary to any examination, diagnosis, procedure or treatment, (

v) any procedure undertaken for the purpose of preventing pregnancy, except sterilization that is not medically necessary to protect health, (vi) palliative care, and (vii) a treatment plan; (s) “health care provider” means a member of a health profession designated in the regulations who provides health care to an adult; (t) “health information” means health information about an identifiable individual within the meaning of the Health Information Act; (u) “interested person” means (

i) the Public Guardian, (ii) the Public Trustee, and (iii) any person who is 18 year s of age or older and who is concerned for the welfare of a person in respect of whom a co-decision-making order, guardianship order or trusteeship order is sought or has been obtained; (v) “investigator” means a person designated as an investigato r under

section 83; (w) “Minister” means the Minist er determined under

section 16 of the Government Organization Act as the Minister responsible for this Act;

Section 1

Chapter A-4.2 8 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (x) “nearest relative” means, w ith respect to any person, the relative of that person first listed in the following subclauses, relatives of the whole blood being preferred to relatives of the same description of the half-blood and the elder or eldest of 2 or more relatives described in any subclause being preferred to the other of those relatives regardless of sex: (

i) spouse or adult interdependent partner; (ii) adult son or daughter; (iii) father or mother; (iv) adult brother or sister; (

v) grandfather or grandmother; (vi) adult grandson or granddaughter; (vii) adult uncle or aunt; (viii) adult nephew or niece; (y) “organization” means an org anization as defined in the Personal Information Protection Act; (z) “personal directive” means a personal directive as defined in the Personal Directives Act; (aa) “personal information” means information, including healt h information and financial information, about an identifiable individual; (bb) “personal matter” means, s ubject to the regulations, any matter, except a financial matter, relating to the person of an adult, including, without limitation, (

i) the adult’s health care, (ii) where, with whom and und er what conditions the adult is to live, either permanently or temporarily, (iii) with whom the ad ult may associate, (iv) the adult’s participation in social activities, (

v) the adult’s participation in any educational, vocational or other training,

Section 1

Chapter A-4.2 9 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (vi) the adult’s employment, (vii) the carrying on of any l egal proceeding that does not relate primarily to the financial matters of the adult, and (viii) any matters prescribed by the regulations; (cc) “property” includes, without limitation, (

i) things and rights or interests in things, (ii) anything regarded in law or equity as property or an interest in property, (iii) any right or interest that may be transferred for value from one person to another, (iv) any right, including a contingent or future right, to be paid money or to receive any other kind of property, and (

v) any cause of action, to th e extent that it relates to property or could result in a judgment requiring a person to pay money; (dd) “public body” has the meaning given to it by the Protection of Privacy Act; (ee) “Public Guardian” means a person appointed as a Public Guardian pursuant to

section 107; (ff) “Public Trustee” means the Public Trustee under the Public Trustee Act; (gg) “registry” means the regis try established under

section 106; (hh) “represented adult” means an adult in respect of whom (

i) a guardianship order is in effect, (ii) a trusteeship order is in effect, or (iii) both a guardianship order and a trusteeship order are in effect; (ii) “represented person” means (

i) a represented adult, and (ii) a person who is the subj ect of a guardianship order or trusteeship order that has not taken effect under

section 24(2)(

b) or 43(3)(b);

Section 2

Chapter A-4.2 10 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (jj) “residential facility” has the meaning given to it by the regulations; (kk) “review officer” means a person designated as a review officer under

section 81; (ll) “significantly impaired” has the meaning given to it by t he regulations; (mm) “specific decision maker” means a person who is selected as a specific decision maker under

section 87 or 88.1; (nn) “supported adult” means an adult who has appointed a supporter in a supported decision-making authorization; (oo) “supported decision-making authorization” means an authorization made pursuant to

section 4; (pp) “supporter” means a pers on named as a supporter in a supported decision-making authorization; (qq) “treatment plan” means a plan that is developed by a heal th care provider for the provision of health care to or the withholding or withdrawal of health care from an adult with respect to a disease, illness, ailment or health condition that the adult has or may have in the future; (rr) “trustee” means a person n amed as a trustee in a trusteeship order or a person who becomes a trustee by virtue of the operation of this Act; (ss) “trusteeship order” means an order of the Court made or continued under this Act appointing a trustee. 2008 cA-4.2 s1;AR 217/2022;2025 c20 s1;AR 141/2025 Principles 2 This Act is to be interpreted and administered in accordance with the following principles: (

a) an adult is presumed to have the capacity to make decision s until the contrary is determined; (

b) an adult is entitled to c ommunicate by any means that enables the adult to be understood, and the means by which an adult communicates is not relevant to a determination of whether the adult has the capacity to make a decision; (

c) where an adult requires a ssistance to make a decision or does not have the capacity to make a decision, the adult’s autonomy must be preserved by ensuring that the least

Section 3

Chapter A-4.2 11 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT restrictive and least intrusive form of assisted or substitute decision-making that is likely to be effective is provided; (

d) in determining whether a decision is in an adult’s best interests, consideration must be given to (

i) any wishes known to have been expressed by the adult while the adult had capacity, and (ii) any values and beliefs known to have been held by the adult while the adult had capacity.

Part 2 Decision-making, Guardianship and Trusteeship Division 1 Supported Decision-making Application of Division 3 This Division applies only in respect of personal matters. Supported decision-making authorization 4(1) An adult who understands the nature and effect of a supported decision-making authorization may make a supported decision-making authorization appointing one to 3 persons who have attained the age of 18 years and who meet the prescribed eligibility requirements as supporters.

(2) An adult may, in a supported decision-making authorization, authorize a supporter to exercise some or all of the following powers in respect of a decision to be made by the adult referred to in the authorization: (

a) to access, collect or obtain or assist the adult in accessing, collecting or obtaining from any person any information that is relevant to the decision and to assist the adult in understanding the information; (

b) to assist the adult in making the decision; (

c) to communicate or assist the adult in communicating the decision to other persons.

(3) A supported decision-making authorization must be in the prescribed form and meet the requirements of the regulations.

Section 5

Chapter A-4.2 12 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(4) A supporter may exercise the authority granted to the supporter in a supported decision-making authorization.

(5) A person who is appointed as a supporter may refuse to act as a supporter. Public Guardian and Public Trustee may not be supporter 5 A person may not appoint the Public Guardian or the Public Trustee as a supporter. Recognition of decision 6(1) A decision made with the assistance of a supporter or communicated by or with the assistance of a supporter is the decision of the supported adult for all purposes.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person may refuse to recognize a decision made or communicated by or with the assistance of a supporter as the decision of the supported adult if the person has reasonable grounds to believe that (

a) the supporter exercised undue influence on the supported adult in assisting the supported adult to make the decision, or (

b) there may be fraud or misrepresentation on the part of the supporter in respect of the decision. Termination of supported decision-making authorization 7(1) A supported adult may terminate a supported decision-making authorization.

(2) A termination must be in the prescribed form and meet the requirements of the regulations. Effect of Court order 8 A supported decision-making authorization terminates on (

a) the supported adult becoming an assisted adult or represented adult under this Act, or (

b) a personal directive of the supported adult taking effect under the Personal Directives Act.

Section 9

Chapter A-4.2 13 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Access to personal information 9(1) A supporter who is authorized to access, collect or obtain or assist the supported adult in accessing, collecting or obtaining information that is relevant to a decision referred to in a supported decision-making authorization is entitled to access, collect or obtain from a public body, custodian or organization personal information about the supported adult, except financial information, that is relevant to the decision.

(2) A public body, a custodian and an organization may disclose personal information about a supported adult, except financial information, to a supporter who is authorized to access, collect or obtain or assist the supported adult in accessing, collecting or obtaining the information.

(3) Where a supporter accesses, collects or obtains personal information about a supported adult under this section, the supporter (

a) may use and disclose the in formation only for the purpose of exercising the authority granted to the supporter in the supported decision-making authorization, and (

b) shall take reasonable care to ensure the information is ke pt secure from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

(4) A supporter shall not attempt to access, collect or obtain personal information about the supported adult under this

section from a public body, custodian or organization other than the personal information that the supporter is entitled to access, collect or obtain under subsection (1). Liability 10(1) No action lies against a supporter for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith while exercising the authority or carrying out the duties of the supporter in accordance with this Act.

(2) No action lies against a supporter or any other person for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in reliance on a supported decision-making authorization (

a) while the supported decision-making authorization is in effect, or (

b) if the supported adult has terminated the supported decision-making authorization without the knowledge of the supporter or person, as the case may be.

Section 11

Chapter A-4.2 14 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Division 2 Co-decision-making

Interpretation 11(1) An application for the appointment of a co-decision-maker under

section 13(1) may be made in respect of a person who has not attained the age of majority if the person will attain the age of majority within 12 months.

(2) Where an application is made in respect of a person referred to in subsection (1), (

a) subject to the regulations, this Act and the regulations a pply in respect of the application, and if a co-decision-making order is made, in respect of the co-decision-making order, as if the person were an adult; (

b) a co-decision-making order may be made in respect of the person but does not take effect until the person attains the age of majority. Application of Division 12 This Division applies only in respect of personal matters. Co-decision-making order 13(1) An adult on the adult’s own behalf or an interested person may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for an order appointing a co-decision-maker for an adult.

(2) The following documents must be filed in support of an application for a co-decision-making order under this section: (

a) subject to

section 105, a capacity assessment report respecting the adult who is the subject of the application, and (

b) any other documents prescribed by the regulations.

(3) If an application under subsection (1) is made by an interested person, a notice of the application in the prescribed form must be personally served, in accordance with the regulations, on the adult who is the subject of the application.

(4) The Court may, on an application under this section, make an order appointing a co-decision-maker for an adult if (

a) the Court is satisfied that

Section 13

Chapter A-4.2 15 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

i) the adult’s capacity to make decisions about the personal matters that are to be referred to in the order is significantly impaired, (ii) the adult would have the capacity to make decisions about the personal matters that are to be referred to in the order if the adult were provided with appropriate guidance and support, (iii) less intrusive and less re strictive alternative measures than the appointment of a co-decision-maker for providing assistance to the adult in making decisions about the personal matters that are to be referred to in the order, including the making of a supported decision-making authorization, have been considered or implemented and would not likely be or have not been effective to meet the needs of the adult, and (iv) it is in the adult’s best interests to make the order, (

b) any individual who is proposed to be appointed as a co-decision-maker consents to the appointment, and (

c) the adult consents (

i) to the appointment of any individual who is proposed to be appointed as a co-decision-maker, and (ii) to the order.

(5) In determining whether it is in the adult’s best interests to appoint a co-decision-maker, the Court shall consider (

a) subject to

section 105, the capacity assessment report respecting the adult and any other relevant information respecting the adult’s capacity, (

b) the report of the review officer, (

c) any personal directive made by the adult, (

d) any supported decision-making authorization made by the adult, (

e) whether the significant impairment of the adult’s capacity to make decisions about the matters that are to be referred to in the order is likely to expose the adult to harm, (

f) the personal matters with r espect to which the adult’s capacity to make decisions has been assessed as

Section 14

Chapter A-4.2 16 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT significantly impaired and with respect to which the adult needs or will likely need to make decisions, (

g) whether the appointment o f a co-decision-maker would be likely to produce benefits for the adult that would outweigh any adverse consequences for the adult, and (

h) any other matter the Court considers relevant. Persons eligible to be co-decision-maker 14(1) The Court may appoint as a co-decision-maker for an adult an individual who is 18 years of age or older, who consents to act as co-decision-maker and who the Court is satisfied (

a) will act in the adult’s best interests, and (

b) is suitable to be appointed as co-decision-maker having regard to (

i) the views and wishes of the adult, (ii) the relationship betwee n the adult and the proposed co-decision-maker, insofar as it appears relevant to the ability of the proposed co-decision-maker to discharge the responsibilities of co-decision-maker, (iii) the apparent ability of the proposed co-decision-maker to assist the adult to make the decisions about the personal matters to be referred to in the order, (iv) any matter prescrib ed by the regulations, and (

v) any other matter the Court considers relevant.

(2) In assessing whether a proposed co-decision-maker will act in the best interests of an adult, the Court may consider evidence of any matter, including a potential conflict of interest, that might create a substantial risk that the proposed co-decision-maker would not act in the adult’s best interests.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a proposed co-decision-maker shall not be considered to have a potential conflict of interest by reason only that the proposed co-decision-maker (

a) is a relative of the adult, or (

b) is a potential beneficiary of the adult.

Section 15

Chapter A-4.2 17 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Public Guardian and Public Trustee may not be co-decision-maker 15 The Court may not appoint the Public Guardian or the Public Trustee as a co-decision-maker. Appointment of multiple co-decision-makers 16(1) The Court may appoint one or more co-decision-makers for an adult.

(2) If the Court makes an order appointing more than one co-decision-maker, the Court shall specify whether the co-decision-makers are to act jointly, successively or separately in respect of specified personal matters. Terms of co-decision-making order 17(1) The Court shall specify in a co-decision-making order the personal matters in respect of which the adult is required to make decisions with a co-decision-maker.

(2) The following personal matters may be specified for the purposes of subsection (1): (

a) the adult’s health care; (

b) where, with whom and under what conditions the adult is to live, either permanently or temporarily; (

c) the persons with whom the adult may associate; (

d) the adult’s participation in social activities; (

e) the adult’s participation in any educational, vocational or other training; (

f) the adult’s employment; (

g) the carrying on of any leg al proceeding that does not relate primarily to the financial matters of the adult; (

h) any other personal matter the Court considers necessary.

(3) If the Court is aware that an adult who is the subject of an application for a co-decision-making order has made a personal directive that is in effect, the Court may not make a co-decision-making order requiring the adult to make decisions with a co-decision-maker relating to a personal matter with respect to which an agent has authority under the personal directive.

Section 18

Chapter A-4.2 18 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(4) If a guardianship order is in effect in respect of an adult who is the subject of an application for a co-decision-making order, the Court shall, if it makes a co-decision-making order in respect of the adult, terminate the guardianship order in the co-decision-making order.

(5) The Court may specify in a co-decision-making order that a contract respecting a personal matter is voidable if it is not in writing and signed by the assisted adult and the co-decision-maker.

(6) The Court may make a co-decision-making order subject to any conditions, limits or requirements that it considers necessary.

(7) On making a co-decision-making order, the Court (

a) shall specify a date in the order by which an application for a review of the order must be made, if the capacity assessment report indicates that the assisted adult’s capacity is likely to improve, or (

b) may specify a dat e in the order by which an application for a review of the order must be made, in any other case.

(8) It is a condition of every co-decision-making order that the assisted person may terminate the order by filing a withdrawal of consent in the prescribed form with the clerk of the Court.

(9) A co-decision-making order terminates on the filing of a withdrawal of consent.

(10) An assisted person who files a withdrawal of consent shall serve a filed copy of the withdrawal of consent on each co-decision-maker named in the co-decision-making order in accordance with the regulations.

(11) The clerk of the Court shall send a filed copy of a withdrawal of consent to the Public Guardian without delay.

(12) On receipt of a withdrawal of consent, the Public Guardian shall, subject to the regulations, take the actions that the Public Guardian considers appropriate for the purpose of determining whether any necessary arrangements have been or will be made in respect of the assisted person. Authority and duties of co-decision-maker 18(1) A co-decision-maker shall exercise the co-decision-maker’s authority (

a) in the assisted adult’s best interests,

Section 19

Chapter A-4.2 19 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

b) diligently, and (

c) in good faith.

(2) Subject to any conditions, limits or requirements set out in the co-decision-making order, a co-decision-maker shall (

a) assist the assisted adult to access, collect or obtain from any person the information that is relevant to the personal matters with respect to which the assisted adult is required to make decisions with the co-decision-maker, and (

b) discuss the relevant inform ation with the assisted adult and assist the assisted adult in making those decisions.

(3) A co-decision-maker shall comply with any conditions, limits or requirements set out in the co-decision-making order.

(4) A co-decision-maker may do all things necessary to give effect to decisions of the assisted adult made with the co-decision-maker.

(5) A co-decision-maker shall not refuse to sign a document respecting a matter referred to in

section 17(5) if a reasonable person could have made the decision and the decision is not likely to result in harm to the assisted adult. Payment to co-decision-makers 19(1) A co-decision-maker is entitled to be reimbursed for direct expenses incurred by the co-decision-maker in exercising the authority and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of a co-decision-maker.

(2) A co-decision-maker is not entitled to any remuneration, compensation, fees or allowance for effort made or time expended on behalf of the assisted adult in exercising the authority and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of a co-decision-maker. Application to Court for opinion, advice or direction 20 An assisted adult and a co-decision-maker may apply, in accordance with the regulations, for the opinion, advice or direction of the Court on any question respecting the assisted adult.

Review of co-decision-making order 21(1) An assisted person, a co-decision-maker or any interested person may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for a review of a co-decision-making order.

Section 21

Chapter A-4.2 20 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(2) A co-decision-maker shall apply for a review under subsection (1) (

a) as required by the terms o f the co-decision-making order, (

b) if there has been a signi ficant change in the needs, circumstances or capacity of the assisted person that the co-decision-maker considers would make a variation or termination of the order in the assisted person’s best interests, or (

c) if there has been a change in circumstances that affects t he co-decision-maker’s (

i) ability to exercise the authority or carry out the duties and responsibilities of co-decision-maker, or (ii) suitability to be a co-decision-maker for the assisted person.

(3) The person applying for a review of a co-decision-making order shall file a recent capacity assessment report respecting the assisted person with the Court (

a) subject to the regulations, if the capacity of the assiste d person is in issue, or (

b) as otherwise required by the regulations.

(4) Subject to subsections (5)(

a) and (6), on an application for a review of a co-decision-making order under subsection (1), the Court may make an order continuing, amending, replacing or terminating the co-decision-making order on any terms or conditions the Court considers appropriate.

(5) On an application for a review of a co-decision-making order under subsection (1), the Court (

a) shall make an order terminating a co-decision-making order where the Court is satisfied that the assisted person’s capacity to make decisions about all of the personal matters in respect of which the order is made is no longer significantly impaired, and (

b) may make an order termina ting a co-decision-making order, an order discharging a co-decision-maker and appointing a new co-decision-maker, or any other order the Court considers appropriate in the circumstances, where the Court is satisfied that

Section 22

Chapter A-4.2 21 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

i) a co-decision-maker is not acting or is unable, unwilling or refusing to continue to act as a co-decision-maker, (ii) a co-decision-maker has fa iled to apply for a review of the co-decision-making order, if applicable, or has otherwise failed to act in accordance with the co-decision-making order or any conditions, limits or requirements to which the co-decision-making order is subject, (iii) a co-decision-maker has not complied with the duties and responsibilities of a co-decision-maker, (iv) a co-decision-maker has act ed in an improper manner or in a manner that has endangered or might endanger the assisted person’s well-being, (

v) a co-decision-maker is no longer suitable to be a co-decision-maker for the assisted person, (vi) the assisted person’s capacity to make decisions about some of the personal matters in respect of which the order is made is no longer significantly impaired, (vii) the relationship between a co-decision-maker and the assisted person has broken down, (viii) the assisted person is unable, unwilling or refusing to accept the assistance of a co-decision-maker, or (ix) it is in the best interests of the assisted person to do so.

(6) Before making an order terminating a co-decision-making order the Court shall satisfy itself that, if necessary, (

a) suitable arrangements have been or will be made in respect of the assisted person, or (

b) an application for a guardi anship order in respect of the assisted person has been or will be made. Access to personal information 22(1) A co-decision-maker is entitled to access, collect or obtain from a public body, custodian or organization personal information, except financial information, about the assisted adult that is relevant to the exercise of the authority and the carrying out of the duties and responsibilities of the co-decision-maker.

Section 23

Chapter A-4.2 22 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(2) A public body, a custodian and an organization may disclose personal information respecting an assisted adult that is referred to in subsection (1) to a co-decision-maker.

(3) Where a co-decision-maker accesses, collects or obtains personal information about an assisted adult under this section, the co-decision-maker (

a) may use and disclose the in formation only for the purpose of exercising the authority and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the co-decision-maker, and (

b) shall take reasonable care to ensure the information is ke pt secure from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

(4) A co-decision-maker shall not attempt to access, collect or obtain personal information about the assisted adult under this

section from a public body, custodian or organization other than the personal information that the co-decision-maker is entitled to access, collect or obtain under subsection (1). Liability 23 No action lies against a co-decision-maker for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith while exercising the authority or carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the co-decision-maker in accordance with this Act. Division 3 Guardianship

Interpretation 24(1) An application for the appointment of a guardian under

section 26(1) may be made in respect of a person who has not attained the age of majority if the person will attain the age of majority within 12 months.

(2) Where an application is made in respect of a person referred to in subsection (1), (

a) subject to the regulations, this Act and the regulations a pply in respect of the application and, if a guardianship order is made, in respect of the guardianship order, as if the person were an adult; (

b) a guardianship order may be made in respect of the person but does not take effect until the person attains the age of majority.

Section 25

Chapter A-4.2 23 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Application of Division 25 This Division applies only in respect of personal matters. Guardianship order 26(1) An interested person may apply to the Court, in accordance with this

section and the regulations, for an order appointing a guardian for an adult.

(2) Where, in the opinion of the Public Guardian, an adult is in need of a guardian and no person is willing, able and suitable to make an application for the appointment of a guardian, the Public Guardian shall, in accordance with the regulations, apply to the Court for an order appointing a guardian for the adult.

(3) The following documents must be filed in support of an application for a guardianship order under this section: (

a) subject to

section 105, a capacity assessment report respecting the adult who is the subject of the application, (

b) a guardianship plan in the prescribed form, and (

c) any other documents prescribed by the regulations.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), a notice, in the prescribed form, of an application under this

section must be personally served, in accordance with the regulations, on the adult who is the subject of the application.

(5) If the Court is satisfied that notification of an application under this

section would be harmful to the adult who is the subject of the application, the Court may make an order dispensing with service under subsection (4).

(6) The Court may, on an application under this section, make an order appointing a guardian for an adult if the Court is satisfied that (

a) the adult does not have the capacity to make decisions about the personal matters that are to be referred to in the order, (

b) less intrusive and less rest rictive alternative measures than the appointment of a guardian have been considered or have been implemented and would not likely be or have not been effective to meet the needs of the adult, and (

c) it is in the adult’s best interests to make the order.

(7) In determining whether it is in an adult’s best interests to appoint a guardian, the Court shall consider

Section 27

Chapter A-4.2 24 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) subject to

section 105, the capacity assessment report respecting the adult and any other relevant information respecting the adult’s capacity, (

b) the report of the review officer, (

c) the proposed guardianship plan, (

d) any personal directive made by the adult, (

e) any supported decision-mak ing authorization made by the adult, (

f) any co-decision-m aking order that is in effect appointing a co-decision-maker for the adult, (

g) whether the adult’s lack of capacity to make decisions about the personal matters that are to be referred to in the order is likely to expose the adult to harm, (

h) the personal matters with res pect to which the adult needs or will likely need to make decisions, (

i) whether the appointment of a guardian would be likely to produce benefits for the adult that would outweigh any adverse consequences for the adult, and (

j) any other matter the Court considers relevant.

(8) Nothing in subsection (2) affects the Public Guardian’s authority to make an application under subsection (1) in respect of a person referred to in

section 24(1). Guardianship order in urgent cases 27(1) An interested person who has reason to believe that (

a) an adult lacks the capac ity to make a decision about a personal matter, and (

b) there is immediate danger of death of the adult or serious physical or mental harm to the adult and it is necessary for someone to make decisions to prevent the death of or harm to the adult, may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for a guardianship order under this section.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or the regulations, on an application under this

section the Court, if

Section 28

Chapter A-4.2 25 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT satisfied that the urgency of the matter makes it appropriate to do so, may dispense with or modify any requirement that would otherwise apply, including any requirement respecting (

a) the documents to be filed in support of the application, (

b) service of notice of the application, and (

c) the evidence that may be co nsidered on the application.

(3) The Court may, on an application under this section, appoint a guardian for the adult who is the subject of the application if the Court is satisfied that there is evidence that the adult (

a) lacks the capacity to make a decision about a personal matter, and (

b) is in immediate danger of (

i) death, or (ii) suffering serious p hysical or mental harm if a guardianship order is not granted under this section.

(4) The Court shall, in a guardianship order granted under this section, specify a date, not later than 90 days after the date of the guardianship order, by which the guardianship order must be reviewed by the Court and after which the guardianship order expires unless it is extended under subsection (5)(b).

(5) On a review of a guardianship order granted under this section, the Court may (

a) terminate the guardianship order, (

b) extend the guardianship order for up to 6 months, after which time the guardianship order expires, or (

c) proceed with the matter as an application under

section 26 if the requirements for an application under that

section have been met. Persons eligible to be guardian 28(1) The Court may appoint as a guardian for an adult an individual who is 18 years of age or older, who consents to act as guardian and who the Court is satisfied (

a) will act in the best interests of the adult, and

Section 29

Chapter A-4.2 26 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

b) is suitable to be appointed as guardian having regard to (

i) the views and wishes of the adult, if ascertainable, (ii) the relationship betwee n the adult and the proposed guardian insofar as it appears relevant to the ability of the proposed guardian to discharge the responsibilities of guardian, (iii) the apparent ability of the proposed guardian to effectively exercise authority about the personal matters to be referred to in the order, (iv) any matter prescrib ed by the regulations, and (

v) any other matter the Court considers relevant.

(2) In assessing whether a proposed guardian will act in the best interests of an adult, the Court may consider evidence of any matter, including a potential conflict of interest, that might create a substantial risk that the proposed guardian would not act in the adult’s best interests.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a proposed guardian shall not be considered to have a potential conflict of interest by reason only that the proposed guardian (

a) is a relative of the adult, or (

b) is a potential beneficiary of the adult. Appointment of Public Guardian as guardian 29(1) The Court may appoint the Public Guardian as a guardian for an adult only (

a) on the application of the Public Guardian, (

b) with the consent of the Public Guardian, or (

c) i f (

i) no other individual is willin g, able and suitable to act as guardian for the adult, and (ii) the Public Guardian has been notified of and given a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the Court regarding the proposed appointment.

Section 30

Chapter A-4.2 27 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(2) The Public Guardian may apply to the Court for the termination or amendment of a guardianship order made contrary to subsection (1). Appointment of guardian other than proposed guardian 30 If the Court is satisfied that it is appropriate to make a guardianship order in respect of an adult but is not satisfied that the proposed guardian meets the requirements of

section 28, the Court may, on any notice the Court directs, appoint as guardian another person who meets the requirements of

section 28. Appointment of multiple guardians 31(1) The Court may appoint one or more guardians for an adult.

(2) Where the Court appoints 2 or more guardians for an adult, the Court (

a) may grant a guardian exclus ive authority to act and make decisions respecting specified personal matters of the adult, and (

b) may provide that the guar dians are to act jointly or separately in respect of any one or more personal matters of the adult.

(3) Except as otherwise provided under subsection (2), if 2 or more guardians are appointed for an adult, the guardians may act and make decisions separately respecting the personal matters of the adult specified in the order.

(4) If the Public Guardian is appointed as one of 2 or more guardians for an adult, the Court shall grant the Public Guardian exclusive authority to act and make decisions respecting specified personal matters of the adult, and the Public Guardian’s authority and responsibility are limited to those personal matters. Appointment of alternate guardian 32(1) The Court may appoint an alternate guardian for an adult if (

a) the person proposed as a lternate guardian has given written consent to the appointment, and (

b) the Court is satisfied that the persons on whom notice of the application for a guardianship order or a review of a guardianship order is required to be served pursuant to the regulations have had sufficient notice of the willingness of

Section 32

Chapter A-4.2 28 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT the person proposed as alternate guardian to act as an alternate guardian.

(2) Section 28 applies to a person proposed as an alternate guardian.

(3) Subject to the terms of the guardianship order, if an alternate guardian is appointed, the alternate guardian shall act as guardian without further proceedings (

a) on becoming aware of (

i) the death of the previous guardian, (ii) the appointment of a guard ian or trustee for the previous guardian, or (iii) the coming into effect , because of the previous guardian’s incapacity, of a personal directive or enduring power of attorney made by the previous guardian, o r (

b) if authorized in writing by t he previous guardian, during the period set out in the authorization.

(4) An authorization under subsection (3)(

b) must indicate the period during which the alternate guardian may act as guardian and terminates (

a) at the end of the period indicated on the authorization, o r (

b) when revoked in writing by the previous guardian, whichever is earlier.

(5) Where an alternate guardian acts as guardian because of an event referred to in subsection (3)(a), the alternate guardian shall notify the clerk of the Court in writing and provide evidence of the event, in accordance with the regulations, to the clerk of the Court.

(6) Where an alternate guardian acts as guardian, the authority of the alternate guardian is the same as that of the previous guardian.

(7) In this section, “previous guardian” means a guardian for whom the alternate guardian is designated as alternate in the guardianship order.

Section 33

Chapter A-4.2 29 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Terms of guardianship order 33(1) The Court shall, in a guardianship order, grant to the guardian authority to act and make decisions with respect to only those personal matters of the adult that the Court considers necessary.

(2) The Court may, in a guardianship order, specify any of the following personal matters of the adult as matters with respect to which the guardian has authority to act and make decisions: (

a) the adult’s health care; (

b) where, with whom and under what conditions the adult is to live, either permanently or temporarily; (

c) with whom the ad ult may associate; (

d) the adult’s participation in social activities; (

e) the adult’s participation in any educational, vocational or other training; (

f) the adult’s employment; (

g) the carrying on of any leg al proceeding that does not relate primarily to the financial matters of the adult; (

h) any other personal matters a s the Court considers necessary.

(3) When making a guardianship order, the Court shall (

a) approve the guardianship plan, subject to any variations t he Court considers necessary, or (

b) require the guardian to submit an amended guardianship plan for approval within the time specified in the order.

(4) A guardian may, in accordance with the regulations, amend a guardianship plan.

(5) If the Court is aware that the adult who is the subject of an application for a guardianship order has made a personal directive that is in effect, the Court may not grant to a guardian any authority that may be exercised by an agent under the personal directive unless the Court terminates the authority of the agent.

(6) If a co-decision-making order is in effect in respect of an adult who is the subject of an application for a guardianship order, the Court shall, if it makes a guardianship order in respect of the adult, terminate the co-decision-making order in the guardianship order.

Section 34

Chapter A-4.2 30 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(7) The Court may make a guardianship order subject to any conditions, limits or requirements that it considers necessary.

(8) On making a guardianship order, the Court (

a) shall specify a date in the order by which an application for a review of the order must be made, if the capacity assessment report indicates that the represented adult’s capacity is likely to improve, or (

b) may specify a dat e in the order by which an application for a review of the order must be made, in any other case. Authority of guardian 34(1) A guardian may act, make decisions, give consents and do any thing with respect to those personal matters of the represented adult with respect to which the guardian has been granted authority in the guardianship order and may sign documents and do all things necessary to give effect to any authority vested in the guardian.

(2) Any action taken, decision made, consent given or thing done by a guardian with respect to a personal matter of the represented adult referred to in subsection (1) has the same effect for all purposes as if the represented adult had taken the action, made the decision, given the consent or done the thing while having capacity.

(3) A guardian, subject to any provision contained in the guardianship order appointing the guardian, may purchase necessaries for the represented adult without the consent of the represented adult, any trustee of the represented adult or any attorney under an enduring power of attorney.

(4) When a guardian purchases necessaries for the represented adult under subsection (3), (

a) the represented adult is liable to pay for the necessaries or reimburse the guardian for the cost of the necessaries, or (

b) if there is a trustee or an attorney under an enduring power of attorney for the represented adult, the trustee or the attorney, as the case may be, shall pay for the necessaries or reimburse the guardian for the cost of the necessaries out of the property of the represented adult. Duties and responsibilities of guardian 35(1) A guardian shall exercise the guardian’s authority

Section 36

Chapter A-4.2 31 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) in the represented adult’s best interests, (

b) diligently, (

c) in good faith, (

d) in a way that encourages the represented adult to become, to the extent possible, capable of caring for himself or herself and of making decisions in respect of matters relating to his or her person, and (

e) in the least intrusive and least restrictive manner that, in the opinion of the guardian, is likely to be effective.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a guardian has been granted authority with respect to a personal matter with respect to which a personal directive of the represented adult contains instructions, the guardian shall exercise the guardian’s authority in accordance with any clear and relevant instructions in the personal directive.

(3) A guardian shall comply with any conditions, limits or requirements set out in the guardianship order.

(4) On the making of a guardianship order, the guardian shall, promptly and in a manner that the represented adult is likely to best understand, inform the represented adult of the guardian’s appointment, the extent of the guardian’s authority and any conditions, limits or requirements to which the guardianship order is subject.

(5) Subject to the regulations, a guardian shall, within a reasonable time and in a manner that the represented adult is likely to best understand, inform the represented adult of important decisions made by the guardian for the represented adult. Death or incapacity of guardian 36(1) When the Public Guardian is notified (

a) of the death of a guardian, (

b) of the appointment of a guardian or trustee for a guardian , or (

c) of the coming into effect, because of the incapacity of th e guardian, of an enduring power of attorney or personal directive made by the guardian, if there is no other guardian or alternate guardian with the authority to act with respect to the matters with respect to which the

Section 37

Chapter A-4.2 32 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT deceased or incapacitated guardian had authority, the Public Guardian becomes the guardian of the represented adult with the same authority as the deceased or incapacitated guardian.

(2) On becoming the guardian of a represented adult under subsection (1), the Public Guardian shall notify the clerk of the Court in writing of that fact and send evidence of the event referred to in subsection (1)(a), (

b) or (c), in accordance with the regulations, to the clerk of the Court.

(3) The Public Guardian continues to be the guardian of the represented adult until (

a) a new guardian is appointed by the Court, or (

b) the Court makes an order discharging the Public Guardian as guardian of the represented adult. Payment to guardian 37(1) A guardian is entitled to be reimbursed for direct expenses incurred in exercising the authority and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of a guardian.

(2) A guardian is not entitled to any remuneration, compensation, fees or allowance for effort made or for time expended on behalf of the represented adult in exercising the authority and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of a guardian. Order to give effect to decision 38(1) A guardian may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for an order under this

section where the guardian has reason to believe that (

a) a decision made by the guardian under the guardian’s power and authority is not being given effect because (

i) the represented adult is f ailing or refusing to act in accordance with the decision, or (ii) a person is obstructing th e doing of anything necessary to give effect to the decision, a n d (

b) there would be a serious risk to the health or safety of t he represented adult if the decision were not given effect.

Section 39

Chapter A-4.2 33 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(2) Where the Court is satisfied that the circumstances referred to in subsection (1)(

a) and (

b) exist, the Court may make any order the Court considers necessary and appropriate to give effect to the decision of the guardian, including, without limitation, an order authorizing the police to assist the guardian or another person in doing anything necessary to give effect to the decision. Application to Court for opinion, advice or direction 39(1) A guardian may apply, in accordance with the regulations, for the opinion, advice or direction of the Court on any question respecting the represented adult.

(2) A guardian acting on an opinion, advice or direction given by the Court is deemed, so far as the guardian’s responsibility is concerned, to have discharged the guardian’s duty as guardian in respect of the subject-matter of the opinion, advice or direction. (3) Subsection (2) does not operate to indemnify a guardian in respect of any act done in accordance with an opinion, advice or direction if the guardian is guilty of any fraud or wilful concealment or misrepresentation in obtaining the opinion, advice or direction.

Review of guardianship order 40(1) A represented person, a guardian or any interested person may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for a review of a guardianship order.

(2) A guardian shall apply for a review under subsection (1) (

a) as required by the terms of the guardianship order, (

b) if there has been a signi ficant change in the needs, circumstances or capacity of the represented person that the guardian considers would make a variation or termination of the order in the represented adult’s best interests, or (

c) if there has been a change in circumstances that affects t he guardian’s (

i) ability to exercise the authority or carry out the duties and responsibilities of guardian, or (ii) suitability to be a guardian for the represented person.

(3) The person applying for a review of a guardianship order shall file a recent capacity assessment report respecting the represented person with the Court

Section 40

Chapter A-4.2 34 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) subject to the regulations, if the capacity of the represe nted person is in issue, or (

b) as otherwise required by the regulations.

(4) Subject to subsections (5)(

a) and (6), on an application for a review of a guardianship order, the Court may make an order continuing, amending, replacing or terminating the guardianship order on any terms or conditions the Court considers appropriate.

(5) The Court (

a) shall make an order terminating a guardianship order if th e Court is satisfied that the represented person is no longer in need of a guardian, and (

b) may make an order termina ting a guardianship order, an order discharging a guardian and appointing a new guardian who meets the requirements of

section 28, or any other order that the Court considers appropriate in the circumstances, where the Court is satisfied that (

i) a guardian is not actin g or is unable, unwilling or refusing to continue to act as guardian, (ii) a guardian has failed to apply for a review of the guardianship order, if applicable, or has otherwise failed to act in accordance with the guardianship order or any conditions, limits or requirements to which the guardianship order is subject, (iii) a guardian has not complied with the duties and responsibilities of a guardian, (iv) a guardian has acted i n an improper manner or in a manner that has endangered or might endanger the represented person’s well-being, (

v) a guardian is no longer suitable to be a guardian for the represented person, (vi) the relationship between a guardian and the represented person has broken down, or (vii) it is in the represented person’s best interests to do so.

(6) Before making an order terminating a guardianship order, the Court shall satisfy itself that, if necessary,

Section 41

Chapter A-4.2 35 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) suitable arrangements have been or will be made in respect of the represented person, or (

b) an application for another guardianship order in respect o f the represented person has been or will be made. Access to personal information 41(1) A public body, custodian or organization may disclose to a person personal information about an adult, except financial information, where the public body, custodian or organization is satisfied that (

a) the person to whom the information is to be disclosed intends to make an application for a guardianship order in respect of the adult, and (

b) the information is relevant to and necessary for the application.

(2) Where personal information is disclosed under subsection (1), the person to whom the information is disclosed (

a) may use the information only for the purpose of making an application for a guardianship order in respect of the adult, and (

b) shall take reasonable care to ensure the information is ke pt secure from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

(3) A person who intends to make an application for a guardianship order in respect of an adult shall not attempt to access, collect or obtain personal information about the adult under this

section from a public body, custodian or organization other than personal information that may be disclosed under subsection (1).

(4) A guardian is entitled to access, collect or obtain from a public body, custodian or organization personal information about the represented adult that is relevant to the exercise of the guardian’s authority and the carrying out of the guardian’s duties and responsibilities.

(5) A public body, a custodian and an organization may disclose to a guardian personal information about a represented adult that is referred to in subsection (4).

(6) Where a guardian accesses, collects or obtains personal information about a represented adult under this section, the guardian

Section 42

Chapter A-4.2 36 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) may use the information only for the purpose of exercising the authority and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the guardian, and (

b) shall take reasonable care to ensure the information is ke pt secure from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

(7) A guardian shall not attempt to access, collect or obtain personal information about the represented adult under this

section from a public body, custodian or organization other than the personal information that the guardian is entitled to access, collect or obtain under subsection (4). Liability 42 No action lies against a guardian for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith while exercising the authority or carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the guardian in accordance with this Act. Division 4 Trusteeship

Interpretation 43(1) In this Division, “personal representative” in respect of a deceased person means the executor of the person’s will or the administrator of the person’s estate.

(2) An application for the appointment of a trustee under

section 46(1) may be made in respect of a person who has not attained the age of majority if the person will attain the age of majority within 12 months.

(3) Where an application is made in respect of a person referred to in subsection (2), (

a) subject to the regulations, this Act and the regulations a pply in respect of the application and, if a trusteeship order is made, in respect of the trusteeship order, as if the person were an adult; (

b) a trusteeship order may be m ade in respect of the person but does not take effect until the person attains the age of majority. Application of Division 44(1) This Division applies only in respect of financial matters.

Section 45

Chapter A-4.2 37 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(2) Except as otherwise provided by this Act, the Trustee Act does not apply to a trustee appointed under this Act. Jurisdiction 45 The Court may make a trusteeship order under this Division (

a) in respect of an adult who is ordinarily resident in Alberta, or (

b) in respect of an adult who is not ordinarily resident in Alberta if (

i) the order applies only to r eal property of the adult that is located in Alberta, or (ii) the Court is satisfied tha t exceptional circumstances make it appropriate to make a trusteeship order. Trusteeship order 46(1) An interested person may apply to the Court, in accordance with this

section and the regulations, for an order appointing a trustee for an adult.

(2) The following documents must be filed in support of an application for a trusteeship order under this section: (

a) subject to

section 105, a capacity assessment report respecting the adult who is the subject of the application, (

b) a trusteeship plan in the prescribed form, and (

c) any other documents prescribed by the regulations.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), a notice, in the prescribed form, of an application under this

section must be personally served, in accordance with the regulations, on the adult who is the subject of the application.

(4) If the Court is satisfied that notification of an application under this

section would be harmful to the adult who is the subject of the application, the Court may make an order dispensing with service under subsection (3).

(5) The Court may, on an application under this section, appoint a trustee for an adult if the Court is satisfied that (

a) the adult does not have the capacity to make decisions about financial matters,

Section 47

Chapter A-4.2 38 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

b) less intrusive and less rest rictive alternative measures than the appointment of a trustee would not adequately protect the adult’s interests in respect of financial matters, and (

c) it is in the adult’s best i nterests for a trustee to be appointed.

(6) A determination that an adult does not have the capacity to make decisions respecting a financial matter may not be made solely on the basis of evidence that the adult (

a) is making decisions about the financial matter in a manner that a reasonably prudent person would not adopt, or (

b) has difficulty communicating about the financial matter.

(7) In determining whether it is in an adult’s best interests to appoint a trustee, the Court shall consider (

a) subject to

section 105, the capacity assessment report respecting the adult and any other relevant information respecting the adult’s capacity, (

b) the report of the review officer, (

c) the proposed trusteeship plan, (

d) any enduring power of attorney given by the adult, (

e) whether the appointment of a trustee would be likely to produce benefits for the adult that would outweigh any adverse consequences for the adult, and (

f) any other matter the Co urt considers relevant. 2008 cA-4.2 s46;2025 c20 s1 Duty of Public Trustee to inquire into alleged need for trustee 47(1) Where the Public Trustee receives a written allegation that an adult is in need of a trustee, the Public Trustee shall make any inquiries and take any action that the Public Trustee considers necessary for the purpose of determining whether the Public Trustee is required to make an application pursuant to subsection (2).

(2) The Public Trustee shall apply under

section 46 for an order appointing the Public Trustee as trustee of an adult who is the subject of an allegation referred to in subsection (1) if, after inquiring into the allegation, the Public Trustee is of the opinion that

Section 48

Chapter A-4.2 39 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) the criteria for the appoin tment of a trustee in

section 46 are satisfied, (

b) the adult is likely to suffe r serious financial loss if a trustee is not appointed within a reasonable time, and (

c) no other person is likely to apply within a reasonable time for the appointment of a trustee for the adult.

(3) The Public Trustee may refuse to act under subsection (1) if the Public Trustee is of the opinion that the allegation is frivolous or vexatious. Order in urgent cases 48(1) An interested person who has reason to believe that an adult (

a) lacks the capacity to make a decision about a financial matter, and (

b) is in immediate danger of suffering serious financial loss may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for an order under this section.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or the regulations, on an application under this

section the Court, if satisfied that the urgency of the matter makes it appropriate to do so, may dispense with or modify any requirement that would otherwise apply, including any requirement respecting (

a) the documents required to be filed in support of the application, (

b) service of notice of the application, and (

c) the evidence that may be co nsidered on the application.

(3) The Court may, on an application under this section, make an order if the Court is satisfied that there is evidence that the adult who is the subject of the application (

a) lacks the capacity to make a decision about a financial matter, and (

b) is in immediate danger of suffering serious financial loss if an order is not granted under this section.

(4) The Court may, in an order under this section,

Section 48

Chapter A-4.2 40 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) appoint a trustee for the adult, (

b) prohibit or restrict any d ealing with property specified in the order, or (

c) require a person in possession or control of property specified in the order to deliver the property to a trustee or to another person specified in the order.

(5) Subject to the terms of the order, an order under this

section appointing a trustee (

a) applies only to property specified in the order, (

b) authorizes the trustee (

i) to take possession and control of and to do all things necessary to preserve and protect the property, (ii) to pay the represented adult’s ordinary living expenses out of the property, and (iii) to do any other thing in relation to the property that i s specifically authorized by the order, a n d (

c) does not authorize the trustee to sell, dispose of or encu mber the property.

(6) The Court shall, in an order granted under this section, specify a date, not later than 90 days after the date of the order, by which the order must be reviewed by the Court and after which the order expires unless it is extended by the Court under subsection (7)(b).

(7) On a review of an order granted under this section, the Court may (

a) terminate the order, (

b) extend the order for up to 6 months, after which time the order expires, or (

c) proceed with the matter as an application under

section 46 if the requirements for an application under that

section have been met.

(8) Where an order under this

section expires, a trustee or other person who had possession or control of the property specified in the order shall

Section 49

Chapter A-4.2 41 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) account to the adult, and (

b) deliver the property to o r as directed by the adult. Persons eligible to be trustee 49(1) The Court may appoint as a trustee for an adult (

a) an individual who is 18 years of age or older, who consent s to act as trustee and who the Court is satisfied (

i) will act in the best interests of the adult, and (ii) is suitable to be appointed as trustee having regard to (

A) the views and wishes of the adult, if ascertainable, (

B) the relationship between the adult and the individual proposed as trustee, insofar as it appears relevant to the ability of the individual to discharge the responsibilities of trustee, (

C) the apparent ability of the individual proposed as trustee to effectively manage the financial matters of the adult, (

D) any circumstance, including but not limited to the trustee’s place of residence, that could impair the Court’s ability to exercise effective oversight and control over the trustee, (

E) any matter prescrib ed by the regulations, and (

F) any other matter the Court considers relevant, (

b) a trust corporation that c onsents to act as trustee, or (

c) the Public Trustee.

(2) In assessing whether a proposed trustee will act in the best interests of an adult, the Court may consider evidence of any matter, including a potential conflict of interest, that may create a substantial risk that the proposed trustee would not act in the adult’s best interests.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a proposed trustee shall not be considered to have a potential conflict of interest by reason only that the proposed trustee (

a) is a relative of the adult, or

Section 50

Chapter A-4.2 42 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

b) is a potential beneficiary of the adult.

(4) Subject to subsection (6), the Court may appoint an individual who is not ordinarily resident in Alberta as a trustee only if the individual provides a bond or other security for the performance of the individual’s duties as trustee.

(5) The bond or other security must be of a nature and value and subject to terms approved by the Court.

(6) The Court may dispense with the requirement for a bond or other security if the Court is satisfied that, having regard to other safeguards that are or will be in place, it would be in the represented adult’s best interests to do so.

(7) The Court may require a trustee who is ordinarily resident in Alberta, other than the Public Trustee or a trust corporation, to provide a bond or other security for the performance of the trustee’s duties. Appointment of Public Trustee as trustee 50(1) The Court may appoint the Public Trustee as trustee for an adult only (

a) on the application of the Public Trustee, (

b) with the consent of the Public Trustee, or (

c) i f (

i) no other person is willing, able and suitable to act as trustee for the adult, and (ii) the Public Trustee has been notified of and has been given a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the Court regarding the proposed appointment.

(2) The Public Trustee may apply to the Court for the termination or amendment of a trusteeship order made contrary to subsection (1). Appointment of trustee other than proposed trustee 51 If the Court is satisfied that it is appropriate to make a trusteeship order in respect of an adult but is not satisfied that the proposed trustee meets the requirements of

section 49, the Court may, on any notice the Court directs, appoint as trustee another person who meets the requirements of

section 49.

Section 52

Chapter A-4.2 43 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Appointment of multiple trustees 52(1) The Court may appoint one or more trustees for an adult.

(2) Where the Court appoints 2 or more trustees for an adult, the Court (

a) may grant a trustee exclus ive authority over specified financial matters of the adult, and (

b) may provide that the trustees are to act jointly or separa tely in respect of any one or more financial matters of the adult.

(3) Except as otherwise provided under subsection (2), if 2 or more trustees are appointed for an adult, the trustees shall act jointly.

(4) If the Public Trustee is appointed as one of 2 or more trustees for an adult, the Court shall grant the Public Trustee exclusive authority over specified financial matters of the adult, and the Public Trustee’s authority and responsibility are limited to those financial matters. Appointment of alternate trustee 53(1) The Court may appoint an alternate trustee for an adult if (

a) the person proposed as alte rnate trustee has given written consent to the appointment, and (

b) the Court is satisfied that the persons on whom notice of the application for a trusteeship order or a review of a trusteeship order is required to be served pursuant to the regulations have had sufficient notice of the willingness of the person proposed as alternate trustee to act as an alternate trustee.

(2) Section 49 applies to a person proposed as alternate trustee.

(3) Subject to the terms of the trusteeship order, if an alternate trustee is appointed, the alternate trustee shall act as trustee without further proceedings (

a) on becoming aware of (

i) the death of the previous trustee, (ii) the appointment of a guard ian or trustee for the previous trustee, or

Section 54

Chapter A-4.2 44 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (iii) the coming into effect, b ecause of the previous trustee’s incapacity, of a personal directive or enduring power of attorney made by the previous trustee, o r (

b) if authorized in writing by t he previous trustee, during the temporary absence of the previous trustee.

(4) An authorization under subsection (3)(

b) must indicate the period during which the alternate trustee may act as trustee and terminates (

a) at the end of the period indicated on the authorization, o r (

b) when revoked in writing by the previous trustee, whichever is earlier.

(5) Where an alternate trustee acts as trustee because of an event referred to in subsection (3)(a), the alternate trustee shall notify the clerk of the Court in writing and provide evidence of the event, in accordance with the regulations, to the clerk of the Court.

(6) Where an alternate trustee acts as trustee, the authority of the alternate trustee is the same as that of the previous trustee.

(7) In this section, “previous trustee” means a trustee for whom the alternate trustee is designated as alternate in the trusteeship order. Terms of trusteeship order 54(1) When making a trusteeship order, the Court shall (

a) approve the trusteeship plan, subject to any variations th e Court considers necessary, or (

b) require the trustee to subm it an amended trusteeship plan for approval within the time specified in the order.

(2) A trustee may, with the approval of the Court, amend a trusteeship plan.

(3) If a co-decision-making order is in effect in respect of an adult who is the subject of an application for a trusteeship order, the Court shall, if it makes a trusteeship order in respect of the adult, terminate the co-decision-making order in the trusteeship order.

(4) When appointing a trustee, other than the Public Trustee, the Court

Section 55

Chapter A-4.2 45 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) shall consider whether it would be in the represented adul t’s best interests to impose any limits or conditions on the trustee’s authority, and (

b) may, in the trusteeship order, impose any limits or conditions on the trustee’s authority that the Court considers appropriate.

(5) The Court may provide in a trusteeship order that the trusteeship order applies (

a) only to property or financi al matters specified in the order, or (

b) to the real property of the adult located outside Alberta.

(6) The Court may, in a trusteeship order, authorize a trustee to permit the represented adult to open or maintain a deposit account in the name of the represented adult at a financial institution subject to any limits or conditions the Court considers appropriate.

(7) The Court (

a) shall specify a date in the trusteeship order by which an application for a review of the trusteeship order must be made, if the capacity assessment report indicates that the represented adult’s capacity is likely to improve, and (

b) may specify a date in the trusteeship order by which an application for a review of the trusteeship order must be made, in any other case. Property subject to trusteeship order and authority of trustee 55(1) Except as otherwise provided by the terms of the trusteeship order, this Act or the regulations, a trusteeship order (

a) applies to all of the represented adult’s real and persona l property, except real property located outside Alberta, and (

b) authorizes the trustee, with respect to the property to which the order applies, (

i) to take possession and control of the property, (ii) to do anything in relatio n to financial matters of the represented adult that the represented adult could do if the represented adult were capable of making decisions with respect to financial matters, and

Section 56

Chapter A-4.2 46 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (iii) to sign all documents and d o all things necessary to give effect to any power or authority vested in the trustee.

(2) Except as specifically permitted by subsection (3), the regulations or a trusteeship order, a trustee, other than the Public Trustee, may not sell, transfer or encumber the real property of or purchase real property on behalf of the represented adult.

(3) The trustee may register the trusteeship order against the title to the represented adult’s real property in accordance with the Land Titles Act.

(4) Any action taken, decision made, consent given or thing done by a trustee with respect to a matter within the trustee’s authority has the same effect for all purposes as if the represented adult had taken the action, made the decision, given the consent or done the thing while having capacity. Duties and responsibilities of trustee 56(1) A trustee shall (

a) exercise the trustee’s auth ority in the best interests of the represented adult, and (

b) act in accordance with the trusteeship order and the trusteeship plan approved by the Court.

(2) A trustee shall make expenditures out of the represented adult’s property that are reasonably required for the education, support and care of the represented adult.

(3) Subject to subsection (2), a trustee may exercise the trustee’s authority for the benefit of any or all of the following: (

a) the spouse or adult interdependent partner of the represen ted adult, if any; (

b) any child of the represente d adult who is less than 18 years of age; (

c) any child of the represented adult who is 18 years of age or older and is unable to earn a livelihood because of a physical or mental disability; (

d) with the consent of the Court, any other person.

Section 57

Chapter A-4.2 47 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Standard of care 57(1) A trustee shall exercise the care, skill and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in managing the person’s own financial matters.

(2) If in any proceeding it appears to the Court that (

a) a trustee is or might be personally liable for a breach of any duty arising under this Act, but (

b) the trustee has acted hon estly and reasonably and ought fairly to be excused for the breach of duty and for omitting to obtain the direction of the Court in the matter in which the trustee committed the breach, the Court may relieve the trustee either wholly or partly from personal liability for the breach. Deposit account 58 A trustee who permits a represented adult to open or maintain a deposit account in accordance with an authorization under

section 54(6) is not liable to account for or see to the application of any money paid into or out of the account. Investments 59(1) The following sections of the Trustee Act apply to a trustee appointed under this Act, other than the Public Trustee: sections 2 and 3;

section 33 except subsection (4)(b); sections 34 to 38; sections 51 to 57.

(2) Section 36 of the Trustee Act does not apply in the case of liability for loss arising from a decision or course of action by a trustee that (

a) contravenes the express terms of the trusteeship order, or (

b) is contrary to the express terms of a trusteeship plan approved by the Court.

(3) A trusteeship order and any trusteeship plan approved by the Court are deemed to be an instrument creating a trust for the purposes of

section 3 of the Trustee Act. 2008 cA-4.2 s59;2022 cT-8.1 s101

Section 60

Chapter A-4.2 48 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Gifts 60(1) A trustee, other than the Public Trustee, may not make gifts out of the represented adult’s property except as provided in this section.

(2) Subject to the regulations and any specific restrictions in the trusteeship order, a trustee may make a gift out of the represented adult’s property if (

a) the property that constitute s the gift is not required to meet the represented adult’s needs or the needs of a person referred to in

section 56(3), and (

b) the trustee has reasonable grounds to believe, based on th e actions of the represented adult while the represented adult had capacity, that the represented adult would make the gift if the represented adult had capacity.

(3) The Court may authorize a trustee to make a gift that is not authorized by subsection (2) if the Court is satisfied that it would be appropriate for the trustee to make the gift. Will of represented adult 61(1) A trustee shall make reasonable efforts to determine whether the represented adult has a will.

(2) A trustee may call in or receive an original will made by the represented adult from any person, including a lawyer, who has possession of it, and that person shall surrender the original will to the trustee on request.

(3) A person who has possession of a will before surrendering it under subsection (2) may retain a copy. Property to be kept separate 62 Except as otherwise specifically provided by an enactment, a trusteeship order or a trusteeship plan approved by the Court, a trustee shall (

a) keep property subject to the trusteeship separate from the trustee’s own property, and (

b) hold any money or financial assets that are subject to the trusteeship in a separate account that identifies the represented adult as the beneficial owner.

Section 63

Chapter A-4.2 49 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Trustee’s accounts 63(1) A trustee shall maintain accounts in accordance with the regulations.

(2) A trusteeship order may specify a time by which a trustee shall submit the trustee’s accounts for examination and approval by the Court.

(3) The represented adult or any interested person may apply at any time to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for an order directing a trustee to submit the trustee’s accounts for examination and approval by the Court.

(4) The Court on its own initiative may at any time direct the trustee to submit the trustee’s accounts for examination and approval by the Court.

(5) On the death of the represented adult the trustee shall account to the represented adult’s personal representative.

(6) If the trustee does not provide an accounting under subsection (5) to the satisfaction of the represented adult’s personal representative, the personal representative may apply to the Court for an order under subsection (3).

(7) The personal representative of a deceased trustee or the attorney or trustee of an incapacitated trustee shall, on request, provide an accounting to (

a) an alternate trustee who is acting as trustee under

section 53(3)(a), (

b) a new trustee appointed by the Court, or (

c) the Public Trustee acting under

section 64.

(8) If the personal representative, attorney or trustee does not provide an accounting under subsection (7) to the satisfaction of the alternate trustee, new trustee or Public Trustee, the alternate trustee, new trustee or Public Trustee may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for an order under subsection (3).

(9) A trustee (

a) shall submit the trustee’s accounts for examination and approval by the Court when directed to do so by the Court, and (

b) may submit the trustee’s accounts for examination and approval by the Court at any other time.

Section 64

Chapter A-4.2 50 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(10) An application to the Court for examination and approval of a trustee’s accounts must be made in accordance with the regulations. Death or incapacity of trustee 64(1) When the Public Trustee is notified (

a) of the death of a trustee, (

b) of the appointment of a guardian or trustee for a trustee, or (

c) of the coming into effect, because of the incapacity of a trustee, of an enduring power of attorney or personal directive made by the trustee, if there is no other trustee who has the authority to act with respect to the property subject to the trusteeship, the Public Trustee may take possession and control of the property.

(2) On taking possession and control of property under subsection (1), the Public Trustee may (

a) take any action w ith respect to the property that in the Public Trustee’s opinion is necessary or advisable to protect and preserve the property, (

b) pay the ordinary living expenses of the represented adult out of the property, and (

c) apply to be appointed as trustee for the represented adult .

(3) The Public Trustee is accountable only for property subject to the trusteeship that comes into the Public Trustee’s possession or over which the Public Trustee exercises control.

(4) Where a new trustee is appointed, the Public Trustee shall provide an accounting to the new trustee for the property subject to the trusteeship that came into the Public Trustee’s possession or over which the Public Trustee exercised control.

(5) If an application for the appointment of a trustee for the adult is not commenced within 60 days after the day on which the Public Trustee was notified of the event referred to in subsection (1)(a), (

b) or (c), the Public Trustee shall apply to be appointed as trustee for the adult or for a review of the trusteeship order.

Section 65

Chapter A-4.2 51 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Death of represented adult 65 Where a represented adult dies while a trusteeship order is in effect, the trustee’s authority continues to the extent necessary for the trustee to preserve and protect the property subject to the trusteeship until the represented adult’s personal representative exercises authority over the property. Payment to trustee 66(1) A trustee, other than the Public Trustee, is entitled to be compensated out of the property of the represented adult in accordance with this section.

(2) A trustee may, in accordance with the regulations, elect to be compensated in accordance with the fee

schedule prescribed by the regulations.

(3) Where a trustee has made an election under subsection (2), (

a) the trustee is not entitled to take the compensation under the prescribed

schedule until authorized to do so by the Court, and (

b) the Court may reduce or e liminate the compensation to which the trustee would otherwise be entitled under the prescribed

schedule if the Court is satisfied the trustee has not adequately discharged the trustee’s duties.

(4) If a trustee has not made an election under subsection (2), the Court may determine the trustee’s compensation, having regard to the trustee’s effort, care and responsibility and the time expended on behalf of the represented adult.

(5) A trustee’s compensation may be determined and authority to take compensation may be given on an interim or final application for examination and approval of the trustee’s accounts or as otherwise permitted by the Court.

(6) The Public Trustee shall be compensated for acting as trustee as determined in accordance with the Public Trustee Act.

(7) A trustee is entitled to be reimbursed for the direct expenses incurred and disbursements made on behalf of the represented adult. Property that is the subject of a bequest 67(1) A trustee may apply to the Court for an order authorizing the trustee to sell property that is the subject of a specific gift in the will of the represented adult and directing the trustee to place the

Section 68

Chapter A-4.2 52 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT proceeds of the sale into an identifiable trust account, to be administered as the Court directs having regard to the present and future needs of the represented adult.

(2) If a trustee complies with an order under subsection (1), the specific gift of the property in the will of the represented adult does not fail under the doctrine of ademption.

(3) If a trustee has sold or otherwise disposed of property that was the subject of a specific gift in the will of the represented adult otherwise than in accordance with an order under subsection (1), the Court on the application of any affected person may make an order that it considers will best give effect to the represented adult’s testamentary intentions, having regard to the circumstances in which the property was sold.

(4) An application under subsection (3) may be made either before or after the death of the represented adult. Application to Court for opinion, advice or direction 68(1) A trustee may apply, in accordance with the regulations, for the opinion, advice or direction of the Court on any question respecting a represented adult or respecting the management or administration of the represented adult’s financial matters.

(2) A trustee acting on an opinion, advice or direction given by the Court is deemed, so far as the trustee’s responsibility is concerned, to have discharged the trustee’s duty as trustee in respect of the subject-matter of the opinion, advice or direction. (3) Subsection (2) does not operate to indemnify a trustee in respect of any act done in accordance with an opinion, advice or direction if the trustee is guilty of any fraud or wilful concealment or misrepresentation in obtaining the opinion, advice or direction. Reimbursement of represented adult 69(1) The Court may on an application under this Act relating to a trusteeship order (

a) inquire into a complaint or claim of misconduct, neglect o r default on the part of the trustee, and (

b) order that the trustee reim burse the represented adult to the extent of any loss suffered by the represented adult as a result of the misconduct, neglect or default of the trustee and grant judgment accordingly.

Section 70

Chapter A-4.2 53 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

(2) The Court may order the trial of an issue of a complaint or claim under subsection (1)(

a) and may make all necessary directions with respect to it. Review of trusteeship order 70(1) A represented person, a trustee or any interested person may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for a review of a trusteeship order.

(2) A trustee shall apply for a review under subsection (1) (

a) as required by the terms of the trusteeship order, (

b) if there has been a signi ficant change in the needs, circumstances or capacity of the represented person that the trustee considers would make a variation or termination of the order in the represented adult’s best interests, or (

c) if there has been a change in circumstances that affects t he trustee’s (

i) ability to exercise the authority or carry out the duties and responsibilities of trustee, or (ii) suitability to be a trustee for the represented person.

(3) The person applying for a review of a trusteeship order shall file a recent capacity assessment report respecting the represented person with the Court, (

a) subject to the regulations, if the capacity of the represe nted person is in issue, or (

b) as otherwise required by the regulations.

(4) Subject to subsections (5)(

a) and (6), on an application for a review of a trusteeship order, the Court may make an order continuing, amending, replacing or terminating the trusteeship order on any terms or conditions the Court considers appropriate.

(5) The Court (

a) shall make an order terminating a trusteeship order if the Court is satisfied that the represented person is no longer in need of a trustee, and (

b) may make an order terminating a trusteeship order, an orde r discharging a trustee and appointing a new trustee who meets the requirements of

section 49, or any other order that

Section 71

Chapter A-4.2 54 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT the Court considers appropriate in the circumstances, where the Court is satisfied that a trustee (

i) is not acting or is unable or unwilling to continue to act as a trustee, (ii) has refused or is refusing to act or to continue to act a s a trustee, (iii) has failed or is failing to act as a trustee or to act i n accordance with a trusteeship order or the trusteeship plan approved by the Court, (iv) has acted in an improper ma nner or in a manner that has endangered or that might endanger the property of the represented person, (

v) has been guilty of a breach of trust, or (vi) is no longer suitable to b e a trustee for the represented person.

(6) Before making an order terminating a trusteeship order, the Court shall satisfy itself that, if necessary, (

a) suitable arrangements have been or will be made in respect of the property of the represented person, or (

b) an application for another trusteeship order has been or w ill be made. Determination of incapacity without appointment of trustee 71(1) A person may, without applying for the appointment of a trustee, apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for a determination as to whether an adult lacks capacity in relation to financial matters if the determination is required for the purposes of an enactment or a law of Canada that is prescribed by the regulations.

(2) On an application under subsection (1), the Court may determine whether the adult who is the subject of the application lacks capacity in relation to financial matters and may make an order accordingly.

(3) The Court, on application, may review a determination of capacity made under this section.

Section 72

Chapter A-4.2 55 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Access to personal information 72(1) A public body, custodian or organization may disclose to a person personal information about an adult, except financial information, where the public body, custodian or organization is satisfied that (

a) the person to whom the information is to be disclosed intends to make an application for a trusteeship order in respect of the adult, and (

b) the information is relevant to and necessary for the application.

(2) Where personal information is disclosed under subsection (1), the person to whom the information is disclosed (

a) may use the information only for the purpose of making an application for a trusteeship order, and (

b) shall take reasonable care to ensure the information is ke pt secure from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

(3) A person who intends to make an application for a trusteeship order in respect of an adult shall not attempt to access, collect or obtain personal information about the adult under this

section from a public body, custodian or organization other than personal information that may be disclosed under subsection (1).

(4) A trustee is entitled to access, collect or obtain from a public body, custodian or organization personal information about the represented adult that is relevant to the exercise of the authority and the carrying out of the duties and responsibilities of the trustee.

(5) A public body, a custodian and an organization may disclose to a trustee personal information about a represented adult that is referred to in subsection (4).

(6) Where a trustee accesses, collects or obtains personal information about a represented adult under this section, the trustee (

a) may use and disclose the in formation only for the purpose of exercising the authority and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the trustee, and (

b) shall take reasonable care to ensure the information is ke pt secure from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

(7) A trustee shall not attempt to access, collect or obtain personal information about the represented adult under this

section from a public body, custodian or organization other than the personal

Section 73

Chapter A-4.2 56 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT information that the trustee is entitled to access, collect or obtain under subsection (4). Division 5 Foreign Orders Foreign orders 73(1) In this section, “foreign order” means an order made by a court or body outside Alberta that appoints a person having duties comparable to those of a co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee with respect to a person who is 18 years or age or older or with respect to the property of such a person.

(2) If a foreign order is made in any jurisdiction outside Canada approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or in any province or territory of Canada, the foreign order may be resealed on an order of the Court and, on resealing, the foreign order (

a) is of the same force and e ffect in Alberta as if it were issued by the Court, (

b) is, as regards a person in Alberta, subject to any order o f the Court to which a co-decision-making order or guardianship order is subject and is, as regards property in Alberta, subject to any order of the Court to which a trusteeship order is subject, and (

c) is, as regards a person in Alberta, subject to appeal and review in the same manner as a co-decision-making order or guardianship order and is, as regards property in Alberta, subject to appeal and review in the same manner as a trusteeship order.

(3) On making an order under subsection (2), the Court may set a date for the review of the resealed order.

(4) A duplicate of a foreign order sealed with the seal of the court or body that sealed it or a copy of a foreign order certified by or under the direction of the court or body that granted it is as effective as the original.

(5) The Court may not reseal a foreign order under this

section until (

a) a certificate has been issue d by the registrar, clerk or other officer of the court or body that issued the foreign order to the effect that the order is wholly unrevoked and of full effect, and

Section 74

Chapter A-4.2 57 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

b) a bond or other s ecurity has been given to a court in Alberta to cover the property in Alberta of the person in respect of whom the foreign order was made, unless the Court dispenses with security.

(6) An application to reseal a foreign order and a copy of the resealed order must be served on the persons specified in the regulations. Division 6 Protective Measures Temporary protection order 74(1) Where the Public Guardian has reasonable grounds to believe that a represented adult is at risk of serious harm, the Public Guardian may apply to the Court in accordance with the regulations for a temporary protection order.

(2) An application under subsection (1) may be made ex parte if the Court considers it appropriate.

(3) Where the Court is satisfied that a represented adult is at risk of serious harm, the Court may make a temporary protection order and may, in the order, (

a) authorize a police officer t o assist the Public Guardian or another person to remove the represented adult to a temporary place of safety, (

b) appoint the Public Guardian as the temporary guardian of the represented adult, (

c) include any terms or conditions the Court considers appropriate, and (

d) direct the Public Guardian to prepare and file with the Co urt a report respecting any matter as the Court considers appropriate.

(4) Where the Public Guardian is appointed as the temporary guardian of a represented adult under subsection (3)(b), the power and authority of any co-decision-maker or guardian of the represented adult is suspended while the temporary guardianship order is in effect.

(5) Where an order is made on an ex parte application, the Court may impose any terms or conditions in the order it considers appropriate respecting

Section 75

Chapter A-4.2 58 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) notice to the represented adult and other persons, and (

b) the opportunity for the represented adult and other person s to be heard.

(6) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a temporary protection order expires 30 days after the date of the order. Complaints respecting co-decision-makers, guardians and trustees 75(1) Any interested person may make a complaint to a complaints officer if the interested person has reason to believe that (

a) a co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee has failed or is failing to comply with (

i) a co-decision-making, guardianship or trusteeship order, or (ii) the duties of a co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee, a n d (

b) the failure is likely to cause (

i) harm to the physical or me ntal health of the assisted adult or represented adult, or (ii) financial loss to the repre sented adult, including loss to property of the represented adult.

(2) A complaint under subsection (1) must be in writing and signed by the complainant, and may be in the prescribed form.

(3) No complaint may be made under subsection (1) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by a guardian or trustee before the coming into force of this section. Investigation 76(1) A complaints officer shall (

a) review any complaint recei ved by the complaints officer under

section 75 to decide whether an investigation of the complaint is necessary, (

b) refer the complaint to an investigator if the complaints officer decides that an investigation of the complaint is necessary, and

Section 76

Chapter A-4.2 59 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

c) notify the complainant of t he decision under clause (a).

(2) A complaints officer may refuse to refer a complaint to an investigator if the complaints officer considers that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious.

(3) If a complaints officer decides not to refer a complaint to an investigator, the complaints officer shall provide written reasons to the complainant.

(4) If a complaints officer refers a complaint to an investigator, the complaints officer shall, as soon as is practicable in the circumstances, make a reasonable effort to notify the following persons that an investigation is being conducted: (

a) the assisted adult or represented adult; (

b) the co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee who is the subject of the complaint; (

c) any other co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee appointed in the co-decision-making, guardianship or trusteeship order; (

d) any other person as the complaints officer considers appropriate.

(5) For the purpose of conducting an investigation an investigator may (

a) interview the assisted adult or represented adult and any person who may provide any information relevant to the investigation, (

b) access all records that may b e relevant to the investigation that are held by the co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee who is the subject of the complaint or any other person, including records containing personal information, for the purpose of inspecting them, making copies of them or taking extracts from them, and (

c) enter premises, with the permission of the person in charg e of the premises, at any reasonable hour, for the purposes of interviewing a person referred to in clause (a), assessing any potential risk of harm to the assisted adult or represented adult or accessing records referred to in clause (b).

(6) An investigator may apply to the Court, in accordance with the regulations, for an order under subsection (7) if

Section 77

Chapter A-4.2 60 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

a) the person in charge of the premises (

i) refuses to permit the inves tigator to enter the premises, or (ii) after permitting the inves tigator to enter the premises, obstructs the investigator in exercising rights and performing duties under this section, o r (

b) the investigator is of the opinion that requesting permiss ion to enter from the person in charge of the premises might compromise the purpose of the investigation.

(7) On being satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee has failed or is failing to comply with a co-decision-making, guardianship or trusteeship order, or the duties of a co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee, and the failure is likely to cause harm to the physical or mental health of the assisted adult or represented adult, or financial loss to the represented adult, including loss to property of the represented adult, the Court may make an order (

a) directing the person in char ge of the premises to permit the investigator or a person acting under the investigator to enter the premises for the purposes referred to in subsection (5)(c), (

b) directing a person to produce to the investigator or a per son acting under the investigator any records or other documents relevant to the investigation, (

c) directing any police officer to assist the investigator or a person acting under the investigator in enforcing the order, and (

d) addressing any other matter the Court considers appropriat e.

(8) An application under subsection (6) may be made ex parte if the Court considers it appropriate. Powers of investigator after investigation 77(1) If, after conducting an investigation, an investigator is satisfied that a complaint made under

section 75 is founded, the investigator may (

a) attempt to resolve any matter relating to the complaint,

Section 78

Chapter A-4.2 61 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

b) refer the complainant, the co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee who is the subject of the complaint and any other persons as the investigator considers appropriate to an alternative dispute resolution process acceptable to the investigator or provided for in the regulations, or (

c) recommend that (

i) the Public Guardian apply to the Court for a guardianship order under

section 26 or a temporary protection order under

section 74, or (ii) the Public Trustee apply to the Court for a trusteeship order under

section 46.

(2) An investigator shall notify the persons specified in the regulations as to whether the investigator concluded that the complaint was founded or not founded and whether action was taken under this section.

(3) If an investigator concludes that the complaint was not founded, the investigator shall provide written reasons to the complainant. Collection and disclosure of information 78(1) An investigator and anyone acting for or under the direction of an investigator (

a) may collect and use persona l information for the purposes of conducting an investigation or resolving a complaint made under

section 75; (

b) shall not disclose any personal information collected unde r this section, except as provided in this section.

(2) An investigator may use or disclose, or may authorize anyone acting for or under the direction of the investigator to use or disclose, personal information (

a) if the use or disclosure is necessary for the purposes of this Division or making an application to the Court, (

b) if the disclosure is for the purposes of

section 79, or (

c) if the disclosure is auth orized or required under the Protection of Privacy Act or another enactment. 2008 cA-4.2 s78;AR 141/2025

Section 79

Chapter A-4.2 62 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT Notification of authorities 79(1) If a complaints officer or a person acting for or under the direction of a complaints officer reasonably believes that the subject-matter of a complaint could constitute (

a) an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada), the complaints officer or person may refer the complaint to a police service; (

b) abuse against a client under the Protection for Persons in Care Act, the complaints officer or person may refer the complaint to the Minister responsible for that Act; (

c) an offence under a statute or regulation of Alberta, the complaints officer or person may refer the complaint to the Minister of Justice.

(2) A complaints officer or a person acting for or under the direction of a complaints officer may, when referring a complaint under subsection (1), disclose information that the complaints officer or person reasonably believes relates to the possible offence or abuse. 2008 cA-4.2 s79;2013 c10 s34;2022 c21 s2 Division 7 General Limit on orders 80 For greater certainty, the Court may not make an order that would result in a person being an assisted adult and a represented adult at the same time. Review officers 81(1) The Minister may designate one or more individuals as review officers for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Subject to sections 27 and 48, where an application is made to the Court for an order appointing a co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee for an adult, a review officer shall, in accordance with the regulations, provide a written report to the Court respecting (

a) subject to the regulations, the views and wishes of the adult who is the subject of the application respecting the application, (

b) the suitability o f each proposed co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee and any proposed alternate guardian or trustee, and

Section 82

Chapter A-4.2 63 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (

c) any other matter prescribed by the regulations.

(3) A person who consents to act as a co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee or an alternate guardian or trustee shall provide the prescribed personal information to a review officer. (4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply in respect of an application made by the Public Guardian or Public Trustee. Complaints officers 82 The Minister may designate one or more individuals as complaints officers for the purposes of this Act. Investigators 83 The Minister may designate one or more individuals as investigators for the purposes of this Act.

Effect of termination of order 84(1) The termination of a co-decision-making order does not affect the validity of any decision made by the assisted adult while the co-decision-making order was in effect.

(2) The termination of a guardianship or trusteeship order does not affect the validity of any action taken, decision made, consent given or thing done by a guardian or trustee on behalf of the represented adult while the guardianship or trusteeship order was in effect.

(3) Subject to a term of a co-decision-making order referred to in

section 17(5), a contract entered into by an assisted adult while a co-decision-making order was in effect is binding on the assisted adult after the co-decision-making order is terminated to the same extent as if the assisted adult had entered into the contract while having capacity to enter into the contract.

(4) A contract entered into by a guardian or trustee on behalf of a represented adult is binding on the represented adult after the guardianship or trusteeship order is terminated to the same extent as if the represented adult had entered into the contract while having capacity to enter into the contract. Testamentary disposition 85(1) A guardianship order or trusteeship order is not of itself sufficient to establish that the represented adult who is the subject

Section 86

Chapter A-4.2 64 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT of the order does not have legal capacity to make a testamentary disposition.

(2) A guardian or trustee of a represented adult has no power to make, on behalf of the represented adult, a will or other disposition that has testamentary effect. Offence 86(1) A supporter who wilfully contravenes

section 9(3) or (4) is guilty of an offence.

(2) A co-decision-maker who wilfully (

a) causes serious mental or p hysical harm to the assisted adult who is the subject of the co-decision-making order, or (

b) contravenes

section 22(3) or (4) is guilty of an offence.

(3) A guardian who wilfully (

a) causes serious mental or p hysical harm to the represented adult who is the subject of the guardianship order, or (

b) contravenes

section 41(6) or (7) is guilty of an offence.

(4) A trustee who wilfully (

a) causes damage or loss to th e property of the represented adult who is the subject of the trusteeship order, or (

b) contravenes

section 72(6) or (7) is guilty of an offence.

(5) A supporter, co-decision-maker, guardian or trustee who is guilty of an offence under this

section is liable to a fine of not more than $10 000.

(6) A prosecution under this

section may be commenced within 2 years after the commission of the alleged offence, but not afterwards.

Section 87

Chapter A-4.2 65 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT

Part 3 Specific Decisions and Emergency Health Care Division 1 Specific Decisions Authority to select specific decision maker 87(1) Where a health care provider has reason to believe that an adult may lack the capacity to make a decision respecting the adult’s health care or the adult’s temporary admission to a residential facility, the health care provider may assess, in accordance with the regulations, the adult’s capacity to make the decision.

(2) Subject to

section 88, a health care provider may, in accordance with this Division, select a specific decision maker to make a decision for an adult respecting (

a) the adult’s health care, or (

b) the adult’s temporary admission to or discharge from a residential facility where the adult has been assessed, under subsection (1), as not having the capacity to make the decision. Limit on appointment and authority 88(1) Subject to

section 88.1 and the regulations, a specific decision maker may not be selected to make and has no authority to make a decision referred to in

section 87(2) in respect of which (

a) the adult has made a personal directive, or (

b) a guardian of the adult has power and authority to make a decision.

(2) A specific decision maker may not be selected to make and has no authority to make a decision respecting the following types of health care for an adult: (

a) psychosurgery as defined in the Mental Health Act; (

b) sterilization that is not medically necessary to protect the adult’s health; (

c) removal of tissue from the adult’s living body (

i) repealed 2006 cH-14.5 s15,

Section 88.1

Chapter A-4.2 66 ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP ACT (ii) for medical education or research purposes; (

d) health care that involves participation by the adult in research or experimental activities, if the health care offers little or no potential benefit to the adult; (

e) any other health care pr escribed in the regulations. 2008 cA-4.2 s88;2006 cH-14.5 s15;2008 cA-4.2 s134;2025 c20 s1 Public Guardian may act as specific decision maker 88.1 Where an adult has made a personal directive but a health care provider determines that the agent under the personal directive is unable or unwilling to make a decision on behalf of the adult, or if the agent cannot be located after reasonable efforts have been made to contact the agent, the Public Guardian may be selected as a specific decision maker to make a decision referred to in

section 87(2) for the adult. 2025 c20 s1 Selection of specific decision maker 89(1) A health care provider shall select as the specific decision maker for an adult the nearest relative of the adult who (

a) is 18 years of age or older, (

b) is available and willing to make the decision, (

c) is able to make the decision, (

d) has been in contact with the adult in the previous 12 mont hs, (

e) has knowledge of the adult’ s wishes respecting the decision to be made or of the beliefs and values of the adult, and (

f) does not have a dispute with the adult that might affect t he relative’s ability to comply with the duties of a specific decision maker.

(2) In accordance with the regulations, if there is a dispute about who is to be selected under subsection (1), the health care provider may select the Public Guardian or a person authorized by the Public Guardian to be the specific decision maker.

(3) If there i

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Consolidated Statutes
Citation	RSA 2000 cA-4.2
Type	statute
Volume / chapter	RSA 2000 cA-4.2
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	697f899efb99dbb4a0ca9a74bbeca6b7525c063a

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).