A.    Developing the Process

1.     Our Review of Alternative Arrangements

There is a long history of efforts to reform decision-making laws in Canada over the years and positive changes have been implemented in nearly every province. The LCO’s discussion paper for this project reviews and analyses existing laws, policies and programs in Canada and abroad as a foundation for developing creative solutions that build on past experience. We have had the benefit of commissioned reports, expert literature, policy documents and our own consultations, which provide insights into the contributions that existing frameworks can make. In this report, our recommendations integrate features of alternative arrangements in light of our research findings and the benchmarks for reform, discussed earlier. 

The starting point for our review of alternative arrangements is the federal government’s Economic Action Plan, where it recognized

Some provinces and territories have already instituted processes to allow for the appointment of a trusted person to manage resources on behalf of an adult who lacks contractual capacity, or have indicated that their system already provides sufficient flexibility to address these concerns.[129]  

Below, we briefly summarize the processes that are being or could be used to appoint a person who is legally authorized to make decisions for RDSP beneficiaries that the federal government has recognized. 

Similar to Ontario’s SDA, most of these processes were originally designed to apply to broader areas of property management than the RDSP. They permit adults to name another person to assist with or manage their finances, if they meet a stipulated threshold for capacity. Alternatively, a guardian (or substitute decision-maker by a different title) can be appointed following a capacity assessment. Nevertheless, the laws in this area vary widely across jurisdictions and governments have reported that concerns with establishing an RDSP do not arise in their jurisdictions or have not been escalated to a level that necessitates a policy response. 

Newfoundland and Labrador is the exception; it passed a legislative amendment to create a new process that specifically addresses this issue, albeit it is not in force. Saskatchewan has also provided guidance to members of the public on how to draft a POA that is limited to appointing a plan holder.

 

Figure 3: Processes in Provinces and Territories Recognized in the Economic Action Plan 2014

Alberta

Alberta permits a desk application for a court appointed guardian (called a “trustee”). Applicants fill out a self-help kit and submit it to specialized review officers in the Office of the Public Guardian who ensure proper completion of the documents and fulfill other duties, including providing notice to appropriate parties and drafting a review officer’s report. Review officers typically meet with adults subject to the application to consult them about their wishes before forwarding the application and supporting documents for a judge’s approval.[130]  

 

British Columbia

In British Columbia, adults can grant a “representation agreement” (RA) to authorize someone to help them or make decisions on their behalf. The threshold for capacity to do so is based on a set of non-cognitive factors that are less stringent and substantively different than for a POA in British Columbia and Ontario. It reflects a social policy decision to extend personal appointments to adults with significant disabilities who have unique ways of communicating that can be understood by a trusted person. RAs apply to stipulated areas of routine financial management that do not expressly include the RDSP. Some interpret the legislative language as including the RDSP and financial institutions have accepted RAs to establish plans.[131]

 

Manitoba

As part of an overarching scheme to provide services to persons with developmental disabilities, a substitute decision-maker can be appointed for these persons through an administrative proceeding that involves an initial screening by Manitoba’s Vulnerable Persons Commissioner and an appearance before a hearing panel.[132]  

 

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador amended its POA legislation to permit adults to name two persons to be their “designates” for the RDSP. The amendments are not yet in force. The threshold for capacity to execute an agreement is less restrictive than are Newfoundland and Labrador’s and Ontario’s requirements for a POA. It is based on British Columbia’s RAs (see above). If an adult is unable to make a designation, certain family members can initiate an appointment of the Public Trustee through the Trial Division Court (equivalent to Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice).[133]  

 

Northwest Territories

The Government of the Northwest Territories has indicated that it will address the issue on a case-by-case basis. Not many cases are expected given its population of fewer than 45,000 residents.[134]

 

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan recommends adults use a “special limited” POA to appoint a plan holder based on the province’s existing legislation, which contains a less stringent threshold for capacity than exists in Ontario. It suggests that the scope of the attorney’s powers be restricted to a plan holder who would not have authority to take funds out of the RDSP. Those extended powers would require full property guardianship or “co-decision making” due to concerns about financial abuse.[135] 

In Saskatchewan, a judge may appoint a co-decision maker as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship, where an adult “requires assistance in decision-making in order to make reasonable decisions….”[136] Co-decision makers share legal authority with the adult, and where a contract requires them to co-sign, it is voidable if one person signs it alone. However, co-decision makers must acquiesce in an adult’s decision if it is reasonable. Applications for this arrangement must be brought to the Court of Queen’s Bench (equivalent to Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice).[137]  

 

Yukon

The Yukon permits adults to grant a “supported decision-making agreement” to give trusted friends and relatives legal authority to help them make their own decisions. Supported decision-making “arrangements are for adults who can make their own decisions with some help”.[138] Supporters can participate in activities such as receiving confidential information, giving advice and communicating decisions. However, supporters are prohibited from making decisions on an adult’s behalf and a decision made or communicated with assistance is considered to be that of the adult.[139]  

The Yukon also has “representation agreements”, which authorize someone to make decisions on an adult’s behalf. Like RAs in British Columbia, they are restricted to routine financial affairs that do not expressly include the RDSP. The threshold for capacity to grant an RA is the same as for POAs in the province but is less stringent than in Ontario. RAs differ from POAs in the Yukon because they are drafted with the help of a government office rather than a lawyer. They are more accessible for that reason but also expire at the earlier of three years or when an adult’s capacity declines.[140]  

In addition to decision-making laws in provinces and territories highlighted by the federal government, our discussion paper considers laws in the areas of trusts, and the income support and social benefits sectors. Certain examples have already been mentioned in this report, such as CPP, OAS and ODSP trusteeships. 

 

2.     Public Consultations on the Options for Reform