Canadian laws generally presume that older adults are capable of making their own decisions concerning where they live, their health treatments, and finances.
A person has legal capacity when they can understand and appreciate the consequences of a decision.
Seniors who cannot make decisions independently may need assistance or support to exercise their legal capacity.
In Canada, laws and decision-making processes may vary significantly depending on the province or territory where you live.
1) Substitute decision-making: involves making decisions on someone else's behalf. Examples include Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, and Trusteeship Order.
2) Supported Decision-Making: involves support and accommodations provided by a supporter to assist a person in making and communicating decisions.
3) Co-decision-making: involves joint decision-making between a person and an appointed co-decision-maker.
4) Specific Decision-Making refers to a one-time decision made by a substitute decision-maker on behalf of a person lacking capacity.
5) Representation agreements permit a "representative" to make legally enforceable decisions on a person's behalf.
Please refer to the links below to learn more about capacity and consent and which decision-making models are available in your province or territory.
You should not rely on information tools for medical, financial or legal advice. It provides general information only. NICE is not responsible for any use of the information other than for general educational/informational purposes and no claim can be made against NICE or any of its personnel for any such use.
This is a collaborative effort, we welcome suggestions for new resources, videos, news, links to surveys and announcements.
National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE)
246 Bloor Street West, Room 234
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V4, Canada
