LEGISLATION PROTECTS VULNERABLE ADULTS

New legislation respecting powers of attorney will come into force on April 1st, 2003.

The Powers of Attorney Act, 2002 will help protect people who give decision-making authority over their financial affairs to another person through a power of attorney. It will also provide flexibility to people who want to appoint more than one attorney or who want their powers of attorney to come into effect on the occurrence of a specific event.

"This legislation is designed to protect vulnerable people such as older adults who are no longer able to make decisions about their financial affairs," Justice Minister Eric Cline said. "It will help ensure that the person they appoint to make their decisions is appropriate and trustworthy."

The use of powers of attorney allows an individual to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on his or her behalf when he or she is no longer able to do so.

A person who grants power of attorney must be an adult and must understand the nature and effect of the decision.

To protect those who grant power of attorney, the legislation sets out limitations on who may act as an attorney. For example, someone who has been convicted of a criminal offence related to violence, fraud, or breach of trust in the last ten years may not act as an attorney, unless certain conditions are met.

The legislation was developed by a committee of community agencies and government departments in response to a report by the Steering Committee on the Abuse of Adults in Vulnerable Circumstances.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-6043 Email: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca