B.C. Legislative Assembly Passes New Adult Guardianship Legislation

On October 23, 2007, the British Columbia Legislative Assembly passed Bill 29, the Adult Guardianship and Planning Statutes Amendment Act, 2007. This legislation is not yet in effect. I have heard that the government will likely bring the legislation into force in the fall of 2008. [As at December 21, 2008, it is still not in force.]

The purpose of the new legislation is to modernize B.C.'s adult guardianship laws. The legislation repeals the Patients Property Act, and replaces it with new procedures. It also authorizes advance care directives, and amends the Representation Agreement Act. The new legislation will also reform the law in respect of enduring powers of attorney.

I plan to discuss these changes in more detail closer to when the new legislation will be coming into force.