(August 2001) by Del Elgersma The deadline to make a new Enduring Power of Attorney (originally set for September 5, 2000, then extended to September 5, 2001) was extended again by the provincial government, this time to September 1, 2002. The stated purpose of the extension is to give people more time to become familiar with Representation Agreements, which are to eventually replace new Enduring Powers of Attorney. At the same time, the government announced changes to the Representation Agreement Act that will reduce some of the problems and complexities with Representation Agreements. Representation Agreements are legal documents that allow you to choose someone to make personal, health care and financial decisions for you. These changes come into force on September 1, 2001, and include, for example, simpler signing requirements and the ability to give a representative the same authority that can be given under a Power of Attorney. As a result of these changes, Representation Agreements will be become a more valuable estate planning tool. If you have any questions about these changes, please call us.
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