The Memorial Society is a non-profit, non-denominational
organization for those who believe in preplanning simple, dignified final arrangements at a reasonable cost.
Personal Directives
A personal directive is a legal document which you can write in case something happens
and you cannot make your own decisions in the future.
A personal directive lets you choose another person, an agent, to act on your behalf and
make decisions for you when you cannot make them yourself.
Making a personal directive is optional and voluntary.
The law in Alberta does not allow for another person to automatically make decisions for you –
not even your spouse or a close relative has legal authority.
Anyone over the age of 18 can complete a personal directive. It can be made with or without the assistance
of a lawyer, but it becomes a legal document when it is dated, signed and witnessed.
Why should I think about a Personal Directive?
All adult Albertans should consider making a personal directive to plan for the future.
Incapacity from industrial or motor vehicle accidents can happen at any time. Some diseases or conditions
can lead to incapacity. The Office of the Public Guardian gives workshops outlining the importance of making
a personal directive and elements it may contain.
Contact the Office of the Public Guardian for more information. 780-427-0017
