What is the role of the
Public Guardian and Trustee?
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) is a government official under the Ministry of Attorney General.
With respect to adult guardianship legislation, the Public Guardian and Trustee’s Office (PGTO) has four main roles:
1. The PGT manages the affairs of people who do not have a legal Plan* in place.
(*A legal Plan authorizes the person you choose to manage your affairs if you need assistance due to an accident, illness or disability.)
The PGT would become involved in your affairs if you do not have a legal Plan or if a Plan fails because those appointed are unable or unwilling to act or if there is unresolved conflict among those appointed or other problems.
The PGT is intended to be the last resort for taking over someone’s affairs.
2. The PGT supervises the actions of people who are appointed by the Court to be Committee of Estate for a relative or friend.
For more about Committeeship, see the Information section, under Overview.
3. The PGT has powers to investigate complaints of abuse of adults by a Committee or Representative or Attorney (under Power of Attorney) who is not following their duties. With respect to financial abuse, the PGT can freeze bank accounts as a precaution during their investigation.
4. The PGT has a role in health care decisions. The PGT can authorize a friend to make health care decisions for someone who does not have a relative willing or able. If there is no friend, the PGT will make the health care decision. (You can name the person of your choice in a Representation Agreement.)
The PGT charges annual and ongoing management fees when they manage someone’s affairs. The PGT also charges to review the records of Committees of Estate.
For more details about the Public Guardian and Trustee’s Office, visit their web site at www.trustee.bc.ca
For more details on how to make and register an effective legal Future Care Plan so you stay in charge of decisions affecting your quality of life and independence, see the Publications section.