Personal Directives Act

The Departments of Health and Justice have introduced legislation that would allow Nova Scotians to make personal directives for personal care decisions. The legislation will allow for the appointment of substitute decision makers for matters of personal care including medical care and treatment in the event that the maker becomes incapable of making such decisions.

The discussion document, Planning for the Future (en français), outlines the purpose of the proposed legislation and how it would operate. The draft legislation (with commentary) is also available.

The Personal Directives Act is in the process of being made into law. As soon as it receives the consent of Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Departments of Health and Justice will embark on a public awareness campaign.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Nova Scotia Department of Justice
Policy Branch
Policy and Information Management Division

5151 Terminal Road,
PO Box 7,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2L6
Email: PersonalDirectiveAct@gov.ns.ca
Tel: 902.424.6094
Fax: 902.424.6403