What is the main purpose of the Substitute Decisions Act in Ontario?

The main purpose of the Substitute Decisions Act in Ontario is to allow for the appointment of individuals to make decisions for adults who are deemed incapable of doing so themselves. This legislation acts as a protective measure, ensuring that individuals who can no longer make informed decisions regarding their personal care or financial affairs can still have their interests represented.

Under this Act, a substitute decision-maker can be appointed, which can be a family member, friend, or professional, to take on the responsibility of making critical decisions when an individual lacks the mental capacity to do so. This ensures that the needs and preferences of the incapable person are taken into account and helps safeguard their rights.

The other options, while related to the broader field of estates and personal decision-making, do not accurately capture the core intent of the Substitute Decisions Act. Creating a valid will and governing the distribution of estate assets upon death pertain more directly to testamentary matters and are regulated under different statutes. Additionally, establishing the framework for legal guardianship is relevant but falls under a different legal context, as guardianship often involves more comprehensive powers over an individual’s affairs generally rather than the specific decisions addressed in the Substitute Decisions Act.