Advance Care Planning in Atlantic Canada: A Guide for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
The Atlantic provinces share many similarities in their approach to advance care planning, but each has unique features worth understanding. Whether you live in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island, planning for future healthcare decisions helps ensure your wishes are respected.
Understanding Regional Differences
Newfoundland and Labrador
Uses Advance Health Care Directives, with a strong focus on personal autonomy. You can name both a substitute decision maker and provide specific healthcare instructions.
Nova Scotia
Employs Personal Directives, allowing you to name a delegate and provide instructions. The province emphasizes the importance of capacity assessment.
Prince Edward Island
Uses Health Care Directives, with straightforward requirements and strong protection for personal wishes.
Common Elements Across Atlantic Canada
All three provinces recognize the importance of:
- Written documentation of wishes
- Naming a trusted decision maker
- Protecting patient autonomy
- Regular review and updates
- Healthcare provider involvement
Creating Valid Documents
Newfoundland and Labrador
Your Advance Health Care Directive must be:
- In writing
- Signed and dated by you
- Witnessed by two people
- Created while mentally capable
The province provides standard forms but doesn't require their use.
Nova Scotia
Your Personal Directive needs:
- Written format
- Your signature
- One witness
- Clear instructions
- Delegate designation (optional)
Prince Edward Island
Health Care Directives require:
- Written documentation
- Your signature
- One witness
- Clear expression of wishes
- Proxy designation (optional)
Choosing Your Decision Maker
Across Atlantic Canada, choosing the right person to speak for you is crucial. Consider someone who:
- Lives close enough to help when needed
- Understands your values and beliefs
- Communicates effectively with healthcare providers
- Stays calm under pressure
- Respects your wishes
Each province uses different terms:
- NL: Substitute Decision Maker
- NS: Delegate
- PEI: Proxy
Expressing Healthcare Wishes
While each province has its own forms, consider addressing:
Quality of Life Matters:
"What makes life meaningful to you? Under what conditions would you want aggressive treatment versus comfort care?"
Treatment Preferences:
Think about your views on:
- Life support measures
- Pain management
- Experimental treatments
- Organ donation
- End-of-life care
Provincial Resources
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Regional Health Authorities
- Public Legal Information Association
- Center for Health Information
- Senior Resource Centers
Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Legal Information Society
- Department of Health
- Public Trustee Office
Prince Edward Island
- Health PEI
- Community Legal Information
- Provincial Healthcare Centers
- Senior Support Services
Making Your Wishes Known
Across Atlantic Canada, ensure your documents are:
Accessible:
- Keep originals safe
- Share copies with family
- Give copies to healthcare providers
- Inform key people of locations
Current:
Review when:
- Major life changes occur
- Health status changes
- Moving between provinces
- Relationships change
- Values evolve
Starting the Conversation
Begin planning by:
- Learning about your province's specific requirements
- Discussing wishes with family
- Consulting healthcare providers
- Creating appropriate documents
- Sharing your decisions
Special Regional Considerations
Rural and Remote Areas
Many Atlantic communities are rural or remote. Consider:
- Access to healthcare services
- Distance to facilities
- Available support systems
- Transportation needs
- Local resource limitations
Cultural Considerations
Atlantic Canada's diverse communities may have specific needs:
- Indigenous perspectives
- Religious beliefs
- Cultural traditions
- Language preferences
- Family structures
Common Questions
"What if I move between Atlantic provinces?"
While basic principles are similar, consider updating documents to meet new provincial requirements.
"Do I need a lawyer?"
Not required, but legal advice can be helpful, especially for complex situations.
"Can family override my wishes?"
Generally no, if your documents are valid and your wishes are clear.
Taking Action
- Start with your provincial forms and guidelines
- Discuss wishes with potential decision makers
- Document your preferences clearly
- Have documents properly witnessed
- Share copies with relevant people
- Review regularly
While each Atlantic province has its unique approach to advance care planning, the fundamental goal remains the same: ensuring your healthcare wishes are known and respected. Take advantage of your province's resources to create documents that reflect your values and protect your autonomy.
Remember:
- Follow provincial requirements
- Choose decision makers carefully
- Express wishes clearly
- Keep documents accessible
- Review regularly
- Update when needed
Need help? Contact your provincial health authority or legal information service for guidance specific to your jurisdiction.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, legal, or medical advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to your individual circumstances.
