Personal Directive in Alberta — Complete Guide (2026)

Last updated: March 2026

What Is a Personal Directive?

A Personal Directive (PD) is an Alberta legal document under the Personal Directives Act (RSA 2000) that allows you to give instructions about your personal matters — including health care, living arrangements, diet, and end-of-life care — and/or appoint an agent to make these decisions for you if you lose capacity.

Alberta's Personal Directive is equivalent to Ontario's Power of Attorney for Personal Care and BC's Representation Agreement. It is not the same as an Enduring Power of Attorney, which covers only financial and legal matters.

What a Personal Directive Covers

• Health care decisions: Consent or refusal of medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication
• End-of-life care: Instructions about life support, resuscitation (DNR), palliative care
• Living arrangements: Whether you want to stay at home, move to a care facility, or other preferences
• Personal care: Hygiene, nutrition, clothing, recreational activities
• Social and religious matters: Preferences for religious observance, social interactions

Two Ways to Use a Personal Directive

An Alberta Personal Directive can:

1. Appoint an agent: Name a trusted person to make personal and health decisions for you when you lack capacity
2. Give specific instructions: Write out your wishes directly in the document without naming an agent (a "living will" style approach)
3. Do both: Most Albertans name an agent AND include written guidance about their specific wishes — this is strongly recommended

Execution Requirements

To create a valid Personal Directive in Alberta:

1. You must be 18 or older
2. You must have capacity when you sign
3. The document must be in writing
4. You must sign and date it (or direct another person to sign if you cannot)
5. Your signature must be witnessed by one adult witness
6. The witness cannot be your named agent or alternate agent
7. The witness cannot be someone who provides health or personal care services to you for compensation

Note: Alberta requires only one witness — simpler than Ontario's two-witness requirement.

Choosing Your Agent

Your agent (sometimes called a "proxy") should be someone who:

• Understands and respects your values and wishes
• Can handle emotional pressure during a health crisis
• Is available and willing to act when needed
• Can communicate effectively with healthcare providers
• Is not your paid caregiver (this is prohibited)

Alberta allows you to name multiple agents acting jointly or severally, and to name an alternate in case your first choice cannot act.

Agent Duties Under Alberta Law

Your agent must:

• Follow any specific instructions in your Personal Directive
• Act in your best interests
• Consult with you to the extent possible
• Follow your known wishes, values, and beliefs
• Consult with healthcare providers as appropriate

Alberta Personal Directive Registry

Alberta maintains a registry system through the Office of the Public Guardian. While registration is not mandatory, registering your Personal Directive ensures it can be found quickly in an emergency. Healthcare providers can search the registry. This is a significant advantage over provinces without official registries.

What If You Don't Have a Personal Directive?

Without a Personal Directive, Alberta's Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act and the Health Care Consent Regulation govern who makes decisions for you. The default hierarchy:

1. Spouse or adult interdependent partner
2. Adult children
3. Parents
4. Adult siblings
5. Other relatives
6. The Public Guardian (last resort)

Family disagreements under this system can be emotionally devastating and legally complex. A clear Personal Directive prevents conflict and ensures your wishes are followed.

Alberta's Complete Estate Planning Package

Cost of a Personal Directive in Alberta

• Standalone Personal Directive (lawyer-drafted): $150–$350
• Bundled with will + Enduring POA: $700–$1,500 for full package
• Alberta also provides free government templates at alberta.ca — valid if properly signed and witnessed

Related Guides

• Power of Attorney Canada
• Representation Agreement BC
• Ontario POA Guide
• Alberta Probate Fees (max $525)