Representation Agreement in BC — Complete Guide (2026)

Last updated: March 2026

BC is unique: British Columbia uses "Representation Agreements" for health and personal care decisions — not a standard healthcare POA. BC also has its own Enduring Power of Attorney for financial matters. Together, these two documents are BC's equivalent of what other provinces call a will package.

What Is a Representation Agreement?

A Representation Agreement (RA) is a BC legal document under the Representation Agreement Act that lets you appoint a trusted person (your "representative") to make health care, personal care, and in some cases minor financial decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them yourself.

BC's system is deliberately accessible — the RA was designed so that people with conditions affecting cognitive ability (like early dementia) can still create a valid agreement, provided they understand the nature of the relationship. This is a progressive feature unique to BC.

Two Types: Section 7 vs Section 9

Section 7 Representation Agreement (Standard)

Can be made by almost anyone — including adults with limited mental capacity. Covers routine personal care and health decisions and minor financial matters. Simpler signing requirements: signed by you, your representative, and one witness (who cannot be the representative).

Covers:

Routine personal care (hygiene, nutrition, shelter)
Minor health care decisions
Managing a bank account with a balance under $100,000000
Minor business and legal affairs

Does NOT cover: Refusal of life-saving treatment, major health decisions, or significant financial matters.

Section 9 Representation Agreement (Enhanced)

More powerful but requires full mental capacity to create. Covers the full range of health, personal care, and end-of-life decisions, including the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment.

Additional covers:

Consent or refusal of any health care, including withholding/withdrawing life support
Admission to a care facility
All personal care decisions

Signing requirements: Must be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses (who cannot be your representative, your representative's spouse, or certain other parties).

BC Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial)

For financial and legal matters in BC, you need a separate document: an Enduring Power of Attorney under the Power of Attorney Act. This is BC's equivalent of Ontario's Continuing POA for Property.

Key features:

Must be made while you have mental capacity
Must specify it is "enduring" to survive incapacity
Signed before two witnesses (or one notary/lawyer)
Attorney cannot be a witness
Allows your attorney to manage all financial and legal affairs

Who Can Be Your Representative?

Your representative must be:

At least 19 years old (BC's age of majority)
Mentally capable
Not your paid caregiver or healthcare provider (with limited exceptions)
Willing to accept the role

You can name multiple representatives acting jointly or separately. Naming an alternate is strongly recommended.

The Notary Public Registry in BC

BC has a registry (nidus.ca) where you can register your Representation Agreement. Registration is voluntary but highly recommended — it makes the document easier to locate in emergencies and provides an extra layer of protection against elder financial abuse.

What Happens Without a Representation Agreement in BC?

Without a Section 9 RA, healthcare providers in BC must follow the Health Care Consent and Care Facility (Admission) Act's default substitute decision-maker hierarchy:

Spouse or adult partner
Adult children
Parents
Adult siblings
Anyone else related by blood or adoption
The Public Guardian and Trustee (as last resort)

This hierarchy may not reflect your wishes, and disputes between family members can leave healthcare providers unable to act quickly.

Comparison: BC vs Ontario vs Alberta

Province	Financial Document	Personal Care Document	Registry?
BC	Enduring POA	Representation Agreement (s.7 or s.9)	Yes (Nidus)
Ontario	Continuing POA for Property	POA for Personal Care	No official registry
Alberta	Enduring POA	Personal Directive	Yes

Cost of a Representation Agreement in BC

Section 7 RA prepared by a notary or lawyer: $1500–$3500
Section 9 RA prepared by a notary or lawyer: $20000–$4500
Full estate planning package (will + EPA + RA) in BC: $80000–$1,80000
Free templates available at Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre (nidus.ca) for Section 7

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Disclaimer: Not legal advice — consult a BC notary or estate lawyer. BC representation agreements are governed by the Representation Agreement Act, RSBC 1996.