The gap most people don't know they have
Here's the surprise that brings most people to this page: in BC, a Power of Attorney covers financial and legal matters only. If you're ever unable to make medical decisions, doctors and care homes can't take instructions from your financial POA. A Representation Agreement is the document that appoints someone, your representative, to make health care and personal care decisions on your behalf: treatments, care facilities, day-to-day welfare.
Without one, medical staff turn to a temporary substitute decision-maker under a legal default list, someone who may not know your wishes and whose authority is limited. With one, the person speaking for you is the person you chose, guided by conversations you've actually had.
Section 7 or Section 9: the capacity difference
BC law creates two kinds of Representation Agreement, and the right one depends on the person making it.
Standard (Section 7). Designed for adults who already have diminished capacity, such as early-stage dementia, but can still express that they want help and trust a specific person. The capacity threshold is intentionally low. It covers most personal and health care decisions plus routine finances, but cannot authorize refusing life support.
Enhanced (Section 9). For adults with full capacity planning ahead. It grants the widest authority, including end-of-life decisions like giving or refusing consent to life support. This is the version most people choose when doing advance planning alongside a Will and POA.
If you're reading this for a parent whose memory is changing, the Section 7 agreement exists precisely for that situation, and the window to use it is while they can still express trust in someone. We handle these conversations gently and often.
How it fits with an Advance Directive
An Advance Directive is written instructions to health care providers ("I refuse X treatment"). A Representation Agreement is a person with authority to decide in the moment. Directives are rigid; people are adaptable. Many clients use both: a representative for flexibility, a directive for the specific wishes they feel strongly about. One honest limit to know: no document can pre-authorize Medical Assistance in Dying. That decision can only ever be made by the person themselves, with capacity.
Choosing your representative
Pick someone who knows your values, can stay calm and assertive with medical staff, and is reachable in an emergency. Talk with them about what matters to you: quality of life, life support, where you'd want to live if care were needed. The document gives them authority; the conversations give them confidence. You can name alternates, and we'll help you structure it.
How it works
One appointment to discuss your wishes and the right agreement type, then drafting, then signing with proper witnessing. Your representative signs too, though not necessarily the same day. Most clients prepare their Representation Agreement in the same visit as their Will and Power of Attorney, and we quote the package as a flat fee.