The Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA) came into force on October 30, 2009, replacing the 30 year-old Dependent Adults Act (DAA). AGTA is for adults over the age of 18 years who are unable to make personal or financial decisions for themselves.

This legislation better addresses the current needs of Albertans by providing more options and safeguards to protect vulnerable adults who are no longer able to make all of their own decisions. It provides a range of decision-making options from less intrusive options, such as supported decision-making or co-decision-making, to full guardianship and trusteeship.

• Decision Making Options Under AGTA
• Publications
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Upcoming Public Information Sessions
• AGTA Forms
• Assistance for Personal Decision Makers

Additional Resources

• Information for Private Guardians
• Information for Service Providers
• Protective Measures and Investigations

Guiding Principles

The Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act is built on four guiding principles:

• the adult is presumed to have capacity and able to make decisions until the contrary is determined;
• the ability to communicate verbally is not a determination of capacity, the adult is entitled to communicate by any means that enables them to be understood;
• focus on the autonomy of the adult with a less intrusive and less restrictive approach; and
• decision making that focuses on the best interests of the adult and how the adult would have made the decision if capable.

The Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act and Regulations

The Office of the Public Guardian is committed to supporting individuals and families as the AGTA is introduced. Please contact us with any questions you may have.

Contact the Office of the Public Guardian

Contact the Office of the Public Trustee

Guardianship programs for children under the age of 18 are administered by Alberta Children and Youth Services.