2001-2002 Annual Report - Public Guardian and Trustee of British ...

PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND TRUSTEE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
2001/2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT
A
INTRODUCTION
1. Mandate
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) is a corporation sole established under the Public Guardian and
Trustee Act. The mandate of the PGT is to serve:
• Children and youth under the age of 19 by protecting their legal and financial interests
• Adults who require assistance in decision making through protection of their legal rights, financial
interests and personal care interests and
• Heirs and beneficiaries of deceased persons when there is no one else willing or able to administer their
estates and the estates of missing persons.
The PGT provides services to approximately 26,000 clients through 213 full time employees and manages
more than $586 million in trust. As a result of obligations created by statutory law, the PGT exercises quasijudicial
authority in specific situations. The Court depends on the PGT for reliable and independent advice
when the rights of minors or adults with disabilities may be at risk. When the property or financial interest
of minors, adults or estates are at risk, the PGT may take the matter to Court for a judicial determination.
In managing the financial affairs of an individual or estate, the PGT must observe prudent business practices
and is bound by the fiduciary principles of a Trustee or Agent.
The powers and duties of the PGT are directed by numerous acts, including the:
• Adult Guardianship Act • Insurance Act
• Child, Family and Community Services Act • Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act
• Community Care Facility Act • Patients Property Act
• Employment Standards Act • Power of Attorney Act
• Estate Administration Act • Public Guardian and Trustee Act
• Estates of Missing Persons Act • Representation Agreement Act
• Family Relations Act • Trust and Settlement Variation Act
• Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility • Trustee Act
(Admission) Act • Wills Variation Act
• Infants Act
2. Vision
The vision of the PGT is “Rights, choices and security for all British Columbians”.
3. Mission
The mission of the Public Guardian and Trustee is to promote and uphold the legal interests and safeguard
the financial and personal interests of children and adults and administer the estates of deceased and missing
persons.
4. Values
Six major values underpin the work of the PGT:
• client-centred service
• respect
• innovation
• teamwork
• openness
• staff support
Clients are at the centre of PGT services; services are individualized, equitable and accessible. Trust is
created through honesty and openness with clients. Self-determination is key. Clients participate in decisionmaking
about their lives to the greatest extent possible. Accountability to clients, their families and the
public is maintained through transparency in all activities.
18 2001/2002 PGT Performance Report