"The Final Report is the most comprehensive analysis of Ontario's legal framework in this area in almost thirty years. The Final Report assess the objectives, policies, structures, legal instruments, and procedures governing capacity, decision-making and guardianship in Ontario. The Final Report makes recommendations that build on the strengths of the current system and improve areas where necessary. The LCO's recommendations are practical, achievable, and should benefit persons affected, their families, institutions, and service provides across the province." -- Introduction.

An adult guardian is somebody who is appointed to make decisions for an adult who is not capable of doing so. Individuals might need an adult guardian if they suffer from conditions such as a mental illness or handicap, a degenerative disease, or a head injury. This appointed individual is called a “committee.” The laws governing adult guardianship vary in different jurisdictions. This study paper provides a comparative analysis of the legislative schemes in BC and other jurisdictions, notably New Zealand and Ontario, and considers key issues that are essential for meaningful reform. Some regimes are more paternalistic, emphasizing protection of the vulnerable adult, while others focus more on individual rights and seeking to promote autonomy. The regime in BC, specifically the Patients Property Act, has been criticized for being outmoded and paternalistic. This study paper was written in light of the BC government's announcement of its intention to modernize its guardianship laws.