Free Canadian Health Care Directive (Living Will) Template
Download a legally compliant Health Care Directive template tailored for Canadian residents. Ensure your medical preferences are respected by outlining your wishes in advance.
Take Control of Your Future Medical Care with a Legally Valid Directive
A Health Care Directive, also known as a living will or advance directive, is a legal document that allows you to communicate your health care preferences in case you become unable to speak for yourself. It provides instructions for medical treatment and designates a substitute decision-maker who can act on your behalf. In Canada, this document ensures that your choices about life support, resuscitation, and long-term care are known and respected.
Our free Health Care Directive template is designed to comply with laws across Canadian provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. Whether you are planning for the future or managing a chronic condition, this document gives you peace of mind and legal clarity. The template is structured to include personal details, treatment preferences, and the appointment of a health care proxy, with customizable fields to suit your specific values and needs.
Having a directive in place prevents confusion or conflict among family members and healthcare providers during stressful medical situations. It supports informed consent and aligns with the legal principle of patient autonomy. This form is suitable for adults of all ages and can be completed in Word or PDF format. It’s an essential step in personal health planning — simple to complete but powerful in protecting your rights.
What Is a Health Care Directive?
A Health Care Directive is a legal document that allows you to state your wishes for medical treatment if you are unable to make decisions due to illness or incapacity. It can include specific instructions about resuscitation, artificial nutrition, and other life-sustaining measures. It also lets you appoint a health care proxy — a trusted individual who can make decisions on your behalf. In Canada, this directive is legally recognized in most provinces and is an essential part of advance care planning.
What Should Be Included in a Health Care Directive?
Your directive should include your full name and contact information, a clear statement of your medical preferences, and the name of your chosen health care proxy. You may also wish to include instructions about organ donation, religious considerations, and treatments you wish to accept or refuse. In many provinces, it’s recommended that the document be witnessed or notarized for legal validity, especially if you want it recognized by hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Is This Template Compliant Across Canadian Provinces?
Yes, this template is designed with flexibility to meet the standards of Canadian jurisdictions. While each province has its own terminology and formalities — for example, "Personal Directive" in Alberta or "Advance Care Directive" in Nova Scotia — the core components are similar. By using this template and adjusting for your province, you can ensure your health care wishes are legally documented and respected wherever you live or receive treatment.
Ensure Your Medical Wishes Are Known, Respected, and Legally Enforced
A Health Care Directive protects your right to make decisions about your medical treatment — even when you can’t speak for yourself. It reduces stress for your loved ones, guides healthcare professionals, and helps avoid unwanted or invasive procedures. With a written directive, you stay in control of your care, no matter the circumstances, while complying with Canadian legal standards.
Everything You Need to Create a Legally Sound Health Care Directive
- Personal identification and emergency contact information
- Appointment of a substitute decision-maker (health care proxy)
- Clear instructions on treatment preferences and life support
- Optional fields for organ donation and spiritual care preferences
- Witness or notarization section for added legal validity
A Must-Have Document for Adults Planning Their Future Health Care
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Download Your Free Canadian Health Care Directive Template
Make your medical wishes known and legally documented with our free Health Care Directive template. This customizable document helps ensure your treatment preferences are respected and your chosen proxy can act on your behalf. Ideal and easy to complete in Word or pdf format.