Free Canadian Living Will Template

What This Living Will Template Covers

This template is designed to help Canadians document their personal medical care preferences in case they become unable to communicate them. It starts with a declaration confirming that the person completing the form is of sound mind and legal age. It includes a space to name someone as your healthcare representative — a trusted person who can speak for you if needed. There’s also space to name an alternate, in case the first person is not available.

Instructions for Life-Support and Comfort Care

The form allows you to explain your preferences for life-sustaining treatments like ventilators, CPR, and feeding tubes. It also lets you express your wishes about pain relief and comfort care. These sections are especially important during serious illness or end-of-life care. You can state that you prefer treatments aimed at comfort, even if they may shorten your life, rather than treatments that only extend life without recovery.

Space for Personal Instructions and Organ Donation

This template provides a section for you to list specific wishes, such as whether you'd prefer to receive care at home or in a hospital. You can also include other important instructions like religious beliefs, spiritual care, or visitor preferences. There is also a section where you can record your wishes about donating organs or tissues, including which parts you want to donate and for what purpose.

Making the Document Legal

The final part of the form includes a signature section and a place for two witnesses. This helps ensure the document will be accepted under Canadian provincial laws. Once completed and signed, this document can be shared with your healthcare representative, family, and doctor so they know how to follow your wishes if needed.

Why a Living Will Helps You and Your Loved Ones

A living will gives you a voice in your medical care when you’re unable to speak. It helps your family and healthcare team understand what matters most to you — whether that’s comfort, avoiding certain treatments, or staying at home if possible. In Canada, each province has its own healthcare rules, but a written statement of your wishes is widely accepted and respected. Having a living will reduces stress for your loved ones and makes sure that the care you receive matches your values and preferences.

What You’ll Find in This Living Will Template

• A declaration that confirms your mental capacity and intention to create a living will.
• Space to name a healthcare representative and an alternate to make medical decisions if you're unable to.
• Sections where you can express general wishes about medical care, including your values and quality of life preferences.
• Instructions about life-sustaining treatments such as CPR, ventilators, and feeding tubes.
• Directions about pain relief, comfort care, and end-of-life preferences.
• Areas to include specific preferences for location of care, religious considerations, or medical interventions you want to accept or refuse.
• An organ and tissue donation section where you can specify what you want to donate and for what purpose.
• A signing section with space for two witnesses, which helps support the document's legal recognition across Canada.