According to an April 9 news release, the province’s government joined forces with the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) in developing the app — a “free tool” to help residents “plan for the future and protect their financial well-being.”
Nova Scotia’s government spent $135,000 on the app’s development.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the app is now available to the public and can be accessed via the LISNS website.
“Improving access to justice is a key priority for the Department, and the power of attorney app is one of several initiatives underway to modernize and enhance justice services in Nova Scotia,” states the release, noting it is “the latest addition to [LISNS’s] online suite of free, user-friendly estate planning and wellness tools.”
Becky Druhan, Nova Scotia Minister of Justice and Attorney General
She went on to say that the “legal landscape is changing,” so residents need access to “tools and resources.”
“By leveraging technology, we are making it easier for people to navigate the justice system and make informed decisions about their future.”
Dianna Burns, legal information counsellor and project co-ordinator with LISNS, said it is important that all residents — regardless of income — can access legal tools to “plan for the future and document their wishes.”
According to an LISNS webpage, the POA-E app “helps you make your enduring power of attorney.”
“An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that lets a capable adult give another adult they trust the power to look after their finances and property, and it keeps working even after you can no longer make your own decisions,” it states. “This could include the power to manage their land, house, bank accounts, investments, vehicles and anything else they own, paying their bills, filing their tax returns, cashing their cheques, and making other legal or financial decisions.”
To be eligible to make a power of attorney with the app, one must live in Nova Scotia, be 19 or older, have a “straightforward personal and financial situation,” be able to understand the consequences of their decisions and be free of “pressure or influence” from others.
According to the government news release, the power of attorney app is the seventh free app being provided by the LISNS. Others include ones for work safety, safe spaces, small claims court, will preparation, financial help for young adults and “personal directives.”
Launched in 1982, the LISNS is a charitable organization that provides Nova Scotians with legal information and resources.
According to the 2019 Canadian Financial Capability Survey, 40 per cent of Canadians had drawn up a power of attorney as of that year.
If you have any information, story ideas or news tips for Law360 Canada, please contact Terry Davidson at t.davidson@lexisnexis.ca or 905-415-5899.