Overview
You may suspect an adult isn’t being properly supported by one of these types of decision-makers:
- co-decision-maker
- adult guardian (private or public)
- trustee (private or public)
- personal directive agent
If your complaint is about a public guardian or public trustee, an investigator independent of the OPGT will take over.
If you believe a decision-maker is putting the adult at high risk, contact the OPGT to discuss options for keeping the adult safe.
Criteria for a complaint
To complain about a decision-maker, certain criteria must be met. The OPGT will open an investigation if the decision-maker:
- isn’t following the court order or personal directive
- isn’t complying with their duties
- through action or inaction, is likely to harm the assisted or represented adult physically, mentally or financially
File a complaint
Step 1. Document your complaint
Referring to the criteria mentioned in the overview above, do either of the following:
- write the complaint out, date it and sign it, or
- fill out one of the following forms:
- Complaint Respecting a Co-decision-maker, Guardian or Trustee (PDF, 79 KB)
- Complaint to the Public Guardian (PDF, 92 KB), regarding a personal directive agent
Make sure you sign and date the complaint. We can't accept anonymous complaints.
Step 2. File your complaint
Submit your complaint by mail or fax:
Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
Complaints
4th floor, John E. Brownlee Building
10365-97 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3ZB
Fax: 780-422-6051
After you file a complaint
An OPGT complaints officer will contact you by phone to discuss your complaint. If it meets the criteria, your complaint will be investigated.
If the complaint is about a public guardian or public trustee, an independent investigator will get involved.
If there is no investigation
The complaints officer:
- will let you know in writing the reason why
- may make suggestions to address your concerns
If there is an investigation
The investigator will:
- ensure your identity remains confidential
- make a reasonable effort to notify the other parties involved, including:
- the decision-maker the complaint is against
- the person you’re concerned about
- any other decision-makers (adult guardians, agents, trustees) for the adult
- conduct interviews with any other people who may have helpful information and review records to determine if the complaint is founded or not
- possibly make recommendations to resolve the situation
Keep in mind that an investigation can take several months.
After the investigation
A letter about the outcome of the investigation will be mailed to:
- the person who filed the complaint
- the person the complaint is against
- the adult who you are concerned about
- any other decision-makers (adult guardians, agents, trustees) for the adult
- service providers directly impacted by the result of the investigation
Publications
Protective measure and investigations: Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act
Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act: protective measures and investigations fact sheet