Overview
The Department of Social Supports and Well-Being (SSWB), the Department of Seniors (SEN) and the Department of Justice and Public Safety (JPS) are creating a decision-making framework to improve legislation and policies in the province regarding substitute and supported decision making.
In Fall 2024, SSWB and JPS used an online questionnaire to seek feedback from stakeholders and the public on what is currently happening in the province regarding decision-making, as well as ideas for improvement. More consultations were held in June 2025. This feedback helped to inform a draft framework of decision-making. A second questionnaire is being launched to further inform development of the framework.
Legal capacity is a person’s ability to make their own decisions, like signing contracts, choosing medical care, or deciding where to live. This is important for everyday choices like health, business, and legal matters.
There are several laws in Newfoundland and Labrador that deal with capacity and decision-making in some way. These laws include but are not limited to:
- Advance Health Care Directives Act
- Mentally Disabled Persons' Estates Act
- Adult Protection Act
- Enduring Powers Of Attorney Act
- Mental Health Care And Treatment Act
Many of these laws help people who cannot make their own decisions, which is usually done through substitute decision-making. This means that someone else makes decisions for a person (e.g. if a person can no longer make decisions about their medical care, their next of kin can speak with a doctor and make decisions for them). Substitute decision-making helps protect the interests of people who are unable to make their own decisions. However, human rights principles emphasize that everyone, no matter their age, ability, or diagnosis, should still have a say in decisions about their life and deserve to have the right support. Regardless of age, ability, income, or other circumstance, people should be able to guide or be supported to make decisions.
Currently, Newfoundland and Labrador does not have any laws that formally allow supported decision-making. Supported decision-making means that people can make decisions with the help of someone they trust rather than having someone else decide for them. This approach recognizes that many people might need help to understand options, consider pros and cons, and communicate their choices, instead of having others make those choices (e.g. even if someone cannot fully make their own health-care decisions, they can still be involved in the process with help from a trusted person).
We want to hear from you to help inform a framework of decision-making.
How Can You Get Involved?
Your feedback is important and welcomed through this engagement and consultation process.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Online Questionnaire
This questionnaire will be available until August 21, 2026. The questionnaire should take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete.
If you have any questions about this questionnaire, need an alternate format, or need any other support or accommodation, please contact us by email at decisionmaking@gov.nl.ca or by phone or text at 709-725-4463.
Click HERE to view printable version of the questionnaire.
Please note you must log in or register to complete the questionnaire.
Click Here to Complete Questionnaire
Written Submissions
If you would like to provide a written submission, you can send a response by mail, fax, text or e-mail.
The deadline for written submissions is August 21, 2026.
Mail:
Decision-Making Feedback
Department of Seniors
2nd Floor, West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL
A1B 4J6
Fax: 709-729-6237
Phone or Text: 709-725-4463
Email: decisionmaking@gov.nl.ca
Video Relay Service (VRS) calls are welcome.
How Will Your Feedback Be Used?
The information we receive will be reviewed by SSWB, SEN and JPS. Feedback will be considered in the creation of a framework of decision-making in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Privacy Statement
Please do not include your name or any information that could identify you. The collection of information is done under the authority of section 61(c) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015, for the purpose of collecting public feedback on the development of a framework of decision-making.
Any personal information that may be received will be governed in accordance with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and will only be used for the purpose of informing participants of public engagement results at the end of the process.
If you have any questions about how this information will be collected, used and disclosed, please contact the Access to Information Coordinator for SSWB by phone at 709-729-6370 or by email at ATIPP-SSWB@gov.nl.ca. You may also contact the ATIPP Coordinator for Justice and Public Safety by phone at 709-729-0840 or by email at ATIPPJPS@gov.nl.ca or Seniors by phone at 709-729-6370 or by email at Seniors-ATIPP@gov.nl.ca.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or additional comments, please contact decisionmaking@gov.nl.ca or by mail, fax or text as listed above.