Bill 21: Justice Administration Amendment (2025) Act

Most businesses will feel limited direct impact, but professionals and financial service providers in Nova Scotia who regularly deal with powers of attorney — such as financial advisors, investment managers, trust companies, and estate planning practitioners — will need to update their practices. Attorneys acting under a power of attorney are now entitled to prescribed fee compensation, prohibited from co-mingling finances with donors, and permitted to delegate investment authority to qualified investment specialists like mutual fund managers. Notaries, lawyers, and others who witness powers of attorney may now be able to do so remotely under new regulations. Professionals handling estate or incapacity planning documents will need to follow new accounting, notice, and beneficiary designation rules, regardless of firm size.