In Ontario there are 3 types of Power of Attorney

Continuing Power of Attorney for Property is a legal document which authorizes your appointed person (the “attorney”) to deal with your financial affairs and allows this person to act for you even if you become mentally incapable. The appointed person can act on your behalf in any financial matter, except making a Will. It is important that the attorney be trustworthy and act in your best interest.  The attorney has a legal obligation to act in your best interest and can be called upon to explain his or her actions in court if there are concerns.

Non-continuing or limited Power of Attorney for Property is generally used for a specific matter or time period to address your financial affairs but cannot be used if you become mentally incapable. This is a document that you might use if you are going out of the country for a period of time and needed someone to act for you in your absence (i.e. to sign documents for a real estate transaction). Your appointed attorney will act on your behalf regarding the matters or for the time period specified in the document.

Power of Attorney for Personal Care authorizes your appointed attorney to act on your behalf regarding personal decisions, such as health care (i.e. medical authorization for a given procedure or additional assistance in daily living matters).