Although details of the law vary from province to province, the surrogate decision-maker is typically the spouse, adult child, parent or other close relation of the incapable patient. The law protects incapable adults by constraining the scope of surrogate decision-making.
the law protects incapable adults by limiting the scope of the surrogates decision making power.
However, in some cases patients have a deep religious commitment to preserving life. Relying on a living will, previously expressed statements or the religious beliefs of the patient, the surrogate may with equal legitimacy decide in favour of continuing life-preserving interventions.
surrogates may legitimately decide to continue life preserving interventions based on the patient living will previously expressed statements or religious.