Estates Program Overview

Print
PDF

The Department of Indian Affairs no longer administers Estates because of the Canard Supreme Court decision. Prior to this decision the Department did not appoint non-departmental administrators.

After Alexander Canard died in an auto accident Mrs. Flora Canard applied to the Surrogate Court to administer the estate. The Court thought that she could administer his estate and issued Letters of Administration to authorize her to do so.

Indian Affairs didn’t think that was right and challenged the Surrogate court decision, the Department appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada. This was a long process and in the end 11 Judges voted in favour of Flora Canard.

When someone in your family dies, the things owned by that person (the estates) have to be administered. A family member, any person to whom the deceased left property in the will, or anyone that the family members chooses may be appointed by the Minister of Indian Affairs.

Further information can be obtained from the M'Chigeeng First Nation Administration Office or from the Sudbury District Office.