Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
\wftn nbudsperson
I R - w -
NY
E
GeneralInquiries:(250)387-5855
Toll-Free:1-800-567-3247
Fax:(250)387-0198
cq,
www. bcombudsperson.ca
November3, 2014
File: 12-120533
Mr. David Varcoe and Ms. Nancv Varcoe
173 321 Yorkton Avenue
PENTICTON BC V2A2V6
Dear Mr. and Ms. Varcoe:
Thank you for contactingour office to report your concernsabout the Public Guardianand Trustee
(PGT). I am writing further to our conversationof October22,2014 to inform you that I have
concluded*y investigationinto your complaint,and will be closingyour file as discussed.
Background
On September18,2012,you reportedconcernsto us aboutthe PGT's responseto your requestfor
information regardingMs. Varcoe's financial affairs sincebecoming her Committeeof Estate.
You told us you were having difficulty communicatingwith the CaseManagerwith respectto
paying for Ms. Varcoe'smedications,scooterdebt and maintenance,and to discussthe diversion
of mail that was orderedby the PGT. You also told us that you had made repeatedrequeststo the
CaseManagerpertainingto Ms. Varcoe's pension funds and income tax statements,but did not
receive an adequateresponseto your questions.You statedthat as a result of actionstakenby the
PGT with Ms. Varcoe'spensionaccount,you were unableto accessinformationfrom Canada
RevenueAgency, and faced financial implications as you were no longer able to split your pension
income. You further statedthat the PGT initiated the servicesof a property managementcompany
for the home whereMr. Varcoecontinuedto residefollowing Ms. Varcoe's admissionto
Westview Place,resulting in additionalhome insurancefeesbeing chargedunnecessarilyto Ms.
Varcoe'saccount.
Our Investigation
Basedon the information you provided, w investigatedwhether the PGT followed a reasonable
procedurein respondingto the concernsyou raisedabout their handling of Ms. Varcoe's financial
affairs.
In the courseof our investigation,we requesteda number of PGT policies and procedures,as well
as copiesof correspondence
betweenyou and PGT staff. From reviewing this coffespondence,it
appearedthat you may not have receivedcompleteinformation from the PGT CaseManager
regardingthe diversion of Ms. Varcoe's pensionto cover the costsof her carewhile living at
Westview Place,and the decisionto file Ms. Varcoe's taxeswithout income splitting. The PGT
explainedthat this decisionwas made to benefit Ms. Varcoe, as it resultedin her facility rate being
reduced.This information doesnot appearto have been communicatedto you. Further, it appeared
that you may have receivedconflicting information regardingyour right to accessMs. Varcoe's
income tax information from the CanadaRevenueAgency. Due to the difficulty you were
experiencingin communicatingwith the CaseManager at the time, it appearedthat clear and
consistentinformation may not have beenprovided by the PGT on theseissues.
Page2
Page3
Yours sincerely,
/)
11
RachelWarren
OmbudspersonOfficer
13 The Ombudspersonmay refuse to investigateor ceaseinvestigatinga complaint il in the opinion of the
Ombudsperson,any of the following apply:
(i)
14 (2) At any time during or after an investigationthe Ombudspersonmay consult with an authority to
attemptto settlethe complaint, or for any other purpose.
R . S . B . C1. 9 9 6