Before deployment a military member must have a Power of Attorney document prepared by a lawyer or notary (depending on the province). The trustee is usually a spouse but can be a sibling or parent depending on the personal situation of the member.
A Power of Attorney is an essential document that allows another person to act on your behalf should you not be able to do so. This person is your legal representative and acts in your best interest to do your financial transactions or any other business so it is important that you choose a person who will act in an ethical manner. It also helps if this person is familiar and comfortable with the business you conduct or at least knows where to find appropriate assistance should he/she require it.
I certainly need a Power of Attorney over my husband’s estate as he goes on missions for up to 6 months at a time. But I’ve also used the PoA during short absences to deal with emergencies.
Today I am using the PoA for a non-emergency. You see, the Post Office is currently holding a parcel that is addressed to my husband. Even though we live at the same address, Canada Post WILL NOT give the parcel to me unless I have a PoA.
So, now uses for a Power of Attorney include getting the mail.
Do you and your significant other have PoAs for each other?
If you do, how have you used them?
If you don’t, when do you plan on getting them?
Canadian Army Wife 
I’m amazed at the crazy-strictness of Canada Post. It was more difficult for hubby to get mail redirected for a deceased relative than to have a fairly hefty amount of $ released from the same relative’s investment company. Canada Post was also the only one who asked to see a special “will search” document among the dozen or so financial and government institutions he dealt with. Seems a bit odd.
Thanks Kathryn. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks Canada Post is a bit wonky. I found it silly because they WILL give you the parcel if you answer the door even if you don’t have any identification. Go to the post office though and it is like you’re a criminal.