The Public Guardian and Trustee of Saskatchewan (PGT) is the property guardian for children who are permanently committed or voluntarily committed to the Minister of Social Services, otherwise known as "permanent wards."
The Ministry of Social Services notifies the PGT of children who are permanent wards. The PGT will take appropriate action to protect the child's financial and property interests in the following circumstances.
- The PGT applies for Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) benefits for permanent and long term wards who have a disability.
- Where the PGT receives information indicating that a permanent ward has an interest in an estate, the PGT will act on behalf of the permanent ward to ensure the permanent ward obtains what he or she is entitled to and may bring an application pursuant to The Dependants' Relief Act, 1996 on behalf of the permanent ward.
- The PGT will ensure the SGI permanent impairment benefit is received where a permanent ward suffered a permanent impairment as a result of a car accident.
- Where the PGT receives information that a permanent ward has suffered an injury either prior to coming into care, or while in care, the PGT will review the circumstances and may take legal action to pursue a claim on behalf of the child.
- Where the PGT receives information that the parent of a permanent ward has died, the PGT will collaborate with the Ministry of Social Services to ensure the Canadian Pension Plan survivor benefits are paid to the PGT on behalf of the permanent ward.
- If the permanent ward earns income, the PGT will ensure that the permanent ward files an income tax return, if required.