The law in your area will set out a list of people who have to be notified when an application is made for someone to have decision-making power over another. The list might include a relative of the person. Usually, the list will also include the government official who can become the decision-making authority for those with no one available or willing to act as their guardian or trustee. This government official is often called the Public Guardian, or Public Trustee, or in Quebec, the Public Curator.