The trend becomes even more pronounced when Canadians plan for medical incapacity. Fifty-five per cent name a woman to make healthcare decisions on their behalf, compared with 45% who appoint a man. Among men, reliance on women is especially clear: 86% designate a woman to step in if they lose decision-making capacity.
When a spouse or partner is not selected, Canadians frequently turn to female relatives and friends, with 63% naming either a sister or a female friend as their preferred medical decision-maker. When parents are chosen, nearly seven in 10 people appoint their mother rather than their father.
Women represent 57% of alternate executors and 64% of secondary healthcare decision-makers, suggesting families often view them as the most dependable option if a first choice becomes unavailable.
Despite the significant responsibility attached to these roles, women do not always benefit financially.
The analysis found that when women are tasked with making medical decisions, 34% are not named as beneficiaries in the related will. Similarly, 33% of women appointed to manage financial matters during incapacity — including paying bills or overseeing real estate — are not the primary recipients of estate assets.