Honouring Values in Your Legacy Planning

As we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, Manitobans are reflecting on the importance of honouring truth, fostering understanding, and creating meaningful change for future generations. This day of remembrance reminds us that our actions today shape the world we leave behind – a principle that extends naturally to how we approach our own legacy planning.

Your Values Shape Your Legacy

Truth and Reconciliation Day encourages us to consider what values we want to pass forward. Similarly, effective legal planning isn’t just about distributing assets – it’s about ensuring your deepest values and principles continue to guide and benefit your family long after you’re gone.

When we work with Manitoba families on their wills and Powers of Attorney, we often discuss not just what they want to leave behind, but why. These conversations reveal the values that truly matter: education, community support, reconciliation, cultural preservation, and caring for future generations.

Meaningful Ways to Honour Your Values Through Your Estate 

Supporting Education and Understanding: Many Manitobans choose to include educational funds in their estate planning, whether supporting their grandchildren’s education or contributing to Indigenous education initiatives that promote understanding and reconciliation.

Community and Cultural Giving: Your will can reflect your commitment to community healing by including charitable bequests to organizations working toward reconciliation, cultural preservation, or community development.

Teaching Through Action: How you structure your estate teaches your family about responsibility, generosity, and the importance of considering others. These lessons become part of your lasting legacy.

Preserving Family Stories and Heritage: Your plan can include provisions for preserving and sharing family histories, cultural traditions, and important stories that might otherwise be lost.

Planning with Purpose and Respect

Just as Truth and Reconciliation requires thoughtful, intentional action, meaningful legacy planning requires careful consideration of your values and how they can continue to make a positive impact. This includes:

• Having honest conversations with family members about your values and intentions
• Considering how your estate can support causes that align with your beliefs
• Ensuring your documents reflect not just your financial wishes, but your moral and ethical priorities
• Regular review to ensure your plans continue to honour what matters most to you

Your Legacy Starts Today

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reminds us that creating positive change for future generations requires action today. The same principle applies to your estate – the decisions you make now will determine how effectively your values are preserved and honoured.

Ready to create a legacy that truly reflects your values? Contact TLR Law at (204) 925-1900 to discuss how your plan can honour what matters most to you and your family. Let’s ensure your legacy reflects the positive change you want to see in the world.