In a 7-2 split decision, in the case of S.A. v. Metro Vancouver Housing Corp
, the Supreme Court of Canada overturned British Columbia's Court of Appeal's decision on discretionary (Henson) trusts. In doing so, the court has set a precedent that will serve to shield the rights of persons with disabilities and helps to reduce poverty.
Discretionary trusts are used by parents and family members of persons with intellectual disabilities to provide financial security for their loved ones. The court decided that discretionary trusts should not be considered assets when determining income levels because the beneficiary cannot unilaterally force the trustees to make payments.