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{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [[People's Law School]]|date= February 2023}}{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}
==Fundamentals of law and criminal and civil law==
==Free and low-cost legal help==


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Canadian Bar Association'''
| width="20%" | '''Access Pro Bono'''
| width="40%" | "Our Court System and Solving Disputes" offers information describing our court system and ways to resolve legal disputes without going to court.
| width="40%" | Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer and can’t get legal aid.
| width="40%" | [http://www.cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Dial-A-Law/Scripts/Lawyers-Legal-Services-and-Courts/432 www.cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Dial-A-Law]  
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400<br/> Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664<br/> [https://www.accessprobono.ca/ accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="40%" | A website with legal information and education from across BC. The resources available through Clicklaw are designed to be used by the public.
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, this clinic provides assistance and <span class="noglossary">representation</span> to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" | [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100<br/> Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/> [https://bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]  
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 130 topics, available in English, Chinese and Punjabi. Dial-A-Law is a free service of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia branch. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[http://www.dialalaw.org www.dialalaw.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Family Law in BC'''
| width="40%" | Family Law in BC is a website that provides information and resources on a wide range of family law issues. It is produced by the Legal Services Society.
| width="40%" | [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/ www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''ImmigrantLegal.ca'''
| width="20%" | '''Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)'''
| width="40%" | ImmigrantLegal.ca provides free legal information and education on legal topics for newcomers to Canada and the people working with them. The website is a project of the Immigrant Public Legal Education and Information Consortium. It is managed by the Justice Education Society
| width="40%" | CLAS provides legal advice and some <span class="noglossary">representation</span> to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, human rights complaints, and work-related issues.
| width="40%" | [http://www.immigrantlegal.ca www.immigrantlegal.ca]  
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425<br/> Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222<br/> [https://www.clasbc.net clasbc.net]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''JusticeBC'''
| width="20%" | '''Family Justice Centres'''
| width="40%" | This is the website of the BC Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for managing the justice system in BC. The website provides information on a wide range of legal topics and describes the government services available to help you.
| width="40%" | These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce.  
| width="40%" | [http://www.justicebc.ca www.justicebc.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice gov.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | The Court Information Program for Immigrants provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. All content on the website is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hindi. <br/>
''Your Human Rights in BC'' is a series of five videos – available in English, Mandarin and Punjabi – which teaches immigrants about human rights in BC and Canada. Discrimination occurs when someone treats you differently based on your personal characteristics.<br/>
Courts of BC is a website that uses information and videos to describe the structure and function of BC’s courts: Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. <br/>
Administrative Law BC - Early Resolution is a website that explains what tribunals are and how they work.
| width="40%" | [http://www.justiceeducation.ca/programs/court-information-program-immigrants www.justiceeducation.ca/programs/court-information-program-immigrants]<br/>
[http://www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc]<br/>
[http://www.courtsofbc.ca/ www.courtsofbc.ca] <br/>
[http://www.adminlawbc.ca/ www.adminlawbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for 30 minutes for $25.  
| width="40%" | This service, operated by Access Pro Bono, can help you connect with a lawyer for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you want to hire them.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/> [https://www.accessprobono.ca/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]  
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[http://cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Services Society of BC'''
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="40%" | You may be able to get free legal help (legal aid) if:
| width="40%" | This non-profit provides free legal advice and representation for certain types of legal problems if you meet financial eligibility guidelines.<br/>  
*your legal problem is covered by legal aid rules,
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172 <br/> Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525<br/> [https://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]  
*your income and the value of your property are below a certain limit, and
*you have no other way of getting legal help.<br/>
The Legal Services Society also has free booklets on legal topics in English and many other languages.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-408-2172<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-866-577-2525<br/>
[http://www.lss.bc.ca www.lss.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> in Canada. They provide legal advocacy in areas such as family law and immigration law. <br/>
The MultiLingoLegal.ca website features many legal publications in nine languages. MultiLingoLegal is operated by MOSAIC - a <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration organization for immigrants and refugees in BC.<br/>  
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626<br/> [https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
The Multilingual Legal Glossary is an online dictionary that allows you to search for the meaning of legal words. It provides the meaning of the word in English, and translates it into Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
[http://www.mosaicbc.com www.mosaicbc.com]<br/>
[http://www.multilingolegal.ca www.multilingolegal.ca]<br/>
[http://www.legalglossary.ca/dictionary/ www.legalglossary.ca/dictionary]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="20%" | '''PovNet'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities.
| width="40%" | Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal <span class="noglossary">advocate</span> in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies.  
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
| width="40%" | [https://www.povnet.org/ povnet.org]
[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/ www.publiclegaled.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[http://www.accessprobono.ca www.accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Victimsinfo.ca'''
| width="40%" | A website for victims and witnesses of crime in BC. The website gives people the information they need to deal with the consequences of crime.
| width="40%" | [http://www.victimsinfo.ca/ www.victimsinfo.ca]
|-
|-
|}
|}


==Family law==
==More information==
{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN)'''
| width="40%" | Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is.
| width="40%" | [https://bccrns.ca/ bccrns.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website with legal information and education from across BC. The resources available through Clicklaw are designed to be used by the public. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Family law." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | A website operated by Courthouse Libraries BC that provides legal information, education, and resources from across BC.  
| width="40%" | [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca] <br/>[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/ clicklaw.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Family Law in British Columbia'''
| width="40%" | The Family Law in British Columbia website has important information about family matters including: child protection, child support, common-law relationships, divorce and separation, and family violence. Information is available in 12 languages. The website is produced by the Legal Services Society.<br/>The Legal Services Society has free print and online booklets on family law topics in English and many other languages, including:<br/>''Living Together or Living Apart: Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce'' is a booklet explaining the basics of family law in BC. It includes information about living common-law or being married, getting separated or divorced, and where to find help. The booklet is available in eight languages.<br/>''Parents' Rights, Kids' Rights: A Parent's Guide to Child Protection Law in BC'' is a booklet explaining what happens if the Ministry of Children & Family Development has concerns about a child’s safety.<br/>''For Your Protection'' is written for people who need protection from violent partners or ex-partners, but the information applies to anyone in an abusive relationship.<br/>"If Your Child is Taken" is a fact sheet explaining the steps that parents or guardians can take if the director of Children and Family Development removes their child or is planning to remove their child from the home. It describes what the law says, what parents can do, and what happens in court.
| width="40%" | [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca] <br/>[http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/publications/ www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/publications]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''ImmigrantLegal.ca'''
| width="40%" | This website provides free legal information and education on legal topics for newcomers to Canada and the people working with them. The website is a project of the Immigrant Public Legal Education and Information Consortium. It is managed by the Justice Education Society. On the homepage of the site, select "Family Law."
| width="40%" | [http://www.immigrantlegal.ca www.immigrantlegal.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''JP Boyd on Family Law'''
| width="40%" | This resource, available online and in print, offers information about family law and the court process in British Columbia. It’s written in language that is easy to understand, and it has definitions for legal words and phrases.
| width="40%" | [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/jpboyd wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/jpboyd]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''JusticeBC'''
| width="40%" | The Ministry of Justice manages BC's justice system. This website has information to help parents who are separating. It includes how parents can reach an agreement, what government services are available, and where parents can find programs to help them and their children cope.
| width="40%" | [http://www.justicebc.ca www.justicebc.ca] or [http://www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/index.html www.justicebc.ca/en/fam]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | On the homepage, select the quick link to "Family Law."<br/> Court Information Program for Immigrants provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. All content on the website is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Punjabi, and Hindi.<br/>Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce is a multimedia website that provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents.<br/>KidsBC.ca: Explore Changeville is a multimedia website that aims to help children cope with the changes in their lives when parents separate or divorce.
| width="40%" | [http://www.justiceeducation.ca www.justiceeducation.ca]<br/>[http://www.courtinformation.ca www.courtinformation.ca]<br/>[http://www.familieschange.ca www.familieschange.ca]<br/>[http://www.kidsbc.ca www.kidsbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for 30 minutes for $25.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>1-800-663-1919<br/>[http://www.cba.org/bc www.cba.org/bc ]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Services Society of BC'''
| width="40%" | You may be able to get free legal help (legal aid) if you have a serious family law problem and:
*your legal problem is covered by legal aid rules,
*your income and the value of your property are below a certain limit, and
*you have no other way of getting legal help.
| width="40%" | [http://www.legalaid.bc.ca www.legalaid.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Mediate BC Society '''
| width="40%" | Mediate BC's Family Mediation Services can put you in touch with a mediator who can help you and your spouse work together to find a solution to legal problems and help you make an agreement.
| width="40%" | Phone: 1-604-684-1300 local 23<br/>1-855-660-8406<br/>[http://www.mediatebc.com www.mediatebc.com]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Parenting After Separation'''
| width="40%" | Parenting After Separation is a free three-hour workshop that helps parents make decisions about their separation that focus on the best interests of their children.
| width="40%" | [http://www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/index.html www.justicebc.ca/en/fam]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People’s Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People’s Law School offers free public legal education and information to the people of British Columbia. Free booklets are available online and in print. They include:<br/>''Caring for Children'' outlines parents’ responsibilities and children’s rights, and where to get help.<br/>''Child Support in BC'' booklet offers general information for parents about child support in BC.<br/>''Talking about Abuse'' is a video series that can help non-English speakers understand how Canadian law defines family violence. It includes information on where people in BC can get help in their own language. You can order resources online.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400<br/>[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca www.publiclegaled.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[http://www.accessprobono.ca www.accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="40%" | VictimLink can put you in touch with services that will help victims of violence.
| width="40%" | 1-800-563-0808<br/>[http://www.victimlinkbc.ca/ www.victimlinkbc.ca]
|}
 
==Young people and the law==
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Child Abuse Prevention'''
| width="20%" | '''Court Information Program for Immigrants'''
| width="40%" | This website from the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development has two sections: Preventing Child Abuse in Your Community, and Just for Teens.
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English and several other languages.  
| width="40%" | [http://www.safekidsbc.ca www.safekidsbc.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://www.courtinformation.ca/ courtinformation.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website with legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC.<br/>Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Children & teens." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has brief legal information on over 130 topics, available in English, Chinese and Punjabi. Dial-A-Law is a free service of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia branch. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Scripts include "Children's Rights" and "Young People and Criminal Law."
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>1-800-565-5297<br/>[http://www.dialalaw.org www.dialalaw.org]
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/> [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''JusticeBC'''
| width="40%" | This is the website of the BC Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for managing the justice system in BC. The website provides information on a wide range of legal topics and describes the government services available to help you. Select "Criminal Justice System" for information about young offenders.
| width="40%" | [http://www.justicebc.ca www.justicebc.ca]<br/>or [http://www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/index.html www.justicebc.ca/en/fam]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="20%" | '''Employment Standards Branch'''
| width="40%" | Gang Prevention is a website that aims to prevent youth involvement in gang activity. It provides information and resources to parents and youth. On the website, select "Youth, Families & Community."<br/>Legal Rights for Youth is a website for youth. It describes the legal rights for youth living in British Columbia.
| width="40%" | This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They <span class="noglossary">answer</span> questions and deal with complaints against employers.
| width="40%" | [http://www.gangprevention.ca www.gangprevention.ca]<br/>[http://www.legalrightsforyouth.ca www.legalrightsforyouth.ca]
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700<br/> [https://gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="20%" | '''Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce '''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for 30 minutes for $25.
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society website provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221
| width="40%" | [https://familieschange.ca/ familieschange.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People’s Law School'''
| width="20%" | '''Family Law in BC '''
| width="40%" | The People’s Law School offers free public legal education and information to the people of British Columbia. Free booklets are available online and in print. They include ''Consequences of a Youth Record'', a free booklet that explains what a youth record is, how long it remains, and what a record means for the youth. You can order booklets online.
| width="40%" | This website from Legal Aid BC provides free information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400<br/>[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca www.publiclegaled.bc.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/ family.legalaid.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="20%" | '''Legal Rights for Youth'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[http://www.accessprobono.ca www.accessprobono.ca]
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-855-875-8867<br/> [http://legalrightsforyouth.ca/ legalrightsforyouth.ca]  
|}
 
==Elder law==
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN)'''
| width="20%" | '''Mediate BC Society'''
| width="40%" | Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is.
| width="40%" | Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems.
| width="40%" | [http://www.bccrns.ca www.bccrns.ca]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300<br/> Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300<br/> [https://www.mediatebc.com/ mediatebc.com]  
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support (BCCEAS)'''
| width="40%" | BCCEAS provides information about benefits and programs for seniors, financial and legal planning, elder abuse and where to go for help, and how to protect yourself against theft and fraud.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-437-1940<br/>1-866-437-1940<br/>Call between 9am and 1pm Monday-Friday<br/>[http://www.bcceas.ca www.bcceas.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Seniors." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has brief legal information on over 130 topics, available in English, Chinese and Punjabi. Dial-A-Law is a free service of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia branch. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Includes a script on "Elder Law, Elder Abuse and Seniors' Rights."
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>1-800-565-5297 <br/>[http://www.dialalaw.org www.dialalaw.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Human Rights Coalition'''
| width="40%" | The BC Human Rights Coalition provides information and services to people in BC who need help to protect their rights under the BC ''Human Rights Code''.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-689-8474<br/>1-877-689-8474<br/>[http://www.bchrcoalition.org www.bchrcoalition.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | The Justice Education Society creates programs and resources that improve access to British Columbia’s justice system. They include ''Your Human Rights in BC'', a series of five videos for immigrants about human rights in BC and Canada. The videos are available in English, Mandarin and Punjabi.
| width="40%" | [http://www.justiceeducation.ca www.justiceeducation.ca]<br/>[http://www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for 30 minutes for $25.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[http://cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry'''
| width="20%" | '''Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry'''
| width="40%" | Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney. At the homepage, select "Information" and "Self-Help."
| width="40%" | Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a <span class="noglossary">representation</span> agreement or enduring power of attorney.
| width="40%" | [http://www.nidus.ca www.nidus.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://www.nidus.ca/ nidus.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People’s Law School offers free public legal education and information to the people of British Columbia. Free booklets are available online and in print. They include ''When I'm 64'', a series of three booklets with information about benefits and services available to seniors and about planning for your future. You can order booklets online.
| width="40%" | People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life.
| width="40%" | [http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/ www.publiclegaled.bc.ca]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400<br/> [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[http://www.accessprobono.ca www.accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Public Guardian and Trustee'''
| width="20%" | '''Public Guardian and Trustee'''
| width="40%" | The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides services to adults who need help managing their affairs.
| width="40%" | The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides a range of services to those who do not have the  legal capacity to protect their own interests.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-775-1007<br/>[http://www.trustee.bc.ca/services/adult/index.html www.trustee.bc.ca/services/adult/index.html]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-660-4444<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867<br/> [https://www.trustee.bc.ca/ trustee.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="20%" | '''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
| width="40%" | VictimLink can put you in touch with counselling and helping services, and people who may be able to help you find a safe place to stay.
| width="40%" | The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets.
| width="40%" | 1-800-563-0808<br/>[http://www.victimlinkbc.ca www.victimlinkbc.ca]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020<br/> Victoria: 250-387-1602<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779<br/> [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant]
|}
 
==Working in BC==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Employment." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="20%" | '''Seniors First BC'''
| width="40%" | Has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 130 topics, available in English, Chinese and Punjabi. Dial-A-Law is a free service of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia branch. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Scripts include "Protection Against Job Discrimination" and "Applying for Employment Insurance Benefits."
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults and those who care for them.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-336-5653<br/> Seniors Abuse and Information Line (toll-free): 1-866-437-1940<br/> [https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ seniorsfirstbc.ca]  
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[http://www.dialalaw.org www.dialalaw.org]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Human Rights Coalition'''
| width="20%" | '''Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)'''
| width="40%" | The BC Human Rights Coalition provides information and services to people in BC who need help to protect their rights under the BC ''Human Rights Code''.
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-689-8474<br/>1-877-689-8474<br/>[http://www.bchrcoalition.org www.bchrcoalition.org]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-255-0546<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185<br/> [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''ImmigrantLegal.ca'''
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="40%" | ImmigrantLegal.ca provides free legal information and education on legal topics for newcomers to Canada and the people working with them. The website is a project of the Immigrant Public Legal Education and Information Consortium. It is managed by the Justice Education Society. On the homepage of the site, select "Employment."
| width="40%" | This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims.
| width="40%" | [http://www.immigrantlegal.ca www.immigrantlegal.ca]
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808<br/> [http://victimlinkbc.ca victimlinkbc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Administrative Law BC - Early Resolution is a website that explains what tribunals are and how they work. <br/>
''Your Human Rights in BC'' is a series of five videos for immigrants about human rights in BC and Canada. The videos are available in English, Mandarin and Punjabi.
| width="40%" | [http://www.adminlawbc.ca/early-resolution www.adminlawbc.ca/early-resolution]<br/>
[http://www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc]<br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for 30 minutes for $25.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[http://cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
The MultiLingoLegal.ca website features many legal publications in nine languages. MultiLingoLegal is operated by MOSAIC - a <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration organization for immigrants and refugees in BC.<br/>
The Multilingual Legal Glossary is an online dictionary that allows you to search for the meaning of legal words. It provides the meaning of the word in English, and translates it into Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
[http://www.mosaicbc.com www.mosaicbc.com]<br/>
[http://www.multilingolegal.ca www.multilingolegal.ca]<br/>
[http://www.legalglossary.ca/dictionary/ www.legalglossary.ca/dictionary]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities. Booklets are free and are available online and in print.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/ www.publiclegaled.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[http://www.accessprobono.ca www.accessprobono.ca]
|-
|}
 
==Renting a home==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Housing, tenancy & neighbours." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 130 topics, available in English, Chinese and Punjabi. Dial-A-Law is a free service of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia branch. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Scripts include "Residential Tenancy" and "Neighbour Law."
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[http://www.dialalaw.org www.dialalaw.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Human Rights Coalition'''
| width="40%" | The BC Human Rights Coalition provides information and services to people in BC who need help to protect their rights under the BC ''Human Rights Code''.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-689-8474<br/>1-877-689-8474<br/>[http://www.bchrcoalition.org www.bchrcoalition.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''ImmigrantLegal.ca'''
| width="40%" | ImmigrantLegal.ca provides free legal information and education on legal topics for newcomers to Canada and the people working with them. The website is a project of the Immigrant Public Legal Education and Information Consortium. It is managed by the Justice Education Society. On the homepage of the site, select "Residential Tenancy."
| width="40%" | [http://www.immigrantlegal.ca www.immigrantlegal.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Administrative Law BC - Early Resolution is a website that explains what tribunals are and how they work. <br/>
''Your Human Rights in BC'' is a series of five videos for immigrants about human rights in BC and Canada. The videos are available in English, Mandarin and Punjabi.
| width="40%" | [http://www.adminlawbc.ca/early-resolution www.adminlawbc.ca/early-resolution]<br/>
[http://www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bc]<br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for 30 minutes for $25.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[http://cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Lawyer-Referral-Service]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Services Society of BC'''
| width="40%" | The Legal Services Society also has free print and online booklets in English and many other languages. At the website, select "Housing and tenancy." 
| width="40%" | [http://www.lss.bc.ca/publications/ www.lss.bc.ca/publications]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
The MultiLingoLegal.ca website features many legal publications in nine languages. MultiLingoLegal is operated by MOSAIC - a <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration organization for immigrants and refugees in BC.<br/>
The Multilingual Legal Glossary is an online dictionary that allows you to search for the meaning of legal words. It provides the meaning of the word in English, and translates it into Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
[http://www.mosaicbc.com www.mosaicbc.com]<br/>
[http://www.multilingolegal.ca www.multilingolegal.ca]<br/>
[http://www.legalglossary.ca/dictionary/ www.legalglossary.ca/dictionary]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities. Booklets are free and are available online and in print.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/ www.publiclegaled.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''PovNet'''
| width="40%" | Advocates help low-income people who have renting problems. PovNet is an online resource that can help you contact an advocate in your area. Visit the website and select "Find an Advocate."
| width="40%" | [http://www.povnet.org www.povnet.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[http://www.accessprobono.ca www.accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
| width="40%" | The branch of the BC government responsible for landlord-tenant matters. The website has free publications that contain important information.
| width="40%" | Vancouver: 604-660-1020 <br/>
Victoria: 250-387-1602 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-665-8779 <br/>
[http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca www.rto.gov.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)'''
| width="40%" | The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre provides tenants with legal education and information about residential tenancy law. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting. You can also read their free publications, including the ''[[Tenant Survival Guide]]''. It is available in English or Traditional Chinese.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-255-0546 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-665-1185<br>
[http://www.tenants.bc.ca www.tenants.bc.ca]
|-
|}
|}
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}}


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Latest revision as of 17:51, 17 January 2024

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by People's Law School in February 2023.
Learning about the Law
Learning about the Law Wikibook
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Law.
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Contents
Fundamentals of Canadian Law
Canada’s Legal System
Working in BC
Renting a Home
Family Law
Older People
Young People
Find Out More
What the Words Mean
About this Wikibook ‎
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v • d • e

Free and low-cost legal help

Access Pro Bono Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer and can’t get legal aid. Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400
Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664
accessprobono.ca
BC Human Rights Clinic Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, this clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint. Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100
Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222
bchrc.net
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) CLAS provides legal advice and some representation to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, human rights complaints, and work-related issues. Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222
clasbc.net
Family Justice Centres These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce. gov.bc.ca
Lawyer Referral Service This service, operated by Access Pro Bono, can help you connect with a lawyer for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you want to hire them. Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
accessprobono.ca
Legal Aid BC This non-profit provides free legal advice and representation for certain types of legal problems if you meet financial eligibility guidelines.
 Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172
Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
legalaid.bc.ca
MOSAIC A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their settlement in Canada. They provide legal advocacy in areas such as family law and immigration law.
Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626
mosaicbc.org
PovNet Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal advocate in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies. povnet.org

More information

BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN) Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is. bccrns.ca
Clicklaw A website operated by Courthouse Libraries BC that provides legal information, education, and resources from across BC. clicklaw.bc.ca
Court Information Program for Immigrants This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English and several other languages. courtinformation.ca
Dial-A-Law From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297
dialalaw.ca
Employment Standards Branch This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They answer questions and deal with complaints against employers. Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700
gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards
Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce This Justice Education Society website provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents. familieschange.ca
Family Law in BC This website from Legal Aid BC provides free information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues. family.legalaid.bc.ca
Legal Rights for Youth This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in BC. Toll-free: 1-855-875-8867
legalrightsforyouth.ca
Mediate BC Society Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems. Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300
Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300
mediatebc.com
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney. nidus.ca
People's Law School People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life. Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400
peopleslawschool.ca
Public Guardian and Trustee The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides a range of services to those who do not have the legal capacity to protect their own interests. Lower Mainland: 604-660-4444
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
trustee.bc.ca
Residential Tenancy Branch The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets. Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020
Victoria: 250-387-1602
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant
Seniors First BC A non-profit that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults and those who care for them. Lower Mainland: 604-336-5653
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (toll-free): 1-866-437-1940
seniorsfirstbc.ca
Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting. Lower Mainland: 604-255-0546
Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185
tenants.bc.ca
VictimLink This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims. Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808
victimlinkbc.ca
v • d • e
Fundamentals of Canadian Law
Canada’s Legal System
Working in BC
Renting a Home
Family Law
Older People
Young People
Resources
About


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