Rights & Citizenship
Find legal information on rights and citizenship published by non-profit organizations, the government, and legal professionals in BC. Each topic includes online guides and tools selected by our librarians.
In this section
Civil & human rights
Get to know your rights under the BC Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Complaints about police
If you have a complaint against the police, here are resources to help you understand your options.
Health care & mental health
Knowing your legal rights and the importance of giving consent when you receive medical treatment or mental health care is crucial.
Immigration, refugees & citizenship
If you’ve immigrated to Canada or want to become a Canadian citizen, these resources can help you.
Privacy & access to information
Understand your rights to privacy and to accessing certain information under freedom-of-information laws.
What can we help you find?
Legal help in BC
BC Human Rights Clinic
BC Human Rights Clinic
The BC Human Rights Clinic provides free legal assistance to people who have filed a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. They provide summary advice, 1-2 hour legal consultations, and legal representation, if you’re eligible. The Short Services clinic provides free 30 minute appointments with a human rights lawyer or advocate.
Legal aid intake services
Legal Aid BC
To qualify for a legal aid lawyer, your legal problem must be covered by their legal aid rules and you must meet their financial guidelines. When applying, intake staff will ask you for complete and true information about your legal problem, income, savings, and assets. Proof of the financial information you provide is required.
Mental health law program
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
Offers representation for people who have applied for a review panel hearing with the Mental Health Review Board under the Mental Health Act, and for people who have a BC Review Board hearing under the Mental Disorder Provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Featured guides
Charterpedia (information about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms)
Government of Canada
Charterpedia provides legal info about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and contains information about the purpose of each section of the Charter, the analysis or test developed through case law in respect of the section, and any considerations related to it. Each Charterpedia entry cites relevant case law.
LSLAP Manual: Public Complaint Procedures
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on administrative law is used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It’s an overview of citizens’ rights, including the right to vote, and sets out the legal avenues available to individuals who believe that a government agency has acted improperly.
LSLAP Manual: Citizenship
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It’s a basic overview of the legal regime and process involved in getting a citizenship grant. See also chapter 18, “Immigration Law.”
Find legal services
Discover free or low-cost services that can help you with human rights complaints, immigration law issues, or refugee legal matters.