Rights & Citizenship

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.

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Immigration & citizenship

If you’ve immigrated to Canada or want to become a Canadian citizen, these resources can help you.

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Privacy & access to information

Understand your rights to privacy and to accessing certain information under freedom of information laws.

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What can we help you find?

Common questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions.

Rights & Citizenship

A friend was sponsored to come to Canada but the sponsor left her. What can she do?

Rights & Citizenship

I know a family who has just immigrated. What information would help them?

Rights & Citizenship

What rights do people have around treatment for mental illness?

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Legal help in BC

Lawyer Referral Service

Access Pro Bono

This service helps you find a suitable lawyer. Anyone can call to get contact information of a lawyer who will meet for a free 15-minute appointment. You can retain the lawyer at a rate you both agree to, but there’s no obligation for either of you to continue after the free consultation.

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Immigration law duty counsel

Legal Aid BC

Lawyers for people in detention at the Canada Border Services Agency’s enforcement centre in Vancouver. They can give advice regarding procedures and your legal rights, and may appear on your behalf at detention hearings. You don’t have to meet financial eligibility requirements for these services.

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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.

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