Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Getting Laid Off

People’s Law School
Explains your rights if you’re laid off from work. Topics cover termination, temporary layoffs, and reduction in hours. It gives you the steps you can take if you’re laid off, and provides links to more help.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Essentials of Work & the Law

People’s Law School
This links to a publication that explains your rights and responsibilities as a worker. Topics include what to expect once you’re hired, and what happens if you’re fired or you leave your job. It also includes guidance on how to deal with a problem at work.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Employment Standards: Quitting, Getting Fired or Laid Off

Employment Standards Branch (Government of BC)
Information about termination of employment for both employees and employers as it applies under the Employment Standards Act. Includes information about paying final wages, giving written notices, paying compensation, group terminations, just cause, layoffs, and changes to employment conditions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with royal arms of Canada and Canadian government logo at the bottom..

Employment Insurance Appeal Process at a Glance

Social Security Tribunal of Canada
If Service Canada made a decision about your employment insurance and you don’t agree with it, you can ask them to reconsider, and then appeal to the Social Security Tribunal (SST). This page explains how to do this, including the levels of appeal and the various deadlines.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Do Employment Standards Apply to You?

Government of British Columbia
Not every work issue or type of work falls under BC employment standards. Workplace safety, human rights, small claims, work permits, and pay transparency may require different resources or agencies. Some workplaces, like those that are unionized, have their own standards. Learn what to do if the standards don’t apply to your issue.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, photos of people with moving boxes, and adults smiling with children, and the Government of BC logo.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

WelcomeBC (Government of BC)
Moving to a new country can be challenging. You probably have a number of questions that need to be answered right away. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.
Last reviewed March 2024