Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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LSLAP Manual: Employment Law

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on employment law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides an overview of the law relating to employment standards, wages and overtime, leaves of absence, termination of employment, and wrongful dismissal.
Last reviewed September 2024
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The Employer’s Duty to Accommodate

People’s Law School
Explains which human rights laws apply to your employer. When a personal characteristic protected under human rights law is involved (such as religion, age, disability, or sex), employers must do what they can to accommodate these differences. The page explains how to ask your employer for accommodation, and answers common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Solution Explorer: Small Claims

Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
The Solution Explorer is the first step in the online Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) process, with free legal information and self-help tools. You can apply to the CRT for small claims dispute resolution right from the Solution Explorer.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Responsibilities under the Code as an Employer

BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
In BC, employers are obligated to ensure a workplace free of discrimination, as mandated by the Human Rights Code. This page explains what discrimination is and what can happen if an employer doesn’t meet their responsibilities.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Prohibited Actions Relating to Occupational Health & Safety

Government of British Columbia
Explains that your employer or union cannot retaliate against you if you raise an occupational health and safety issue, refuse unsafe work, and more. It gives examples of some prohibited (retaliatory) actions. It also explains what you should do if you have a complaint, and the options for resolving your complaint.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Migrant Workers

People’s Law School
This page contains links to what you need to know if you’re preparing to work in BC, including the rights of caregivers and farm workers coming to BC. It explains the steps you need to take to work in BC temporarily, and to extend your work permit. It also includes the steps caregivers can take if they have a problem at work.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Leaving a Job

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information on your legal rights and options if you get fired or laid off. Topics include if you are fired, how much notice an employer needs to give you, getting laid off, if your employer has made big changes to your job, and applying for employment insurance.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Guide to the Employment Standards Act and Regulation

Government of British Columbia
Searchable online guide to help you understand the law and your rights. The topics covered include hiring, wages, special clothing, records and gratuities, hours of work and overtime, children’s employment, stat holidays and pay, leaves, annual vacation, termination (layoffs), investigations and complaints, enforcements, tribunals, and appeals.
Last reviewed March 2024
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If You Quit Your Job

People’s Law School
Explains that quitting your job voluntarily affects your legal rights to things like employment insurance benefits and compensation you are owed. Learn your rights if you quit, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Includes information about employment contracts, giving notice, outstanding wages, constructive dismissal, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
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If You Are Fired

People’s Law School
Explains when being fired is against the law, and whether employment standards law applies to you. It covers being fired when you’ve done nothing wrong, and being fired for “just cause.” It explains you’re entitled to all outstanding wages, and explains the steps you can take if you are fired.
Last reviewed March 2024