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."

Time off Work

People’s Law School
Practical guidance on the legal aspects of taking time off work. Learn your rights and obligations when taking sick days, taking a vacation, and taking other leaves of absence.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

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
Logo features three overlapping hexagons in yellow, red, and blue, with the organization name to the right.

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
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and an illustration of six justice sector employees standing behind an Indigenous woman, whose palm is raised towards the reader. The Native Courtworker And Counselling Association of BC and Legal Aid BC logos are at the bottom.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Legal Aid BC
This resource for justice sector employees explains that all people have a right to a safe workplace free from bullying, harassment, and unwanted sexual attention. It defines sexual harassment and explains possible legal options if you don’t feel safe at work. It includes a list of helpful resources.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with an abstract blue and green figure with an orange circle for the head, alongside the organization's name in black text.

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
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

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

Problems at Work

People’s Law School
Practical guidance on dealing with a problem at work. Topics include tips for talking with your employer, tips on writing a letter to your employer, and the steps involved in making an employment standards complaint.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the guide with two columns of text and the BC Civil Liberties Association logo.

Privacy: Video & Audio Recording in the Workplace

BC Civil Liberties Association
This fact sheet provides you with information about your privacy rights in the workplace with regard to video and audio surveillance and the things you can do if you believe that your employer has breached them.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a large Indigenous illustration of an eagle.

Our Human Rights: How BC Law Protects Us from Discrimination

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
A 12-page booklet about how the BC Human Rights Code applies in three main areas of daily life: work, housing, and access to services and facilities. It explains racial profiling, what it means to be discriminated by a landlord or a health care provider or harassed at work, and what you can do if your rights are violated.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

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