Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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

Mental Health and Rights at Work

People’s Law School

Explains that mental health issues are common, and it’s okay to reach out for help. The page has information about your legal rights, including when applying for a job, disclosing mental health issues while on the job, if you’re treated badly or fired because of mental health issues, or if you can’t work because of mental health issues.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP)

Government of Canada

Explains how to change your employer under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), and how to extend or change the conditions of your work permit. It also covers applying for permanent residency.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover with the title. The design features a geometric, multicolored background.

Legal Rights and Resources for People Living with Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia

What do you do if you feel you’re being overlooked for employment because of your disability? What if your parenting skills are questioned because of your lack of mobility? This booklet is designed to answer these questions and more, and support those with disabilities to live a Life Without Limits.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Legal FAQ Sheets: 2021 BC Flood & Extreme Weather

Access Pro Bono

These FAQ sheets answer frequently asked questions related to issues faced by people affected by weather emergencies in BC (wildfires, flooding, and landslides). They are organized into these areas of law: employment law, family law, insurance law, landlord-tenant law, and strata (condo) law.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

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

If Your Employer Asks You to Do Something Concerning

People’s Law School

Explains that you are responsible for doing the work you were hired to do and being loyal to your employer. But you don’t have to follow instructions that are unreasonable or unlawful. Learn your rights and options if your employer asks you to do something concerning. Also includes steps you can take to protect yourself.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the handbook cover with Indigenous designs and cultural symbols.

Human Rights Handbook for First Nations

Canadian Human Rights Commission

This handbook is for Chief and Council members, band managers, officers, administrators, and anyone else who works for governing bodies of First Nations communities. It’s intended to help you identify and resolve human rights issues in your organization and community.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo is "LRB" in bold black letters to the left of the organization name.

Guide to the Labour Relations Code of BC

British Columbia Labour Relations Board

Explains what the BC Labour Relations Board does. The topics covered include unfair labour practices, the duty of fair representation, the certification process for unionizing a workplace, collective bargaining, strikes and lockouts, and mediation and dispute procedures.

Last reviewed March 2024