Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed September 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

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
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Employment Insurance

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on employment insurance is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides an overview of how to apply for EI (as well as how to appeal) and summarizes the law relating to qualification requirements, benefit rates, penalties, and offences.
Last reviewed September 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Welfare (Income Assistance) Law

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It explains the types of welfare benefits available, including income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance, along with eligibility requirements and rates. It also discusses recent changes in BC welfare law.
Last reviewed September 2024
Logo features the initials PLEO in black in the centre of outlined blue, yellow, orange, and teal circles.

Employees and Contractors Fact Sheet

PLEO: Law for Non-Profits
This resource explains the legal differences between employees and contractors.
Last reviewed July 2024
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Wage-Loss Benefits

Government of British Columbia
Explains that wage-loss benefits paid by WorkSafeBC are for total disability or for partial disability to replace 90 percent of your wages if you can’t continue working because of a work-related injury.
Last reviewed March 2024
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About the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP)

Government of Canada
You may be eligible to receive a payment under this program if your employer has filed for bankruptcy or is subject to receivership, and you’re owed wages, vacation pay, termination pay, or severance pay.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Permanent Disability Awards

Government of British Columbia
Explains you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits if you had a work-related injury or illness that permanently impacted you or your ability to work. Topics include what to expect when you’re referred to Long Term Disability Services, and how the benefits are calculated.
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."

Making a Claim for Workers’ Compensation

People’s Law School
Explains how workers’ compensation works, and who can get it, explaining the range of injuries and illnesses. It describes the benefits you might be entitled to if you suffer a temporary disability, or are permanently disabled, and the benefits for families of workers. It explains the steps you need to take to make a claim.
Last reviewed March 2024