Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, featuring a photo of a hand holding a feather with a scenic view of a sunset over a shoreline.

Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed November 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a photo of the view from an airplane flying over a lake nestled between snow-capped mountains.

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 November 2024
Logo of Prosper Canada, featuring an orange leaf-like design to the left of the organization's name written in dark blue text.

Disability Benefits Compass

Prosper Canada
This site was created for people living in Canada with a severe mental or physical disability or who have trouble with daily activities and need help from another person, an assistive device, or an animal. The website is also for caregivers, family members, and organizations who provide access to support benefits.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo featuring the letters “d” and “a” combined to make a stylized infinity symbol in dark blue, and to the right the letters “b” and “c” combined to make a stylized infinity symbol in light blue. Below this are the words “disability alliance bc” in light blue.

BC Disability Benefits Help Sheets

Disability Alliance BC
This web page links to self-help guides that explain various benefits and programs, and how to apply for them.
Last reviewed November 2024
Thumbnail of the handbook cover with a photo of older adults participating in an arts and crafts activity, assisted by a younger woman.

When I’m 64: Services for Older Adults

People’s Law School
Explains the services available to help older adults make informed decisions and lead a healthy life as they age. It covers health care, housing, transportation, and recreation services in BC.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Navigating Home Care and Senior Housing: An Advocacy Guide

Seniors First BC
A guide explaining the types of personal care and health care that are available to older adults in British Columbia.
Last reviewed November 2024
Front cover of the booklet featuring a smiling group of diverse older adults and a description about financial and government benefits available to seniors in British Columbia.

When I’m 64: Benefits for Older Adults

People’s Law School
Explains what financial help older adults in British Columbia can get from government sources. It covers Old Age Security, the Canada Pension Plan, employment insurance, and welfare benefits for older adults.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Mental Health 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 provides an overview of the law governing mental health facility admissions and discharges, the rights of the mentally disadvantaged, and the implications of mental disorder in other areas of law.
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: Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides an overview of the legal issues that arise where individuals lack the capacity to make important life decisions for themselves.
Last reviewed September 2024
Logo of Nidus with a stylized wordmark with "Nid" in blue and "us" in green, with a small triangle above the letter "i."

End of Life Planning

Explains what representation agreements are and what to include in them.
Last reviewed July 2024