Legal Resources

This chapter on consumer protection is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It summarizes the law relating to contracts, consumers’ rights, sellers’ rights, warranties, misrepresentation, and false advertising.

Helps you learn how to spot and guard against scams that try to trick you out of your money. It covers 15 of the most common scams that affect British Columbians, explains the growing problem of identity theft, and tells you the steps to take if you have been the victim of a scam.

Canada’s gun laws require gun owners to be licensed and certain guns to be registered. Learn how these laws work, and how to get a licence or register a firearm.

Information about firearms in Canada, including licensing and registration.

Explains how liens are registered legal claims on personal property, and personal property is collateral that includes tangible and intangible items (including consumer goods, vehicles, boats, aircraft, chattel paper, and licences). You can search for personal property liens, register a lien, and more.

Most of us open a bank account at some point in our lives. Learn the rights (and responsibilities) that come with having a bank account, practical tips to protect yourself, and how to work out problems.

Explains the sophisticated scams that can target you, and gives you tips to help keep you secure. It includes information on the types of scams, identity theft, and what to do if you think you may be a victim of a scam or fraud. It also explains how to protect yourself, and how to take action.

Helps you understand your tax return and how income taxes work, including who has to pay and what income is not taxable. It explains the deadline for filing, and explains what tax information you need. It links to a tool to estimate your income tax obligation. It also provides information on what you can do if you disagree with your assessment.

Explains that it’s important to deal with some debts before others. It explains “priority debts” (which should be paid as soon as possible), secured debts, and limitation periods, and explains where you can get help if your debt problem is urgent. It describes the steps you can take to deal with your debt. It also answers some common questions.

Explains how your creditor can take some of your wages or money from your bank account, the laws to protect you, and what benefits are protected from garnishment. It explains how to apply to set aside a garnishing order, how to file and serve the application, and what could happen at a court hearing.