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."

Your Bank Account: How to Deal with Problems

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed April 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Scams & Identity Theft

People’s Law School

Explains the sophisticated scams which 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.

Last reviewed April 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Paying Income Tax

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed April 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

If You Invest and Something Goes Wrong

People’s Law School

Explains your rights and steps you can take if you invest and things go sideways. Topics include what problems can arise when you invest, hiring an investment advisor, and the differences between investing in a public or a private company.

Last reviewed April 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

First Steps to Take in Dealing with Debt

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed April 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

A Creditor Wants to Take Money from Your Wages or Bank Account

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed April 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

A Creditor Wants to Repossess Your Property

People’s Law School

If you can’t pay your loan, the creditor may seek to take your property to satisfy the debt. Learn your rights if a creditor wants to repossess (or seize) your property.

Last reviewed April 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and Government of Canada logo. The cover is black, and title is red.

The Little Black Book of Scams

Competition Bureau Canada

This easy-to-read guide describes several scams and how to protect yourself from them. In addition to explaining some common myths and golden rules to help you beat the scammers, it also details what to do if you get scammed and how to get help and report a scam.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo of the Community Legal Assistance Society, featuring a workmark in black text with a colorful abstract design on the left around another wordmark "CLAS" consisting of blue, green, purple, and orange shapes.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

Laura Track, a lawyer at the Human Rights Clinic, walks you through what you need to know to file a human rights complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo of the Community Legal Assistance Society, featuring a workmark in black text with a colorful abstract design on the left around another wordmark "CLAS" consisting of blue, green, purple, and orange shapes.

Discrimination & Human Rights: Information for indigenous People (part 3 of 3)

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

The three-video series provide information about the BC Human Rights Code and how it protects Indigenous people in three areas of life: jobs, tenancy, and access to services. It explains human rights complaints and how the BC Human Rights Tribunal works.

Last reviewed March 2024