View source for Introduction to Consumer and Debt Law

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[[Consumer and Debt Law|This manual]] is a problem-solving resource for legal advocates, paralegals and lawyers  in British Columbia whose clients are having problems with consumer or debt issues.

The manual covers over 45 topics on problems people experience with consumer purchases, contracts, borrowing money, and being in debt. Each section is organized to help you understand and work through your client’s problem. We include sample client problems, explain the relevant law, point out what information you need from your client, and offer suggestions for solving your client's problem .

[[image:Consumer_and_Debt_Law_cover_image.jpg|thumb|275px|right|<span style="font-size:50%;">Image via www.istock.com</span>]]

==Copyright & disclaimer==
[[File:Creativecommonssmall.png|alt=Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike 2.5 Canada Licence]] ''Consumer and Debt Law'', &copy; People’s Law School is, except for the images, made available under a Creative Commons [[Clicklaw Wikibooks Copyright Guide|Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike 2.5 Canada Licence]].

The 1996 to 2012 editions of ''Consumer Law and Credit/Debt Law'' (as it was then called) were published by the Legal Services Society.

At [[People's Law School]], we believe accurate, plain English information can help people take action to work out their legal problems. This publication explains in a general way the law that applies in '''British Columbia, Canada'''. It is '''not intended as legal advice'''. Legal advice applies the law to an individual's specific situation. If you want assurance that any information is appropriate to your specific situation, or recommendations on next steps with a specific legal problem, please contact a legal professional. Some sources of legal help are highlighted in the [[Agencies that Help with Consumer and Debt Law|Agencies that Help]] section.

== Contributors & acknowledgements==
===Writing===
Writing and editing for the 2018 edition of ''Consumer and Debt Law'' was done by Linda Rainaldi and [[Drew Jackson]]. Layout and production was done by Elena Renderos. 

===Legal review===
[[File:alisonward.jpg|thumb|border|left|middle]] 
The 2018 edition of ''Consumer and Debt Law'' was reviewed for legal accuracy by Alison Ward. Alison is a lawyer at the [http://www.clasbc.net/ Community Legal Assistance Society] in Vancouver, where she runs a Law Foundation-funded program called the Community Advocate Support Line. She provides legal advice and support to community-based advocates in BC who assist clients with poverty law and family law problems. Alison was previously a staff lawyer at the Legal Services Society (1994 – 2010) where she practiced poverty law and family law.  

=== Dedication===
The 2018 edition of ''Consumer and Debt Law'' is dedicated to the late Allan Parker, QC. Allan was a respected lawyer, teacher, mentor and friend to poverty lawyers, paralegals and community advocates. He worked tirelessly to improve access to justice for the disadvantaged. Allan was pivotal in the development and updating of this publication. His many contributions to legal aid and pro bono work in BC will always be appreciated.

=== Acknowledgements===
This manual was made possible through the financial support of the Law Foundation of BC, the Notary Foundation of BC, the Department of Justice Canada, and the Province of British Columbia.

== About ==
===People’s Law School===
This manual is produced by [[People's Law School]], a non-profit society in British Columbia, dedicated to making the law accessible to everyone. We provide free education and information to help people effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life.

{{PLSTipsbox | text = Visit the People’s Law School website at [http://www.peopleslawschool.ca www.peopleslawschool.ca] for more coverage of consumer and debt law and how to deal with legal problems.}}

=== Clicklaw Wikibooks===
In 2018, ''Consumer and Debt Law'' was transitioned into a Clicklaw Wikibook. Operated by  [[Courthouse Libraries BC]], Clicklaw Wikibooks are collaboratively developed, plain language legal publications that are published and kept up-to-date on a wiki. The wiki technology enables a highly accessible experience on the screen and in print. You might be accessing this page online on a computer, or by having downloaded a digital copy to your tablet or mobile, or by reading it in a print book at a public library. By supporting a range of digital and print formats, Clicklaw Wikibooks helps provide legal information for people in ways that meet their needs. 

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