Difference between revisions of "Find Out More in Learning about the Law"

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{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [[People's Law School]]|date= February 2023}}{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}
==Free and low-cost legal help==
==Free and low-cost legal help==


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| width="20%" | '''Access Pro Bono'''
| width="20%" | '''Access Pro Bono'''
| width="40%" | Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid.  
| width="40%" | Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer and can’t get legal aid.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400<br/> Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664<br/> [https://www.accessprobono.ca/ accessprobono.ca]
Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/ accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, the BC Human Rights Clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, this clinic provides assistance and <span class="noglossary">representation</span> to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100<br/> Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/> [https://bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]  
Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/>
[https://bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)'''
| width="20%" | '''Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)'''
| width="40%" | CLAS provides legal advice and some representation to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, foreclosure of their mortgage, and human rights complaints.
| width="40%" | CLAS provides legal advice and some <span class="noglossary">representation</span> to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, human rights complaints, and work-related issues.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425<br/> Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222<br/> [https://www.clasbc.net clasbc.net]
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222<br/>
clasbc.net
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Family Justice Centres'''
| width="20%" | '''Family Justice Centres'''
| width="40%" | These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce.     
| width="40%" | These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce.     
| width="40%" | [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice]
| width="40%" | [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice gov.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service operated by Access Pro Bono can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30 minute consultation.
| width="40%" | This service, operated by Access Pro Bono, can help you connect with a lawyer for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you want to hire them.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/> [https://www.accessprobono.ca/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]  
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca/lawyer-referral-service]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="40%" | You may be able to get free legal help (legal aid) if your legal problem is covered by Legal Aid BC’s rules and your income and the value of your property are below a certain limit. Legal Aid BC also has free booklets on legal topics in English and many other languages.<br/>  
| width="40%" | This non-profit provides free legal advice and representation for certain types of legal problems if you meet financial eligibility guidelines.<br/>  
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172 <br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172 <br/> Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525<br/> [https://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]  
Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525<br/>
[https://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their settlement in Canada.<br/>
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> in Canada. They provide legal advocacy in areas such as family law and immigration law. <br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626<br/> [https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
[https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MyLawBC’s Family Resolution Centre'''
| width="40%" | Operated by Legal Aid BC, this program offers free mediation for couples to work out parenting and child support arrangements.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
[https://mylawbc.com/mediation/ mylawbc.com/mediation]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''PovNet'''
| width="20%" | '''PovNet'''
| width="40%" | Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal advocate in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies.  
| width="40%" | Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal <span class="noglossary">advocate</span> in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies.  
| width="40%" | [https://www.povnet.org/ povnet.org]
| width="40%" | [https://www.povnet.org/ povnet.org]
|- valign="top"
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| width="20%" | '''Court Information Program for Immigrants'''
| width="20%" | '''Court Information Program for Immigrants'''
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hindi, French and Spanish.  
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English and several other languages.  
| width="40%" | [https://www.courtinformation.ca/ courtinformation.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://www.courtinformation.ca/ courtinformation.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-687-4680<br/>
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/> [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Employment Standards Branch'''
| width="20%" | '''Employment Standards Branch'''
| width="40%" | This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They answer questions and deal with complaints against employers.
| width="40%" | This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They <span class="noglossary">answer</span> questions and deal with complaints against employers.
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-663-3316<br/>
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700<br/> [https://gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards]
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce '''
| width="20%" | '''Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce '''
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|- valign="top"
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| width="20%" | '''Family Law in BC '''
| width="20%" | '''Family Law in BC '''
| width="40%" | This website from Legal Aid BC provides free legal information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues.
| width="40%" | This website from Legal Aid BC provides free information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues.
| width="40%" | [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/ family.legalaid.bc.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/ family.legalaid.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''JP Boyd on Family Law'''
| width="40%" | This resource, available online and in print, offers information about family law and the court process in British Columbia.
| width="40%" | [[JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law|wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/jpboyd]]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Rights for Youth'''
| width="20%" | '''Legal Rights for Youth'''
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in British Columbia.
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in BC.
| width="40%" | [http://legalrightsforyouth.ca/ legalrightsforyouth.ca]  
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-855-875-8867<br/> [http://legalrightsforyouth.ca/ legalrightsforyouth.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Mediate BC Society'''
| width="20%" | '''Mediate BC Society'''
| width="40%" | Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems.
| width="40%" | Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300<br/> Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300<br/> [https://www.mediatebc.com/ mediatebc.com]  
Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300<br/>
[https://www.mediatebc.com/ mediatebc.com]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry'''
| width="20%" | '''Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry'''
| width="40%" | Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney.
| width="40%" | Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a <span class="noglossary">representation</span> agreement or enduring power of attorney.
| width="40%" | [https://www.nidus.ca/ nidus.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://www.nidus.ca/ nidus.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life.
| width="40%" | People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400<br/> [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Public Guardian and Trustee'''
| width="20%" | '''Public Guardian and Trustee'''
| width="40%" | The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides services to those who need help managing their affairs.
| width="40%" | The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides a range of services to those who do not have the  legal capacity to protect their own interests.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-775-1007<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-660-4444<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867<br/> [https://www.trustee.bc.ca/ trustee.bc.ca]  
[https://www.trustee.bc.ca/Pages/default.aspx trustee.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
| width="20%" | '''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
| width="40%" | The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets.
| width="40%" | The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020<br/> Victoria: 250-387-1602<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779<br/> [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant]
Victoria: 250-387-1602<br/>
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779<br/>
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Seniors First BC'''
| width="20%" | '''Seniors First BC'''
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides information on legal topics for older adults and those who care for them.
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults and those who care for them.
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-688-1927<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-336-5653<br/> Seniors Abuse and Information Line (toll-free): 1-866-437-1940<br/> [https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ seniorsfirstbc.ca]  
Toll-free: 1-866-437-1940<br/>
|- valign="top"
[https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ seniorsfirstbc.ca]  
| width="20%" | '''Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)'''
| width="20%" | '''Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)'''
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting.   
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting.   
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-255-0546<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185<br/> [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca]  
[https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="40%" | This is a toll-free, confidential service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims.
| width="40%" | This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims.
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808<br/>
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808<br/> [http://victimlinkbc.ca victimlinkbc.ca]  
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc victimlinkbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Victimsinfo.ca'''
| width="40%" | A website for victims and witnesses of crime in BC. It gives people the information they need to deal with the consequences of crime.
| width="40%" | [https://www.victimsinfo.ca/ victimsinfo.ca]
|- valign="top"
|}
 
==Young people and the law==
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website with legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC.<br/>Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Children & teens." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Scripts include "Children's Rights" and "Young People and Criminal Law."
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>1-800-565-5297<br/>[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca/]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Legal Rights for Youth is a website for youth. It describes the legal rights for youth living in British Columbia.
| width="40%" | [https://www.legalrightsforyouth.ca legalrightsforyouth.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People’s Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People’s Law School offers free public legal education and information to the people of British Columbia.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400<br/>[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|}
 
==Elder law==
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN)'''
| width="40%" | Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is.
| width="40%" | [https://www.bccrns.ca bccrns.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Seniors First BC'''
| width="40%" | Provides information about benefits and programs for seniors, financial and legal planning, elder abuse and where to go for help, and how to protect yourself against theft and fraud.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-437-1940<br/>1-866-437-1940<br/>[http://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ seniorsfirstbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Seniors." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Includes information on "Elder Law, Elder Abuse and Seniors' Rights."
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>1-800-565-5297 <br/>[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | The Justice Education Society creates programs and resources that improve access to British Columbia’s justice system.
| width="40%" | [https://www.justiceeducation.ca justiceeducation.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minutes consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry'''
| width="40%" | Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney.
| width="40%" | [https://www.nidus.ca nidus.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | People's Law School offers free public legal education and information to British Columbians. 
| width="40%" | [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Public Guardian and Trustee'''
| width="40%" | The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides services to adults who need help managing their affairs.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-775-1007<br/>[https://www.trustee.bc.ca trustee.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="40%" | VictimLink can put you in touch with counselling and helping services, and people who may be able to help you find a safe place to stay.
| width="40%" | 1-800-563-0808<br/>[https://www.victimlinkbc.ca victimlinkbc.ca]
|}
 
==Working in BC==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, the BC Human Rights Clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" |  Phone: 604-622-1100<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/>
[https://www.bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Employment." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Administrative Law BC is a website that explains what tribunals are and how they work.
| width="40%" | [https://www.adminlawbc.ca/ adminlawbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
[https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities. 
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|-
|}
|}
==Renting a home==
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, the BC Human Rights Clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" |  Phone: 604-622-1100<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/>
[https://www.bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Housing, tenancy & neighbours." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Community Legal Assistance Society'''
| width="40%" | CLAS will provide legal advice and some representation to low-income British Columbians who are facing eviction, foreclosure of their mortgage, expulsion from a co-op, or who want to challenge a Residential Tenancy Branch decision.
| width="40%" |  Phone: 604-685-3425 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-888-685-6222<br/>
[https://www.clasbc.net clasbc.net]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Administrative Law BC is a website that explains what tribunals are and how they work. 
| width="40%" | [https://www.adminlawbc.ca/ adminlawbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="40%" | Legal Aid has free print and online booklets in English and many other languages. At the website, select "Housing and tenancy." 
| width="40%" | [https://lss.bc.ca/publications lss.bc.ca/publications]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
[https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''PovNet'''
| width="40%" | Advocates help low-income people who have renting problems. PovNet is an online resource that can help you contact an advocate in your area. Visit the website and select "Find an Advocate."
| width="40%" | [https://www.povnet.org povnet.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
| width="40%" | The branch of the BC government responsible for landlord-tenant matters. The website has free publications that contain important information.
| width="40%" | Vancouver: 604-660-1020 <br/>
Victoria: 250-387-1602 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-665-8779 <br/>
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies gov.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)'''
| width="40%" | The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre provides tenants with legal education and information about residential tenancy law. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting. You can also read their free publications, including the ''[[Tenant Survival Guide]]''. It is available in English or Traditional Chinese.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-255-0546 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-665-1185<br>
[https://www.tenants.bc.ca tenants.bc.ca]
|-
|}
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2021}}


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Latest revision as of 17:51, 17 January 2024

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by People's Law School in February 2023.
Learning about the Law
Learning about the Law Wikibook
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Contents
Fundamentals of Canadian Law
Canada’s Legal System
Working in BC
Renting a Home
Family Law
Older People
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v • d • e

Free and low-cost legal help

Access Pro Bono Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer and can’t get legal aid. Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400
Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664
accessprobono.ca
BC Human Rights Clinic Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, this clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint. Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100
Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222
bchrc.net
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) CLAS provides legal advice and some representation to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, human rights complaints, and work-related issues. Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222
clasbc.net
Family Justice Centres These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce. gov.bc.ca
Lawyer Referral Service This service, operated by Access Pro Bono, can help you connect with a lawyer for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you want to hire them. Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
accessprobono.ca
Legal Aid BC This non-profit provides free legal advice and representation for certain types of legal problems if you meet financial eligibility guidelines.
 Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172
Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
legalaid.bc.ca
MOSAIC A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their settlement in Canada. They provide legal advocacy in areas such as family law and immigration law.
Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626
mosaicbc.org
PovNet Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal advocate in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies. povnet.org

More information

BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN) Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is. bccrns.ca
Clicklaw A website operated by Courthouse Libraries BC that provides legal information, education, and resources from across BC. clicklaw.bc.ca
Court Information Program for Immigrants This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English and several other languages. courtinformation.ca
Dial-A-Law From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297
dialalaw.ca
Employment Standards Branch This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They answer questions and deal with complaints against employers. Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700
gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards
Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce This Justice Education Society website provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents. familieschange.ca
Family Law in BC This website from Legal Aid BC provides free information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues. family.legalaid.bc.ca
Legal Rights for Youth This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in BC. Toll-free: 1-855-875-8867
legalrightsforyouth.ca
Mediate BC Society Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems. Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300
Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300
mediatebc.com
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney. nidus.ca
People's Law School People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life. Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400
peopleslawschool.ca
Public Guardian and Trustee The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides a range of services to those who do not have the legal capacity to protect their own interests. Lower Mainland: 604-660-4444
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
trustee.bc.ca
Residential Tenancy Branch The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets. Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020
Victoria: 250-387-1602
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant
Seniors First BC A non-profit that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults and those who care for them. Lower Mainland: 604-336-5653
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (toll-free): 1-866-437-1940
seniorsfirstbc.ca
Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting. Lower Mainland: 604-255-0546
Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185
tenants.bc.ca
VictimLink This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims. Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808
victimlinkbc.ca
v • d • e
Fundamentals of Canadian Law
Canada’s Legal System
Working in BC
Renting a Home
Family Law
Older People
Young People
Resources
About


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