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."

The Employer’s Duty to Accommodate

People’s Law School
Explains which human rights laws apply to your employer. When a personal characteristic protected under human rights law is involved (such as religion, age, disability, or sex), employers must do what they can to accommodate these differences. The page explains how to ask your employer for accommodation, and answers common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features three overlapping hexagons in yellow, red, and blue, with the organization name to the right.

Solution Explorer: Small Claims

Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
The Solution Explorer is the first step in the online Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) process, with free legal information and self-help tools. You can apply to the CRT for small claims dispute resolution right from the Solution Explorer.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with an abstract blue and green figure with an orange circle for the head, alongside the organization's name in black text.

Responsibilities under the Code as an Employer

BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
In BC, employers are obligated to ensure a workplace free of discrimination, as mandated by the Human Rights Code. This page explains what discrimination is and what can happen if an employer doesn’t meet their responsibilities.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Prohibited Actions Relating to Occupational Health & Safety

Government of British Columbia
Explains that your employer or union cannot retaliate against you if you raise an occupational health and safety issue, refuse unsafe work, and more. It gives examples of some prohibited (retaliatory) actions. It also explains what you should do if you have a complaint, and the options for resolving your complaint.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Migrant Workers

People’s Law School
This page contains links to what you need to know if you’re preparing to work in BC, including the rights of caregivers and farm workers coming to BC. It explains the steps you need to take to work in BC temporarily, and to extend your work permit. It also includes the steps caregivers can take if they have a problem at work.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Mental Health and Rights at Work

People’s Law School
Explains that mental health issues are common, and it’s okay to reach out for help. The page has information about your legal rights, including when applying for a job, disclosing mental health issues while on the job, if you’re treated badly or fired because of mental health issues, or if you can’t work because of mental health issues.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Farm Workers and Rights at Work

People’s Law School
Explains farm workers’ rights under BC’s main employment law. Topics include who is considered a farm worker under the law, and what happens if an employer doesn’t follow the minimum standards. It explains what benefits you're eligible for, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Essentials of Work & the Law

People’s Law School
This links to a publication that explains your rights and responsibilities as a worker. Topics include what to expect once you’re hired, and what happens if you’re fired or you leave your job. It also includes guidance on how to deal with a problem at work.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with royal arms of Canada and Canadian government logo at the bottom..

Employment Insurance Appeal Process at a Glance

Social Security Tribunal of Canada
If Service Canada made a decision about your employment insurance and you don’t agree with it, you can ask them to reconsider, and then appeal to the Social Security Tribunal (SST). This page explains how to do this, including the levels of appeal and the various deadlines.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Do Employment Standards Apply to You?

Government of British Columbia
Not every work issue or type of work falls under BC employment standards. Workplace safety, human rights, small claims, work permits, and pay transparency may require different resources or agencies. Some workplaces, like those that are unionized, have their own standards. Learn what to do if the standards don’t apply to your issue.
Last reviewed March 2024