Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and the logo of the Government of Canada.

Estate Administration On-Reserve: A Guide for Executors and Administrators in British Columbia

Government of Canada
Guide for people appointed by Indigenous Services Canada as the executor or administrator of the estate of a family member or friend who has passed away.
Last reviewed May 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with the title, two columns of text, and the BC emblem.

Mentally Disordered Accused and the Justice System in British Columbia

Government of British Columbia
Explains how cases involving mentally disordered accused individuals are handled by the justice system. It describes what happens when a person accused of a crime is found either unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible for an offence, because of a mental disorder.
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 October 2025
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a photo of a child’s toy rabbit on its back on a swing.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents

Government of Canada
Written for parents whose child has been abducted and taken out of the country, or who are concerned that their child may be vulnerable to such abduction. It reviews prevention issues and steps to take in cases of international abduction.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a design with a heart and a teardrop shape, partially overlapping. There is a silhouette of an elderly person sitting on a bench, with birds flying around.

Elder Abuse Is Wrong

Government of Canada
This booklet is for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust — it could be a partner or spouse, a family member, a caregiver, a service provider or another individual. This kind of abuse of intimacy or trust is wrong.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

How to Start an Appeal

Court of Appeal (Justice Education Society)
Part of the online step-by-step guide for those appealing a civil or family case in the Court of Appeal of BC. Step 2 is preparing your documents, starting with the first form called “Notice of Appeal.”
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

EI Benefits for Self-Employed People

Government of Canada
Explains EI for people running their own business or controlling more than 40 percent of their corporation’s voting shares. It explains the types of special benefits, how to register for the self-employed program, what documents you need to submit to the CRA, and how to withdraw from the program.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with an abstract blue and green figure with an orange circle for the head, alongside the organization's name in black text.

Hate Speech and the Law in British Columbia

BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
This page answers common questions about hate speech based on the laws that are applicable in BC. Includes discriminatory speech, protected characteristics under the Criminal Code and BC’s Human Rights Code, freedom of speech, defending yourself when accused, witnessing hate speech, and being a victim.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

B.C.’s Criminal Justice System

Government of British Columbia
Comprehensive information about the criminal justice system in BC, with separate guides for victims of crime, witnesses, and those accused or convicted of crime and their family members.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Stop Family Violence

Government of Canada
A one-stop source of information on family violence that can help you be safe or be part of the solution. It provides links to supports, and resources and services in your area. If you’re a professional, you can find resources and information on these pages to help you effectively prevent or respond to family violence.
Last reviewed March 2024