Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

The Little Black Book of Scams (second edition)

Competition Bureau Canada
This easy-to-read guide describes several scams and how to protect yourself. In addition to explaining frauds, including identity theft, it also details what to do if you get scammed and how to get help.
Last reviewed April 2026
Emblem is a buffalo head in a blue oval, surrounded by maple leaves. The words “maintiens le droit” are in the blue oval. Above is the word “Canada” and a crown, and below is the organization name.

Firearms

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Information about firearms in Canada, including licensing and registration.
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, People’s Law School logo, and a photo of a man near a laptop and calculator, holding some papers, frowning.

Scams to Avoid

People’s Law School
Helps you learn how to spot and guard against scams that try to trick you out of your money. It covers 15 of the most common scams that affect British Columbians, explains the growing problem of identity theft, and tells you the steps to take if you have been the victim of a scam.
Last reviewed March 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Outstanding Warrants and Welfare

People’s Law School
If there is a warrant for your arrest, you may not be able to get welfare benefits. Learn when this rule applies, and options to deal with an outstanding warrant.
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, featuring a photo of a hand holding a feather with a scenic view of a sunset over a shoreline.

Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a photo of the view from an airplane flying over a lake nestled between snow-capped mountains.

Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, photos of people with moving boxes, and adults smiling with children, and the Government of BC logo.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

WelcomeBC (Government of BC)
Moving to a new country can be challenging. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.
Last reviewed March 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Applying for Disability Benefits

People’s Law School
This page provides step-by-step instructions for applying for disability benefits. It tells you about eligibility criteria, immediate needs assessment, and tips for dealing with the ministry.
Last reviewed January 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Applying for Welfare Benefits

People’s Law School
This page provides step-by-step instructions for applying for welfare benefits. It tells you about eligibility criteria, immediate needs assessment, and tips for dealing with the ministry.
Last reviewed January 2026
Logo of Prosper Canada, featuring an orange leaf-like design to the left of the organization's name written in dark blue text.

Benefits Wayfinder

Prosper Canada
This website helps you find benefits and support in British Columbia, from federal and provincial governments. You can start by answering questions using their interactive tool, or browse all benefits that are available.
Last reviewed January 2026