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."

Leaving a Job

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information on your legal rights and options if you get fired or laid off. Topics include if you are fired, how much notice an employer needs to give you, getting laid off, if your employer has made big changes to your job, and applying for employment insurance.
Last reviewed October 2025
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Late Applications for Workers’ Compensation

Government of British Columbia
This page explains how to apply for workers’ compensation including how much time you have to apply, what happens if you apply after more than a year, and what special circumstances WorkSafeBC considers. It covers when your benefits will start, what happens if there’s new medical evidence, and what happens if your claim is rejected.
Last reviewed October 2025
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Labour Relations — Unfair Labour Practice (for federal workers)

Canada Industrial Relations Board
A guide for how to file a complaint about an unfair labour practice. It goes over the process and potential outcomes. It explains who can file a complaint, when and how to do it, what information is needed, and the steps after the submission, including mediation, hearings, and decisions.
Last reviewed October 2025
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Guide to the Employment Standards Act and Regulation

Government of British Columbia
Searchable online guide to help you understand the law and your rights. The topics covered include hiring, wages, special clothing, records and gratuities, hours of work and overtime, children’s employment, stat holidays and pay, leaves, annual vacation, termination (layoffs), investigations and complaints, enforcements, tribunals, and appeals.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

If Your Employer Asks You to Do Something Concerning

People’s Law School
Explains that while you are responsible for doing the work you were hired to do and being loyal to your employer, you don’t have to follow instructions that are unreasonable or unlawful. Learn your rights and options if your employer asks you to do something concerning. Also includes steps you can take to protect yourself.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

If You Quit Your Job

People’s Law School
Quitting your job voluntarily affects your legal rights to things like employment insurance benefits and compensation you are owed. Learn your rights if you quit, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Includes information about employment contracts, giving notice, outstanding wages, constructive dismissal, and more.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

If You Are Fired

People’s Law School
Explains when being fired is against the law, and whether employment standards law applies to you. It covers being fired when you’ve done nothing wrong, and being fired for “just cause.” It explains you’re entitled to all outstanding wages, and describes the steps you can take if you are fired.
Last reviewed October 2025
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Guide to the Labour Relations Code of BC

British Columbia Labour Relations Board
Explains what the BC Labour Relations Board does. The topics covered include unfair labour practices, the duty of fair representation, the certification process for unionizing a workplace, collective bargaining, strikes and lockouts, and mediation and dispute procedures.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Getting Paid

People’s Law School
Practical information on your legal rights and options when it comes to getting paid in British Columbia. Topics include earning the minimum wage, hours of work and overtime, working statutory holidays, and what you can do if your employer hasn’t paid you.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Getting Laid Off

People’s Law School
Explains your rights if you’re laid off from work. Topics cover termination, temporary layoffs, and reduction in hours. It gives you the steps you can take if you’re laid off, and provides links to more help.
Last reviewed October 2025