Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Foreign Workers

Government of British Columbia
This is for workers who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada. It includes information about compensation claims, including what you should do if you’re injured at work, or develop a work-related disease. It explains how you make a claim with WorkSafeBC. It also explains workplace health and safety.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Federal Workers’ Compensation Service

Government of Canada
The FWCS processes compensation claims submitted by federal employees who have suffered a work-related injury or illness. The page links to compensation for federal workers, merchant seamen, survivors of employees slain on duty, locally engaged foreign citizens, federal inmates, and more. It includes information on how to track claims data.
Last reviewed October 2025
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 October 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Farm Workers and Rights Around Getting Paid

People’s Law School
Explains the rules employers must follow in paying farm workers, including who is considered a farm worker under the law. Topics include minimum wage, stat holiday pay, vacation pay, working for a farm labour contractor, and more.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Extension of Time Applications (WCAT)

Government of British Columbia
This fact sheet explains what happens if your review or appeal is filed late, what steps you need to take to start a late review or appeal, what you should put in your extension of time application, what counts as special circumstances, what counts as injustice, what other factors may be considered, and what happens next.
Last reviewed October 2025
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 October 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Ending Mandatory Retirement

Government of British Columbia
Explains that employers can’t force you to retire because of your age, although your employer can offer you a reward or bonus to retire. It explains there are some jobs with age limits because of the duties or needs of work or because of safety issues or dangers. It also explains pension and insurance benefits.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Employment Standards: Specific Industries and Types of Workers

Employment Standards Branch (Government of BC)
Some sectors, industries, or types of workers in BC are subject to specific regulations that only apply to them. Includes information about agriculture, aquaculture, commission sales, domestics, employment agencies, the high-technology sector, loggers, the oil and gas sector, resident caretakers, etc.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Employment Standards: Quitting, Getting Fired or Laid Off

Employment Standards Branch (Government of BC)
Information about termination of employment for both employees and employers as it applies under the Employment Standards Act. Includes information about paying final wages, giving written notices, paying compensation, group terminations, just cause, layoffs, and changes to employment conditions.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Employment Standards: Make a Complaint

Government of British Columbia
How to submit a complaint to resolve a problem at work — for example, requesting payment for wages that you’re owed. Includes filing a complaint, investigation, mediation, hearing, decision, and appealing a decision.
Last reviewed October 2025