Legal Resources

Essentials of Consumer Law helps you learn how to protect yourself when you buy something or hire someone to perform a service. This publication explains your rights for common consumer purchases and contracts, as well as the steps you can take when something goes wrong. Reviewed March 2017.

Explain your options for getting out of debt, who can help, scams, and licensed insolvency trustees who can help with formal legal processes. Your options include to budget out of debt, to negotiate with your creditors, to consolidate your debt, to negotiate a debt settlement, to make a consumer proposal, and bankruptcy.

Buying goods or services over the internet can be convenient, but there are some pitfalls. Learn your rights and what to watch for.

Leasing a vehicle is quite different from buying one. Leasing can offer lower monthly payments, but you typically spend more in the long run. Learn your rights if you lease.

Under the law in BC, not all contracts are alike. If you enter a contract, your cancellation rights depend on the type of agreement you made and the circumstances.

If you’re behind on debt payments, there are laws to protect you from harassment by collectors. For example, collectors can’t use threatening language or contact you during certain times of day.

Practical, step-by-step information on credit reports. Topics include ordering your credit report, who has access to your credit report, fixing a mistake on your credit report, improving your credit score, and taking charge of your credit report.

No one enjoys it when they’re owed money and don’t get paid. Learn the options available to you when collecting on a debt, and the steps to deal with the situation.

Before lending money to someone, a lender may ask for someone else to “co-sign” or “guarantee” the loan. Learn what to consider if you’re asked to co-sign or guarantee a loan.

Guides for buying and selling a used car, leasing a car, and what to do if you have a problem with a car repair.