Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, an illustration of people sitting at an interview panel  with a woman in the foreground taking notes, and the Government of Canada logo.

Victim’s Guide to Information Services

Parole Board of Canada
Explains what rights victims have to information from the Parole Board of Canada.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Record Suspensions

Parole Board of Canada
Use this page to learn about waiting periods, eligibility, and how to apply for a record suspension.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Parole Board of Canada: Victims and the Parole Process (videos)

Parole Board of Canada
These videos show victims how a parole hearing works, how to access information about the offender, and how to attend a hearing or present a statement.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features blue and grey curved lines forming an oval shape, with the “OLHI” and “OAP” in blue below the shape.

Search for Life Insurance Policy of a Deceased

OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance (OLHI)
If you are looking for the life insurance policy of someone who has recently passed, the OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance may be able to help. Visit this page to learn more.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features blue and grey curved lines forming an oval shape, with the “OLHI” and “OAP” in blue below the shape.

Complaints (about life or health insurance)

OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance (OLHI)
The OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance offers a free alternative dispute resolution if you have a complaint about your life and health insurance. They also help with lost policy searches. OLHI’s service is free, bilingual, independent, and impartial.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover featuring the title, a digital design with abstract lines and binary code in the background, and the logo of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Protecting Personal Information: Cannabis Transactions

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC (OIPC)
Cannabis is illegal in most places outside of Canada. The personal information of users is therefore very sensitive. Some countries may deny entry to people who have purchased cannabis. This guide was created to help cannabis retailers/purchasers understand their rights and obligations under PIPA.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a green square with white curved lines, and the organization name to the right. Below are the words “The Library Link For Newcomers.”

Settlement Information for Newcomers: Useful Immigrant Settlement Guides and Websites

NewToBC
NewToBC has compiled over 45 guides, videos, and websites on a range of topics that would be of interest to immigrants.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and author's name on a white background, with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Windsor Law logo.

What You Need to Know about Affidavits

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This self-help resource provides information and instructions for creating an affidavit. It also contains an example affidavit.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and author's name on a white background, with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Windsor Law logo.

The CanLII Primer: Legal Research Principles and CanLII Navigation for Self-Represented Litigants

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This primer is designed to help self-represented litigants (SRLs) navigate CanLII in order to prepare for the presentation of their cases — in court, in chambers, or as part of a negotiation or mediation. CanLII (canlii.org) is a free legal service that can be accessed by anyone on the web.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman working on a laptop. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

So You’re Representing Yourself: A Primer to Help You Get Ready to Represent Yourself in Family or Civil Court

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This “getting you started” primer will give you an overview of the process if you’re planning to be a self-represented litigant in family or civil court.
Last reviewed March 2024