Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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

Financial Rights and Responsibilities

Government of Canada
Information about your rights and responsibilities when dealing with a bank or a federally regulated trust, loan, or insurance company. Includes information on banking, credit cards, mortgages, credit and loans, investments, and fraud.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Consumed by Debt? Information for Consumers on the Insolvency Process

Government of Canada
This brochure outlines a consumer’s insolvency options when they are facing challenging financial times, and explains that Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs) are the only qualified professionals authorized to administer insolvency proceedings.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Charterpedia (information about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

Government of Canada
Charterpedia provides legal info about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and contains information about the purpose of each section of the Charter, the analysis or test developed through case law in respect of the section, and any considerations related to it. Each Charterpedia entry cites relevant case law.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Cannabis Legalization and Regulation

Government of Canada
Cannabis is legal as of October 17, 2018. The Cannabis Act creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis across Canada.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Canadian Citizenship

Government of Canada
Explains how to apply for Canadian citizenship and how to get a proof of citizenship certificate or card. Also includes information on the citizenship test and preparing for the citizenship ceremony.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Warrants

Government of British Columbia
Contains information about who is included and exempt from receiving income assistance when an outstanding warrant exists.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Trusts

Government of British Columbia
Explains how trusts work for those who are receiving disability assistance, or accommodation or care in a private hospital or a special care facility. Includes information on types of trusts, how to set up trusts, trust payments, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Taxes and Tax Credits

Government of British Columbia
Personal and general tax information for BC residents. Includes information about the provincial sales tax (PST), homeowner grant, property transfer tax, sales taxes, income taxes, property taxes, natural resource taxes, insurance taxes, tax audits, rulings and appeals, eTaxBC, and tax changes.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Submit Court Documents and Forms

Government of British Columbia
Explains you must make sure all your documents and court forms include all information needed before you submit (file) them. It provides links to finding a court registry to file in person, links to filing by fax and online, and links to organizations offering legal advice (some free).
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Small Claims How-To Guides

Government of British Columbia
Links to guides including What is small claims court?, Making a claim for proceedings initiated in small claims, Making a claim for proceedings previously initiated before Civil Resolution Tribunal, Replying to a claim, Serving documents, Getting ready for court, Getting results, and Mediation for claims between $10,000 and $35,000.
Last reviewed March 2024