Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, photos of people with moving boxes, and adults smiling with children, and the Government of BC logo.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

WelcomeBC (Government of BC)
Moving to a new country can be challenging. You probably have a number of questions that need to be answered right away. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.
Last reviewed December 2024
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, featuring a photo of a hand holding a feather with a scenic view of a sunset over a shoreline.

Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed November 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a photo of the view from an airplane flying over a lake nestled between snow-capped mountains.

Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Consumer Protection

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on consumer protection is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It summarizes the law relating to contracts, consumers’ rights, sellers’ rights, warranties, misrepresentation, and false advertising.
Last reviewed September 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, People’s Law School logo, and a photo of a man near a laptop and calculator, holding some papers, frowning.

Scams to Avoid

People’s Law School
Helps you learn how to spot and guard against scams that try to trick you out of your money. It covers 15 of the most common scams that affect British Columbians, explains the growing problem of identity theft, and tells you the steps to take if you have been the victim of a scam.
Last reviewed August 2024
Emblem is a buffalo head in a blue oval, surrounded by maple leaves. The words “maintiens le droit” are in the blue oval. Above is the word “Canada” and a crown, and below is the organization name.

Firearms

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Information about firearms in Canada, including licensing and registration.
Last reviewed August 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Firearms and the Firearms Act

People’s Law School
Canada’s gun laws require gun owners to be licensed and certain guns to be registered. Learn how these laws work, and how to get a licence or register a firearm.
Last reviewed August 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Personal Property Liens and Searches

Government of British Columbia
Explains how liens are registered legal claims on personal property, and personal property is collateral that includes tangible and intangible items (including consumer goods, vehicles, boats, aircraft, chattel paper, and licences). You can search for personal property liens, register a lien, and more.
Last reviewed May 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Scams & Identity Theft

People’s Law School
Explains the sophisticated scams that can target you, and gives you tips to help keep you secure. It includes information on the types of scams, identity theft, and what to do if you think you may be a victim of a scam or fraud. It also explains how to protect yourself, and how to take action.
Last reviewed April 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

If You Invest and Something Goes Wrong

People’s Law School
Explains your rights and steps you can take if you invest and things go sideways. Topics include what problems can arise when you invest, hiring an investment adviser, and the differences between investing in a public or a private company.
Last reviewed April 2024