Publications available

This booklet provides detailed, easy-to-understand information on Aboriginal harvesting rights — the Aboriginal right to fish, hunt, and trap, and gather plants, fungi, and timber. It explains the different regulations and who they apply to, how to reduce your chances of being charged with illegal harvesting, and what your options are if you’re charged. Comes with a checklist of things to confirm before you go harvesting and what to bring with you.

A Gladue Rights Story A graphic novel that introduces you to Gladue rights for Aboriginal peoples. Through engaging storytelling and illustrations, A Second Chance tells the story of Myra who is charged with assault with a weapon. Myra learns about her legal rights and, with the help of Legal Aid, gets a Gladue report for her sentencing hearing.

This handy fridge magnet informs Aboriginal parents of their right to get legal advice as soon as the Ministry of Children and Family Development (or a delegated Aboriginal agency) contacts them about a child protection issue. Includes how to contact Legal Aid to find out if you qualify for a free lawyer.

This poster gives a step-by-step overview of the Aboriginal child protection process and the rights of Aboriginal children and families.

This wallet card informs Aboriginal parents of their right to get legal advice as soon as the Ministry of Children and Family Development (or a delegated Aboriginal agency) has contacted them about a child protection issue. Includes how to contact Legal Aid to find out if you qualify for a free lawyer.

A MyLawBC infographic poster that explains what mediation is, why you might want to use it to solve your differences instead of going to court, and where to find a mediator.

What you can do if you're facing foreclosure For any homeowner who is about to miss a mortgage payment, has already missed one or more mortgage payments, or has received a petition to go to court. It explains what homeowners can do when lenders try to take their properties because of missed payments (foreclosure). The booklet lists agencies that can provide information or other kinds of help. The previous January 2015 edition is still legally accurate.

This poster describes the child protection process in flow chart form. The step-by-step overview: begins at the investigation and the decision whether protection is required, shows the outcomes of the presentation hearing, ends with the possible outcomes of the protection hearing, and includes options for what to do if a child is under a continuing custody order.

Clear Skies tells the story of Marnie and her kids who live with family violence. With the support of her community, and by learning her legal options, Marnie is able to leave an abusive relationship. Clear Skies is Marnie's story. This graphic novel introduces you to your legal rights through engaging storytelling and artwork. See also the video and the Clear Skies webpage on the Aboriginal website.

Help share Marnie's story. By spreading the word, you can help educate Aboriginal youth about the impacts of family violence and the resources available to help. This promotional toolkit makes it easy for you to spread the word about Clear Skies. The toolkit includes images, sample tweets and Facebook posts, posters, and other materials to promote Clear Skies both within your community and online.

People's Law School publication This problem-solving manual for advocates and other legal professionals helping clients with consumer or debt problems is available as a Clicklaw Wikibook. It covers 45 topics on problems people experience with: consumer purchases, contracts, borrowing money, and being in debt. Each section includes sample client problems, summary of the relevant law, recap of information needed from the clients, and suggestions for solving the client’s problem. As a wikibook:

For spouses (married or living in a marriage-like relationship) who are dealing with the emotional aspects of separating. It explains the emotional stages of separation and suggests ways to cope, including:

Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with assault. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help. There is also a flowchart showing how Legal Aid BC publications can help at each stage of the court process.

Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with breach of a court order. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help. There is also a flowchart showing how Legal Aid BC publications can help at each stage of the court process. Note that the French translation has not yet been updated to match the current English version.

Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with mischief. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help. There is also a flowchart showing how Legal Aid BC publications can help at each stage of the court process.

Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with possession of an illegal drug. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help. There's also a flowchart showing how Legal Aid BC publications can help at each stage of the court process.

Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with possession of property under $5,000 obtained by crime. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help. There is also a flowchart showing how Legal Aid BC publications can help at each stage of the court process.

Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with theft under $5,000. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help. There is also a flowchart showing how Legal Aid BC publications can help at each stage of the court process. Note that the French translation has not yet been updated to match the current English version.

A child protection story Emily is struggling with addiction and an unhealthy relationship. She loves her son, Greg, but can't always take care of him. When Greg goes into foster care, Emily gets legal help and the support of her family to get Greg back. Emily's Choice is Emily's story. This graphic novel introduces you to your legal rights through engaging storytelling and artwork.

Poster about Emily's Choice, a graphic novel about child protection. Includes information about where to get copies of the novel and how to watch the video.

Help share Emily's story. By spreading the word, you can help educate Aboriginal parents about child protection and the resources available to help. This promotional toolkit makes it easy for you to spread the word about Emily's Choice. The toolkit includes links to the graphic novel, the video, the poster, and the trailer, as well as to where to order copies. Please use these materials to promote Emily's Choice both within your community and online.

A Guide for Executors and Administrators in British Columbia This Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) booklet provides general information about the routine tasks of administering a simple estate under the Indian Act.See also the Templates Package. For more information, see the INAC website.

This Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) booklet contains forms and sample letters to be used only in conjunction with the guide Estate Administration On-Reserve. For more information, see the INAC website.

Provides an overview of what family duty counsel can and can't do. Includes how to find services near you.

This set of postcards introduces the reader to the basics of family law. Each card covers one legal aspect of separation, such as: which laws apply, how couples can reach agreements, and how to deal with issues involving children and money. The easy-to-understand information and visuals point readers toward next steps and further resources.

Going through a family law issue? Need free legal advice? This poster promotes Family LawLINE, a free phone service available across BC. Describes the kind of help you’ll get from a lawyer and how to find out if you qualify.

Going through a family law issue? Need free legal advice? This poster promotes Family LawLINE, a free phone service available across BC. Describes the kind of help you’ll get from a lawyer and how to find out if you qualify.

Going through a family law issue? Need free legal advice? This wallet card promotes Family LawLINE, a free phone service available across BC. Describes the kind of help you'll get from a lawyer and how to find out if you qualify.

This poster has information on different kinds of abuse, and provides the link to the Clear Skies video about family violence. The poster is based on the Clear Skies graphic novel, which is Marnie's story about her abusive male partner. To learn more about family violence and your legal rights, see the graphic novel.

Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders This publication is for people who need protection from violent partners or former partners. Explains how and when you can apply for peace bonds and family law protection orders, and what the differences are between them.

Provincial (Family) Court This poster provides a step-by-step overview of the process for getting orders for parenting and support in Provincial (Family) Court. The poster also includes which forms you need to file. The poster comes in dry-erase lamination. Has been updated to conform to the new BC Family Law Act (March 18, 2013). This publication is Readability Level 3. It presents detailed material and is primarily intended for intermediaries to use with members of the public.

This booklet is no longer up-to-date. For current information about Gladue rights, please see:

How to prepare and write a Gladue report Plain language guide for Gladue report writers outlines how to prepare and write effective reports to help Aboriginal people before the court receive fair treatment. The guide explains Gladue rights, Gladue factors in sentencing and bail hearings, and restorative justice. It describes: what's in a report, how to gather information for a report, and writing guidelines to follow.The guide also includes a Gladue report template.

This infographic poster shows when Gladue rights apply for Aboriginal peoples during the criminal court process, and when to get a Gladue report or prepare an oral Gladue submission. See also: Your Gladue Rights, Gladue Submission Guide, Gladue Report Guide, and What’s First Nations Court?

Plain language guide for Aboriginal peoples, lawyers, and Native courtworkers about how to prepare an oral or written Gladue submission for a bail or sentencing hearing. The guide explains: Gladue rights, what happens at a hearing, what’s in a Gladue submission, and where to get help.Includes a worksheet section to gather information to prepare a Gladue submission.

A MyLawBC infographic poster that sets out information about how to resolve your family issues with or without going to court.

A step-by-step guide for appealing a conviction for people who may or may not be in custody. Explains how to apply for a legal aid or court-appointed lawyer, and if you’re not successful in getting one, how to prepare for an appeal hearing on your own, with tips on doing legal research and applying for bail. All required forms and affidavits are included, along with detailed instructions on filling them out. See also: How to Appeal Your Sentence

A step-by-step guide for appealing your sentence if you’ve been convicted of a criminal offence, whether or not you’re in custody. Explains how to apply for a legal aid or court-appointed lawyer, and if you’re not successful in getting one, how to prepare for an appeal hearing on your own, with tips on doing legal research and applying for bail. All required forms and affidavits are included, along with detailed instructions on filling them out. See also: How to Appeal Your Conviction

This fact sheet describes the requirements for anyone applying to become a child's guardian. Anyone who wants to become a guardian can apply, including a parent who isn't a guardian or anyone else (relative or non-relative). The fact sheet includes:

A step-by-step guide to making a JG application For people facing a complicated child protection hearing who have been denied legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer. Explains why you can ask for a court-appointed lawyer and how to apply. Includes the necessary forms and what to say to the judge in court. Please note that the French version does not include the recent minor updates that are in the English version.

How to Make a Rowbotham Application For people facing serious and complex criminal charges who have been denied legal aid but can't afford a lawyer. Explains why, how, and when to ask the judge to appoint a free lawyer. Includes a checklist of points to cover in court and copies of the necessary court forms. The French version doesn't include the recent updates that are in the English version.

Explains what to do if someone cannot pay a court fine on time. Covers the three possible options: paying part of the fine by the due date, asking for an extension, or asking for jail time instead. It also explains what happens if fines are not paid.

This fact sheet explains what it means when the court makes a no contact order against someone involved in a family violence incident. It describes the five types of no contact orders and what might happen if someone breaches the order:Condition of release from custody before trial (bail) Condition of probation Conditional sentencing Peace bond Family law protection order

Short, easy-to-understand brochure that outlines what happens when someone is charged with a criminal offence. It briefly describes the first steps in the court process and the different options that might be available. It also outlines the accused person's legal rights, and how to get legal aid or other legal help. The French version doesn't include the most recent minor changes and updates that appear in the English version.

Your Rights As a Parent This online-only brochure explains child protection law and what parents or guardians can do if the Director of Child Welfare removes their child or plans to remove their child from the home. Describes what happens at court and where to get legal help.

This booklet explains in plain language:

An insert for Income Assistance on Reserve in British Columbia with the most recent income assistance rates (which changed in October 2017 and January 2018). This insert contains updated tables for:

What the Law Says about Online Harassment and Abuse To help youth become safer online when they use social media. It describes four online situations they might find themselves in: Taking intimate images Sharing intimate images Cyberstalking Sexual exploitationExplains what the law says about each, and where you or someone you know in these situations can get support services and legal help.

A Lawyer's Guide to Relationship Violence This resource for family law lawyers and advocates describes relationship violence, the signs of abuse, and the risk factors. It explains what to do if your client has been victimized, and includes safety planning information, where your client can get help, and where to find further information.

This fact sheet is part of the Is Your Client Safe? series about relationship violence, which supplements the brochure Is Your Client Safe? A Lawyer's Guide to Relationship Violence. It explains why your client may not disclose relationship violence and provides steps you can take to encourage disclosure.Because women experience a much greater risk of serious injury or death in violent relationships, this fact sheet refers to your client as "she."

This fact sheet is part of the Is Your Client Safe? series about relationship violence, which supplements the brochure Is Your Client Safe? A Lawyer's Guide to Relationship Violence. It provides resources to help your client stay safe and get help with non-legal issues.Because women experience a much greater risk of serious injury or death in violent relationships, this fact sheet refers to your client as "she."

This fact sheet is part of the Is Your Client Safe? series about relationship violence, which supplements the brochure Is Your Client Safe? A Lawyer's Guide to Relationship Violence. It provides resources relating to relationship violence, abuse, and the law. Because women experience a much greater risk of serious injury or death in violent relationships, this fact sheet refers to your client as "she." See Abuse & family violence for a complete list of all the fact sheets in this series.

This fact sheet is part of the Is Your Client Safe? series about relationship violence, which supplements the brochure Is Your Client Safe? A Lawyer's Guide to Relationship Violence. It provides safety planning steps for your workplace. Because women experience a much greater risk of serious injury or death in violent relationships, this fact sheet refers to your client as "she."See Abuse & family violence for a complete list of all the fact sheets in this series.

This fact sheet is part of the Is Your Client Safe? series about relationship violence, which supplements the brochure Is Your Client Safe? A Lawyer's Guide to Relationship Violence. It gives the steps your client can take to start a safety plan and to remain safe. It also tells you where to go for further information and resources.Because women experience a much greater risk of serious injury or death in violent relationships, this fact sheet refers to your client as "she."

Your Family's Rights This easy-to-understand, illustrated booklet explains the child protection process for Aboriginal children and families, including:

Information for Landlords in British Columbia Summarizes the landlord's rights and responsibilities when renting property in BC. Covers discrimination, condition of the rental unit, tenancy agreements, repairs, rent increases, entering the rental unit, evicting a tenant, and security and pet damage deposits. Available in Chinese (traditional), English, and Punjabi.

This graphic novel tells the story of Maya, a young mother who has left her abusive partner but doesn’t know what to do next or where to get help. Through illustrations and basic legal information written in plain language, Leaving Abuse shows how Maya finds the support and legal aid she and her children need to stay safe and start a new life free from abuse.

Outlines in plain language what legal aid is, and how and where to apply for it. It also lists the phone numbers of legal aid offices in BC.

This bookmark provides an overview of the Legal Aid BC website. Includes a list of the legal issues covered by Legal Aid and how the site can help you.

Free legal help This poster provides information on how to contact Legal Aid and find out about free legal help. Each poster has three languages, including English. There are four versions of the poster: Arabic/Kurdish/English Chinese–simplified/Chinese–traditional/English Dari/Pashto/English Punjabi/Farsi/English

Live Safe, End Abuse is for people leaving an abusive partner. The fact sheets and folder contain information on what abuse is, how people can plan for their safety and protect their children, and who can help. Topics include:

Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce Explains the basics of family law in BC. Includes information about:

Find your way with MyLawBC (MyLawBC website poster) This poster has an overview of how MyLawBC helps people solve common legal problems. MyLawBC has help for people dealing with separation and divorce, abuse and family violence, foreclosure, and wills and personal planning.

Find your way with MyLawBC.com This wallet card provides information about how MyLawBC helps people solve common legal problems. MyLawBC has help for people dealing with separation and divorce, abuse and family violence, foreclosure, and wills and personal planning.

Family Law Information Plain language guide primarily for women with children who've been abused by their intimate partner (such as a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend). Describes the legal process and terms and covers:

A My problem, My solution promotional poster about the MyLawBC Get help with foreclosure pathway. Contains a key tagline (I’m about to lose my condo) and information about the Get a foreclosure plan pathway, plus social media hashtags.

A My problem, My solution promotional poster about the MyLawBC Make a will pathway. Contains a key tagline (We want to make sure he’s taken care of when we’re gone), plus social media hashtags.

A My problem, My solution promotional poster about MyLawBC. Contains a key tagline (We feel lost in the legal maze) and information about all the pathways, plus social media hashtags.

A My problem, My solution promotional poster about the MyLawBC family pathways and Dialogue Tool. Contains a key tagline (We’re splitting up), plus social media hashtags.

This bilingual infocard promotes the legal aid immigration phone line and other legal aid services for refugee claimants.

Has a social worker contacted you about your children? This brochure promotes and describes the Parents Legal Centre, a free service to help parents in select locations in BC address the social worker's concerns. Describes the kind of help you can get from a lawyer and an advocate and how to find out if you qualify.

Has a social worker contacted you about your children? This wallet card promotes the Parents Legal Centre, a free service to help parents in select locations in BC with child protection issues. Provides Legal Aid BC phone number to find out if you qualify.

A Parent's Guide to Child Protection Law in BC Explains what happens if the Director of Child Protection has concerns about a child's safety or plans to remove a child from the family home. Describes the child protection process for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and families, including:

A Guide for Refugee Claimants Explains how to prepare for a refugee hearing. The booklet has information about: how to prepare the documents, important deadlines, the legal issues involved, and what happens at the hearing.Also includes where to get legal help, government contact information, a hearing preparation checklist, and links to community resources. For more information about the guide and other resources, see the Kinbrace Community Society website.

The booklet explains what happens when an accused person wants to plead not guilty to a summary offence. It’s designed to guide a self-represented person through the basic steps in the court process both before and at a trial. It contains checklists, flow charts, and a sample letter to Crown counsel, as well as how to get legal help.

Describes relationship abuse, provides tips for staying safer, dispels common myths, and lists community resources where help is available. Co-produced with QMUNITY as a resource for members of the trans community.

Describes relationship abuse, provides tips for staying safer, dispels common myths, and lists community resources where help is available. Co-produced with QMUNITY as a resource for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer community.

Your Rights and Options Explains the law about the fair division of family property or debt when spouses separate, and what to do if you believe your agreement might be unfair. Provides information about:

Outlines the possible sentences for someone who pleads guilty or a judge finds guilty at trial. Describes what a convicted person can say to the judge before the judge decides on a sentence.

Sponsorship Breakdown is for permanent residents who need help when the person sponsoring them in Canada will no longer support them, and they are unable to support themselves. It explains what happens when a sponsorship breaks down, and how to apply for social assistance (welfare). It also contains a resource section listing community groups and other help.

Answers tenants' questions about renting in BC. It covers how to get a landlord to do repairs, how to get a damage deposit back, when a tenant can be legally evicted, how to fight a rent increase, and how to work out problems with a landlord. It contains expanded information about bailiffs, changes to the rules about disclosing personal information, and tenants' rights to the return of security deposits.

A family law infographic poster that explains: what unbundled legal services are, how they can help you if you can’t afford to pay part or all of your family lawyer’s fees, and how to find a family lawyer who provides these services. The infographic also contains information about unbundled services paid for by Legal Aid BC.

If you identify as Aboriginal and plead guilty to a crime, you may be able to go to one of BC's First Nations Courts for sentencing. This fact sheet explains:

Describes client and lawyer responsibilities to help them both know what to expect from a legal aid contract. Also explains: what the lawyer’s time on the case includes, what the lawyer can’t do, change of lawyer requests, and where to find out about making a complaint.

The Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA), Aboriginal Communities and Parents Plain Language Guidebook This guide for Aboriginal communities and parents describes how they can work within the CFCSA to protect Aboriginal children. The guide: explains how Aboriginal communities and parents can be involved in child welfare decisions outside of court and at court; outlines the child welfare process; and defines an Aboriginal child and their human rights, including protecting their cultural identity. ShchEma-mee.tkt Project

Plain language booklet about Aboriginal peoples' rights under the Criminal Code of Canada called Gladue rights. It explains:

This fact sheet is about how to apply for welfare online, using your computer or mobile phone. It gives an overview of the three stages involved: A. Register B. Apply C. Follow-up — What happens next It explains the steps you follow at each stage:

This booklet explains the application process to get welfare, including: your rights to apply and get welfare; how you qualify; your financial eligibility; how to apply by phone, in person, or online; how to apply for disability assistance, and how to appeal a ministry decision.It also includes a list of who can help if you have a problem getting welfare, and a checklist to help you keep records.

This plain language booklet gives basic information about: the types of monthly welfare benefits that are available; benefits called supplements, including housing-related supplements, a wide range of health supplements, subsidies for families with children, and employment-related supplements; how to apply for a supplement if you qualify; and how to appeal a ministry decision.It also includes where to get help if you have a problem getting monthly welfare benefits or a supplement.

Rules and responsibilities This plain language booklet tells you what you need to know when you're on welfare, including: what the ministry might ask you to do and how you might do those things, what might happen if you don't follow the ministry's rules, income and assets you can have and still get welfare, your employment-related responsibilities, and how to appeal a ministry decision.It also includes where to get help if you have a problem getting your welfare payment.