Can I get free legal advice in BC during the COVID-19 crisis?

You can now get free help from volunteer paralegals who can help you fill out court forms. Request a virtual appointment at www.legalformsbc.ca

Emergency powers make it easier and quicker for governments to enact and enforce certain laws to help them address the emergency. The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) made a fact sheet to help you understand What is an Emergency Order?, including what laws governments have used to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and what the risks are if the government went too far. See also the BCCLA’s fact sheet on Policing the Pandemic to learn more about how emergency orders can be enforced during the emergency.  

As of August 21, 2020, police and other provincial enforcement officers are being given the ability to issue $2,000 violation tickets for owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events. They will also be able to issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or who refuse to comply with requests to follow PHO orders or safe operating procedures, or respond with abusive behaviour. See the BC Government news update for more information.

By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO),all events and gatherings, except outdoor gatherings of 10 people or less or outdoor religious gatherings of 50 or less, are suspended until further notice. People and businesses can be issued a violation ticket of either $230, $575 or $2,300 for non-compliance. You can learn more about violations and fines HERE.

However, one rule has more severe penalties if you don’t follow it. If you’ve just returned to Canada from abroad, you must isolate or quarantine, depending on if you have symptoms. (The federal government website explains the difference.) You can be fined or jailed for failing to follow this order.

Social distancing can make seeing a lawyer of having your signature witnessed more challenging. Fortunately, the People’s Law School has created a mini-guide on Preparing or Updating Your Will During Coronavirus.  Also, witness requirements have changed, and you may now have your signature witnessed virtually.

Additionally, the People’s Law school recently recorded a webinar on making a will in BC which can be accessed HERE. There is also an upcoming webinar on October 27, 2020 about contesting a will. Register for the webinar HERE. 

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC provides up-to-date information relating to how COVID-19 is impacting the legal system for individuals and families. There is also a legal questions page. The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC is providing support during court closures as well. Contact your regional office for further assistance. 

If you still have questions, contact aboriginal@lss.bc.ca. 

To get answers to your COVID-19 business questions go to the BC Business COVID-19 Support Service and the  COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre.

For more information on the Supports available go to BC’s COVID-19 Support for Businesses and Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Yes. Many services are still available by phone and online channels. 

Mosaic translation services are still available by phone and through online platforms. You can call them at 604-254-8022 or email them at interpretationservices@mosaicbc.org to book an interpreter or inquire about their services. Go HERE for more information. 

SUCCESS provides a broad range of culturally appropriate services to newcomers to Canada. Services include settlement help, housing, counselling, and senior care. Go HERE to find program contact information in a variety of languages. 

The Court Information Program for Immigrants (CIPI) is a free service designed to help new immigrants and refugees understand BC’s justice system.  Currently, services are provided in English, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi and Chinese by telephone at 604-760-5727 or by email: Lali.Pawa@JusticeEducation.ca. Staff only provide legal education, information and referrals to the appropriate agencies. For program details, go HERE.

Limited language services are provided by Ask JES. Use the contact information in the green box on the right. When you make contact, say the language you would like to communicate in.

BC211 provides multilingual access to information and services across BC.

Also see, “Where can I find information about COVID-19 Coronavirus in my own language?” for translated COVID-19 information provided by the government. 

To find out how COVID-19 may affect immigration, refugees, citizenship, and passport services, go to the Immigration and Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s COVID-19 page.

Tenants and Landlords: See the Residential Tenancy Branch and BC Housing for up to date information on housing programs and FAQs for renters and landlords. Landlord BC has provided information for landlords on communicating with tenants during the COVID-19 health crisis.  

Stratas: The BC Government has provided a guide for COVID-19 Information for Strata Housing. The Condominium Home Owners Association of BC has provided information and bulletins on managing stratas during the health crisis.  

Mortgages: The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation has provided some guidance on the Mortgage Deferral Program. Be aware that interest will still be charged during the deferment period. You should contact your lender for details about their policy and options.

Need more help? Ask JES provides free answers to legal questions about housing. Live operators are available from 10 am to 2 pm from Monday to Friday (except holidays). See the green sidebar on the LegalHelpBC website for contact details.

The People’s Law School provides a great list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 and employment law. The People’s Law School ran a webinar on “Returning to Work During the Pandemic,” and you can watch the recording HERE.

Service Canada has more information on government supports available and guidance for workplaces. 

You can also search the BC Government’s Employment Standards or the BC Click Law Wiki Employment page for information.

BCGEU has information, answers to frequently asked questions, and guides for union members. 

For up to date information on workplace safety relating to COVID-19 see WorkSafeBC.

Need more help? Ask JES provides free answers to employment law questions. Live operators are available 10 am to 2pm from Monday to Friday (except holidays). See the green sidebar on the LegalHelpBC website website for contact details.

Family Law BC has updated information on Family Law Resources.

COVID-19 Legal Questions Common Family Law questions and answers from BC Family Justice. 

For a collection of reliable COVID-19 family law resources see Courthouse Libraries Wiki page.

COVID-19 Family Law Resources (BC) is created by Hannah DeJong, a family lawyer with Boughton Law. The document includes general information and resources for family law issues arising out of the COVID-19 crisis.

Need more help? Ask JES provides free answers to family law questions. Live operators are available 10am to 2pm from Monday to Friday (except holidays). See the green sidebar on the LegalHelpBC website for contact details.

The Legal Services Society is taking applications for legal aid by phone. Family duty counsel is available by phone.

Family LawLINE is a free telephone advice service for family law matters.

Family Justice Services provides a range of services throughout BC by telephone and other virtual service options. Services include family dispute resolution. 

Unbundled Lawyers provide a more affordable way to get legal advice. It allows clients to pay for specific legal assistance without having a lawyer take on all aspects of their case.  To find a lawyer see the Directory.

LawCoachBC provides personalized guidance and support for those going through a separation or divorce. It is ideal for those that are at the early stages and those interested in settling without going to court. 

Legal Aid BC also has information on mediation services, which can help people with family law problems reach a resolution without going to court.

Need more help? Ask JES provides free answers to family law questions. Live operators are available 10am to 2pm from Monday to Friday (except holidays). See the green sidebar on the LegalHelpBC website for contact details.