2018 Bi-Monthly Update Series: September/October

New on Clicklaw, The broader context

To keep you informed, here are some highlights of changes and updates made to Clicklaw in September and October:

Jan-Feb | Mar-Apr | May-Jun | Jul-Aug | Sep-Oct | Nov-Dec

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBA BC)

Many Dial-A-Law scripts have been recently reviewed. For a complete list of these resources, see their listings here (sorted by “last reviewed date”). Some of the updated scripts are:

Consumer and Debt Law
by People’s Law School

People’s Law School is delighted to relaunch a tried and true resource, Consumer and Debt Law, as a Clicklaw Wikibook. This problem-solving manual for advocates and other legal professionals helping clients with consumer or debt problems is now fully updated, fully online, and also available by print-on-demand. Covering over 45 topics on consumer purchases, contracts, borrowing money, and being in debt. Explains the relevant law and suggests ways to solve problems.

What can I expect in court?
by the Provincial Court of BC

The Provincial Court website contains a series of eNews articles written by judges and judicial justices to describe what happens at various proceedings in Provincial Court and offer suggestions on how to prepare for them.

West Coast LEAF

  • The Unfinished Story of Yes – This short animated video explains how Canada’s law of consent and sexual assault has shifted in the last few decades – and the deep flaws that remain in the justice system. The video was designed in collaboration with post-secondary students as part of the Only Yes Means Yes project.
  • We Are Here: Women’s Experiences of the Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault – Grounded in the firsthand knowledge of survivors, this report explores the significant barriers to reporting sexual assault through the criminal justice system. Its aim is to inspire change in society and the justice system to make reporting a viable option for all survivors who wish to pursue it.

Get Cannabis Clarity
by BC Ministry of Attorney General

Non-medical cannabis is now legal in Canada. Here, you’ll find information on the laws and regulations for BC.

Protecting Personal Information: Cannabis Transactions
by the 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.

Stay informed:

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November 2018 Events (BC-wide, Online)

Clicklaw events, The broader context

Bookmark this post! It will be updated as more events are announced. You can also get frequent updates via our Twitter. Have a suggestion? Email us.

  • November 3 – 10 (various dates): Mediate BC presents Conflict Resolution Week for a workshop and presentations in Vancouver and New Westminster, as well as Facebook Live events.
    • Monday, November 5 (8:30 am – 12:00 pm) Conflict in Motion: Mind, Body and Heart – JIBC New Westminster Campus Theatre. For both experienced conflict practitioners and laypeople with an interest in conflict resolution. Free, register here.
    • Monday, November 5 (7:00 – 8:00 pm) Happy Hallways Preventing and Resolving Neighbourhood Conflict – Chabad-Lubavitch, 5750 Oak Street, Vancouver. Join professional mediator Angela Stadel for a free workshop on preventing and resolving neighbourhood conflict. Free, register here.
    • November 3 – 10 (various dates) Virtual Expo via Facebook. Mediators and Conflict Resolution Enthusiasts will be livestreaming FREE tips and advice on Facebook. Each broadcaster will share inspiring stories and provide valuable takeaways to help you better resolve conflicts in your own personal life. All with the goal of inspiring and equipping you to become your own personal conflict resolution champion. Check out the schedule here.
  • November 5 – 27 (various dates): Plan Institute presents information sessions and workshops by phone/computer and in Vancouver.

This book brings together cutting edge research from around the world to examine the issue of cyberbullying through a mutli-disciplinary lens, offering an array of approaches, interpretations, and solutions. This book is edited by Dr. Wanda Cassidy (Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Education), Dr. Chantal Faucher (Post-doctoral Fellow, Centre for Education, Law & Society), and Dr. Margaret Jackson (Professor Emerita, School of Criminology) from Simon Fraser University, who have been researching cyberbullying among youth and young adults for many years. Free, register here.

  • November 7 – 16 (various dates): Law for Nonprofits presents a workshop in Vancouver (also available via webinar) and a Facebook Live event.
    • Wednesday, November 7 (9:30 am – 1:00 pm) The New Societies Act: What You Need to Know workshop at the Alliance for Arts + Culture Boardroom in Vancouver (also available via webinar). General admission is $50 and live streaming/webinar is $20. City of Vancouver Bursaries available.
    • Friday, November 16 (10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Q&A on the Transition via Facebook Live. Do you have any last questions before transitioning? We will be facebook live streaming to answer any final questions you have before the transition deadline on November 28, 2018. Please go to the Vantage Point’s Facebook to join in.

Come to the free clinic to meet with a lawyer who can provide information about the requirements of Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program and help fill out and review sponsorship forms. RSVP by November 5. Get more information here (PDF).

Please join the Society for Children and Youth of BC at our 2nd Annual “A Night for Rights” Celebration Fundraiser to support the advancement of rights for children and youth in BC. Speakers: Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, Representative for Children and Youth of BC, and Meredith Graham, Spoken Word Artist and young person from care. Get your ticket here.

This lecture explores the practice of spreading legal ideas. It elucidates the challenges in explaining why some legal developments go ‘viral’ and others fail to spread. And it reveals ‘the dark sides of virtue’ by prompting some uncomfortable questions about the role of legal scholars in spreading law and legal ideas. Natasha Affolder is Associate Dean Research and International and a Professor at the Allard School of Law. RSVP to eventassistant@allard.ubc.ca. This event qualifies for 1 CPD credit. DLA Piper Hall, Room 104. Get more information here (PDF).

Stay informed:

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Library Month at LawMatters

Get help using Clicklaw, The broader context

By Megan Smiley, LawMatters Program Coordinator

For those of us without legal training, legal problems can be scary and overwhelming to tackle. Without open access to useful and trusted legal information, it would be near impossible. We are lucky in BC to have a network of public legal education and information organizations working hard to improve access to justice, and local public libraries are a key part that network.

Funded by the Law Foundation of BC, LawMatters is the Courthouse Libraries BC outreach program for public libraries. We believe libraries are the key to informed and connected communities and have been working in partnership with them since 2007.

Together with our library partners, LawMatters works to enhance local public access to legal information throughout the province, from big urban centres to small rural communities. Libraries are able to buy more legal books through LawMatters grant funding, and also receive print copies of some of our most popular Clicklaw Wikibook titles at no cost, such as JP Boyd on Family law. In total, people in 241 communities can find core legal resources at their local public libraries as a result of this program and the hard work of librarians and library staff in each location.

One of the key aspects of our work is to provide training to public library staff on finding and using legal information resources – like Clicklaw.

We regularly hear from librarians that Clicklaw is their ‘go-to’ when answering patrons’ legal questions because it provides ideas for next steps, helps them point their patrons towards the best resource, and when necessary, helps them find the right referral. But it’s also true that librarians are a key part of improving Clicklaw – the relationship is complementary. Public librarians contribute valuable knowledge, expertise and insight so that we can continually develop and improve the site for all users.

People go to public libraries for the widest range of reasons.  Neil Gaiman & Chris Riddell have recently done a beautiful job of expressing the value of libraries, so I won’t attempt to do it here. But I will say to those of you who are struggling with legal issues: Don’t forget about your local public library!

They not only provide free public access to legal books, they can also provide referrals to advocates and other community organizations. They are a quiet safe space for you to think, research, and plan. Lastly, while librarians cannot give legal advice, they are a great resource because they are really good at finding current, reliable, and vetted information. They can help you find the information you need, and if not, help you find the people who can.

Stay Informed with BC LawMatters:

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New Guide for Digital Privacy Rights at the Border

The broader context

By Meghan McDermott, Staff Counsel (Policy), BC Civil Liberties Association

Today, the BCCLA is re-launching an online guide about privacy rights related to electronic devices – such as laptops, cellphones, and tablets – at the border. It’s aimed at people crossing the border into Canada or departing for the U.S. through preclearance areas in Canada. The guide comes in both a short and a long version and outlines the current law and policy related to device searches, best practices for travellers to protect their privacy, and what to do if you’ve had your device searched at the border.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies at the border, but the courts have found that the government’s interest in keeping dangerous goods and undesirable people out of the country gives the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) more power to search people and their possessions than police have in other settings.

The CBSA’s broad powers to search people and goods extends to the content on digital devices, such as your files, photos, and videos. These files are “goods” under the Customs Act, and border officers can search goods coming into Canada without a warrant – even if they have no reason to suspect that the goods are or contain contraband. Non-citizens seeking to enter Canada, including asylum seekers, may be subject to searches to verify identity and/or admissibility.

CBSA officers conduct initial searches of the contents of a device by browsing images, videos, and files. This is meant to be a cursory look to determine that they do not contain contraband – such as child pornography or hate literature – or evidence of a crime. Initial searches can be random or targeted. Information found during an initial search may be used to justify a more detailed examination, which may include copying the contents of the device.

CBSA officers can only look at content that is already on your device. They should put the device in airplane mode and only look at local content (this includes emails and text messages that are marked “read”). If the CBSA wants to search information only accessible with internet access (such as data in the cloud), they need a warrant from a judge.

If you are asked and you choose not to disclose your password, you risk increasing the CBSA’s suspicion about the contents of your device, denial of entry if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, detention or seizure of the device for more detailed inspection by forensic specialists (which could take months), or arrest.

Here are some tips on how to protect your privacy at the Canadian border and in US preclearance zones:

  • Leave your devices at home
  • Make a backup of your data before you cross the border and leave it home. This will be important if your device is detained or seized, but it also gives you the option of deleting unnecessary data from your device before you cross.
  • Securely delete data you do not need to travel with.
  • Require a password to log on or access your device.
  • Create a strong password, for example by using several random words if possible.
  • Turn off your computer before crossing the border, because security experts have ways of accessing your computer’s memory if it is on. This also ensures your device is locked if it is turned on for a search.
  • Use two-factor authentication, in the event that the border officer seizes one device but not the other.
  • Use Full-Disk Encryption and require a strong passphrase to access it.
  • If you do not opt to use Full-Disk Encryption, you can encrypt specific critical documents or files.

To read the full handbook, visit https://bccla.org/edevice.

You can also find it on Clicklaw.

Stay Informed with BC Civil Liberties Association:

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October 2018 Events (BC-wide, Online)

Clicklaw events, The broader context

Bookmark this post! It will be updated as more events are announced. You can also get frequent updates via our Twitter. Have a suggestion? Email us.

BC’s inaugural Access to Justice Week will take place from October 1 – 5, 2018 with events in Vancouver, Kamloops, and Victoria. The initiative is being led by Allard Law School at the University of British Columbia, Thompson River University Faculty of Law, and the University of Victoria Faculty of Law. While many of the events are for law students, you may be interested in the ones below. Get more information here.

  • Monday, October 1 (8:45 am – 12:05 pm): Innovate BC presents the AI Challenge at the Joseph & Rosalie Segal Centre, Harbour Centre in Vancouver. A half-day event featuring keynotes, panels, and presentations from industry and government leaders. Spend your morning learning how AI innovation is transforming the public and justice sectors and what that means for residents of British Columbia. Admission is free but seats are limited. Get more information and register online here.
  • Thompson River University Faculty of Law, Kamloops
    • Tuesday, October 2 (8:00 – 10:00 am) TRU Community Legal Clinic – free coffee, outside the clinic at 623 Victoria Street
    • Wednesday, October 3 (4:30 – 5:30 pm) Meeting the Self-Represented Litigant Challenge: Lessons from Research & Practice – for lawyers (1 hr CPD credit available), at the TRU Community Legal Clinic (623 Victoria Street)
    • Thursday, October 4 (8:00 – 10:00 am) TRU Community Legal Clinic – OPEN HOUSE, at 623 Victoria Street, email RSVP by Monday, September 24, 2018 to scarroll@tru.ca
  • Allard Law School at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver
    • Tuesday, October 2 (12:30 – 1:45 pm) What would A2J look like for victims of sexual violence? Talk by Professor Julie Macfarlane – Room 122
    • Wednesday, October 3 (12:30 – 1:45 pm) Lawyering with Heart: Violence-informed and solution-focussed lawyering for Indigenous youth and families, a Panel – Room 123

Nidus presents Personal Planning Month with free presentations and webinars, with viewing available at public host locations throughout BC.

3 ways to participate:

  1. As a group – sign up to watch online.
  2. Individually – sign up to watch online.
  3. Attend at a public host location. See poster or full list at PPM2018.

4 topics, each offered twice on different dates. See the poster with webinars information and registration link here (PDF).

  1. Joint ownership – the Good, the Bad & the Risky!
    • October 2, Tuesday morning, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
    • October 11, Thursday evening, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
  2. Dying Without a Will & Tips for Making a Will
    • October 16, Tuesday morning, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
    • October 18, Thursday evening, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
  3. Consent to Health Care and to Facility Care
    • October 23, Tuesday morning, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
    • October 25, Thursday evening, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
  4. The Planning Continuum — A Will is Not Enough!
    • October 30, Tuesday morning, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
    • November 1, Thursday evening, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
    • In-person presentations, for this topic only, are being held in Vancouver & Burnaby, click for poster PPM2018MetroVan (PDF).

Free in-person presentations held in Metro Vancouver: The Planning Continuum — a Will is not enough! See the poster with presentations and registration information here (PDF).

  • Thursday, Oct 4 (2 – 3:30 pm) Burnaby Public Library – Bob Prittie Metrotown Branch
  • Monday, Oct 29 (1:30 – 3:00 pm) West End Seniors Network, 1447 Barclay Street, Vancouver
  • Friday, Nov 9 (1:00 – 2:30 pm) South Granville Seniors Centre, 1420 W. 12th Ave. (at Hemlock St.), Vancouver

Check out other events, webinars, and workshops from various organizations throughout October:

  • Tuesday, October 2 (1:00 – 2:00 pm): the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) presents an information session in Vancouver.

  • On April 1, 2019, the CRT will begin resolving certain motor vehicle personal injury disputes in BC. Community groups are invited to an information session to find out more about how the CRT works and how we’re implementing this new area of jurisdiction. This session will be held at the CRT office in downtown Vancouver. If you are not able to participate in person, please let us know and we will provide you with call-in information. Get more information and register online here.

  • Tuesday, October 2 (5:30 – 7:30 pm): Amici Curiae presents a lecture and a panel as part of Amici Curiae Lecture Series 2018 at the Justice Education Society in downtown Vancouver (also accessible as a webinar).

Professor Julie Macfarlane of the University of Windsor will deliver a lecture titled Stepping Up to the Challenge of Access to Justice, followed by a panel What makes A2J BC unique? CPD: 2 hours including 2 hours in client relations, ethics and professional responsibility. Seating is limited. Get more information and register online here.

  • October 4 – 5: Access Pro Bono BC presents the 7th National Pro Bono Conference in Vancouver.

Entitled “Seeing the Need, Taking the Lead,” the 7th National Pro Bono Conference will bring together lawyers, paralegals, law students, judges, politicians, government representatives, non-profit sector leaders, academics and the public from Canada, the US and abroad to share ideas and best practices for increasing access to justice for all members of society. Get more information and register online here.

  • October 4 – 18 (various dates): People’s Law School presents free classes for the public in Burnaby and Port Moody.
    • Thursday, October 4 (7:00 – 8:30 pm) Strata Homeowner Survival Guide – Tips for avoiding problems with your strata corporation – Burnaby Public Library – McGill Branch
    • Thursday, October 11 (7:00 – 8:30 pm) Landlord Survival Guide – Tips for avoiding problems with your tenants – Burnaby Public Library – McGill Branch
    • Monday, October 15 (7:00 – 8:30 pm) Wills and Estates – Burnaby Public Library – Bob Prittie Branch
    • Wednesday, October 17 (7:00 – 8:30 pm) Wills and Estates – Port Moody Library
    • Thursday, October 18 (7:00 – 8:30 pm) Probate – Burnaby Public Library – Tommy Douglas Branch

Level: Intermediate/Advanced. There are many kinds of psychological injuries workers may suffer on the job. Some examples are: PTSD for those who witness or are involved in a traumatic event, anxiety, phobias, depression arising from workplace events or from chronic pain from a work-related injury. This course will look at some of the requirements to get a psychological injury accepted by the WCB or on appeal. All courses are held by at the Maritime Labour Centre, 111 Victoria Drive, Vancouver. Course fee for 1-day courses is $70 (members of affiliated unions)/$90 (other). Get more information and the registration form here.

  • Wednesday, October 17: Law for Nonprofits presents two workshops in Vancouver.
    • 9:30 am – 12:00 pm Employment & Human Rights 101 Workshop – Alliance for Arts + Culture, Vancouver. Cost: $50. City of Vancouver Bursaries available. Get more information and register online here.
    • 1:00 – 3:30 pm The New Societies Act: What You Need to Know – Alliance for Arts + Culture, Vancouver. Cost: $50. City of Vancouver Bursaries available. Get more information here.
  • October 24 – 30 (various dates): Courthouse Libraries BC presents two free CPD-eligible webinars.
    • Wednesday, October 24 (12:00 – 1:30 pm) Human Rights 201 for Advocates and Service Providers. This 1.5 hour webinar is a follow up to the introductory level course on human rights law offered earlier this year. This course will expand on the topics covered in the Human Rights 101 course and delve deeper into the topic of the duty to accommodate in human rights law. Our presenter, Laura Track is a lawyer and the Director of Education for the Human Rights Clinic at the Community Legal Assistance Society. Participants in this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hour of CPD credit with the LSBC. Get more information and register online here.
    • Tuesday, October 30 (12:30 – 1:30 pm) Civil Resolution Tribunal: New Areas of Jurisdiction. This 1 hour webinar will highlight some of the areas of jurisdiction that will come under the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) starting next year, including some motor vehicle personal injury disputes, and provide you with an inside look at the CRT and Solution Explorer. Our presenter Shannon Salter is the Chair of the CRT. This webinar is suitable for lawyers, advocates and front line workers who may be assisting clients in navigating the CRT or the Solution Explorer. Participants in this session may claim up to 1 hour of CPD credit with the LSBC. Get more information and register online here.
  • Friday, October 26 (3:45 – 6:00 pm): Cerebral Palsy Association of BC presents a workshop Mental Health in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities of Youth with Disabilities at the Richmond Centre for Disability, Richmond.

This workshop series will address the issues of mental health in the workplace for youth with disabilities. The workshops will be given by two lawyers. Get more information and registration details here.

Stay informed:

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Legal Programs for Seniors

The broader context

by Seniors First BC

Seniors First BC Society (Seniors First BC) provides pro-bono legal services to older adults age 55+ who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

We may provide legal services for issues such as:

  • Residential Tenancy/Housing
  • Debt
  • Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Assisted Living/Residential Care
  • Discrimination
  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Financial Abuse
  • Adult Guardianship
  • Wills
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Representation Agreements

Seniors First BC accepts calls from older adults and people who care about them from anywhere in BC. To speak to a lawyer, contact the Seniors Abuse and Information Line at 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940 and one of our lawyers may be able to assist.

We also offer free in-person legal consultations for older adults in Richmond, New Westminster, Surrey, Burnaby, North Vancouver and Vancouver once a month. To book an appointment at one of our legal clinics, contact 604-336-5653.

For more information about our legal programs, visit our website.

What we do

Our legal services include:

  • meeting with one of our pro-bono legal staff;
  • receiving summary advice;
  • receiving unbundled services such as drafting of documents;
  • receiving full legal representation; and/or
  • getting connected to other useful resources in the community

What we don’t do

Seniors First BC does not provide assistance in all areas of law. We do not give advice on criminal law or family law matters.

For support and resources for older adults on non-legal matters, such as housing and health, please call the Seniors Abuse and Information Line at 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940.

Contact us

For more information, including requests to book a legal appointment, please call 604-336-5653 or email info@seniorsfirstbc.ca

Stay Informed with Seniors First BC:

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2018 Bi-Monthly Update Series: July/August

New on Clicklaw, The broader context

To keep you informed, here are some highlights of changes and updates made to Clicklaw in July and August:

Jan-Feb | Mar-Apr | May-Jun | Jul-Aug | Sep-Oct | Nov-Dec

Electronic Devices Privacy Handbook: A Guide to Your Rights at the Border
by BC Civil Liberties Association

This handbook is meant to help you make sense of the current state of play with respect to electronic searches at the Canadian border and at US preclearance zones in Canada, and to provide tools to protect your privacy when traveling with electronic devices.

Online Divorce Assistant Application
by BC Ministry of Attorney General

This online app helps people complete documentation for joint-filing divorces in the Supreme Court of BC in cases without children. Joint-filed divorces are where both applicants agree on all family law issues relevant to their situation, such as spousal support and the division of family property.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBA BC)

Many Dial-A-Law scripts have been recently reviewed. For a complete list of these resources, see their listings here (sorted by “last reviewed date”). Some of the updated scripts are:

Traffic Court Guide: Guide to Disputing a Ticket
by the Provincial Court of BC

This guide deals with provincial violation tickets – for offences under BC laws, including traffic offences under the Motor Vehicle Act and regulations, and offences under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.

Ready to Rent BC

Elder Law Glossary
by Seniors First BC

Elder law and services for seniors are full of unique terms, phrases, and acronyms. We provide this glossary to help you look up this sometimes confusing terminology.

West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL)

  • Back to top Infographic: Marine Protected Areas – Human activities like fishing, shipping and oil exploration increasingly put pressure on our oceans and marine life. This infographic highlights the benefits of Marine Protection Areas (MPAs) in Canada. Legal protections in MPAs can help save our seas.
  • Infographic: Stronger Marine Protected Areas – This infographic explains why Canada’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) need updated and stronger legal protections. We need strong laws to help save our seas.
  • Infographic: Oil and Marine Protection Don’t Mix – Along the Atlantic coast, the ocean does not have consistent protection from oil and gas development. Oil and gas is even permitted within the boundaries of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This infographic shows the inconsistent regulation of oil and gas across Canada’s coasts and MPAs.
  • Guardian Watchmen: Upholding Indigenous Laws to Protect Land and Sea – For thousands of years, the Indigenous peoples of BC have protected and managed the lands and waters. Recently, through the creation of ‘Guardian Watchmen’ programs, nations have continued to uphold their governance responsibilities. Guardian Watchmen follow, enforce, and uphold traditions.
  • A Legal Toolbox to Defend BC from the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline & Tankers Project – This brief highlights the tools BC has to stand up to Kinder Morgan.
  • Infographic: Protecting BC’s Coast – This infographic outlines the need for two policy decisions, banning oil tanker traffic on BC’s North Coast and implementing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on BC’s North Coast, as essential pieces of protection for BC’s rich natural resources.

The Internet of Things
by Get Cyber Safe

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to physical devices (smart/connected devices) that connect to each other via the internet. This website helps you understand how to protect your privacy and security if you are using them at home. It also has a section for small/medium business owners.

Reviewed & updated Common Questions

With help from Seniors First BC, we have reviewed and updated the following questions:

Common Questions help narrow down the resources people should start with. Do you get asked the same questions over and over again by your clients? Send your suggestions to editor[@]clicklaw.bc.ca

Stay informed:

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September 2018 Events (BC-wide, Online)

Clicklaw events, The broader context

Bookmark this post! It will be updated as more events are announced. You can also get frequent updates via our Twitter. Have a suggestion? Email us.

  • September 5 – 14 (various dates): Access Pro Bono presents the 11th Annual Pro Bono Going Public in Vancouver and Surrey, and also by phone.
    • Wednesday, September 5 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) City Hall Plaza, Surrey
    • Friday, September 7 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) Victory Square Park, Vancouver
    • Wednesday, September 12 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) Vancouver Art Gallery, North Plaza, Vancouver
    • Friday, September 14 (2:00 – 4:00 pm) Telephone clinic, BC-wide

In each free legal advice-a-thon location, volunteer lawyers will work in one-hour shifts throughout the day to advise individual clients in an open-air setting. Clients will be low- and modest-income individuals, including homeless people who may otherwise have limited access to traditional free legal advice clinics. Some clients will have pre-scheduled appointments, while others will simply drop in for free advice on a wide range of legal issues. Get more information here.

Improperly conducted workplace investigations can place you and your organization at considerable risk. Organizations are being sued for improperly conducted harassment investigations. You need to be sure that you handle all investigations in a way that doesn’t place your organization at risk. Learn how to handle workplace harassment investigations from the experts at our free webinar. This webinar will be of interest to HR managers, program managers, executives and nonprofit leaders. Get more information and register online here.

This workshop reviews the key foundations of the Act and how it affects the ongoing work of your board and organization. This Part 1 workshop will focus specifically on key governance and legal compliance issues. Part 1 will also address some common questions about basic corporate attributes and the difference between corporate status and tax designation and provide the basic hierarchy of rules that societies must follow. Cost: Member- $95.00; Non-member- $110.00. City of Vancouver bursary available. Get more information and register online here.

  • September 12 – 15 (various dates): Law for Nonprofits presents two workshops in Nelson and Vancouver.
    • Wednesday, September 12 (9:30 am – 12:00 pm) The New Societies Act: What You Need to Know – Alliance for Arts + Culture, Vancouver. City of Vancouver Bursaries available. Get more information and register online here.
    • Saturday, September 15 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) BC Societies Act: Recordkeeping and Privacy for Non-profits – Hume Hotel, Nelson. Get more information here.
  • September 13 – 17 (various dates): People’s Law School presents two free classes for the public in Burnaby.
    • Thursday, September 13 (7:00 – 8:30 pm) Power of Attorney – Burnaby Public Library, McGill Branch.
    • Monday, September 17 – (7:00 to 8:30 pm) Immigration Law – Burnaby Public Library, Bob Prittie Branch
  • Tuesday, September 18 (12:30 – 2:00 pm): Indigenous Legal Studies at Peter A. Allard School of Law presents Jim Reynolds and his book Aboriginal Peoples and the Law at Indigenous Classroom, Rm 123, UBC Vancouver.

Can Canada claim to be a just society for Indigenous peoples? As part of the process of reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission urged a better understanding of Aboriginal law for all Canadians and Jim Reynolds responds to that call in his latest book “Aboriginal Peoples and the Law: A Critical Introduction.” Get more information here.

  • Wednesday, September 19 (various dates): Nelson CARES Society presents the Annual General Meeting in Nelson.

To vote at the AGM you must be a member in good standing with a paid membership at least 14 days in advance. Light refreshments provided. Get more information here.

  • September 19 – 26 (various dates): Vancouver & District Labour Council presents Labour Education courses in Vancouver.
    • Wednesday, September 19 (10:00 am – 4:30 pm) Introduction to WCB – Level: Beginner. A basic overview of the Workers’ Compensation system as it applies to workers who are injured or develop an occupational disease on the job.
    • Wednesday, September 26 (9:30 am – 4:00 pm) Canada Labour Code – All levels.  This new course is designed to provide an understanding of key
      aspects of the code and its application to the unions and employers covered by federal labour law.

All courses are held by at the Maritime Labour Centre, 111 Victoria Drive, Vancouver. Course fee for 1-day courses is $70 (members of affiliated unions)/$90 (other). Get more information and the registration form here.

On April 1, 2019, the CRT will begin resolving certain motor vehicle personal injury disputes in BC. Community groups are invited to an information session to find out more about how the CRT works and how we’re implementing this new area of jurisdiction. This session and another one in October will be held at the CRT office in downtown Vancouver. If you are not able to participate in person, please let us know and we will provide you with call-in information. Get more information and register online here.

  • September 26 – 28 (various dates): the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC presents the AGM and a workshop in Burnaby and Richmond.
    • Wednesday, September 26 (5:30 – 8:30 pm) the 63rd Annual General Meeting at Bonsor Recreation Complex, Burnaby. Light refreshments will be served at 5:30 pm. Members, community partners, and new members are all welcome. Get more information and RSVP details here.
    • Friday, September 28 (3:45 – 6:00 pm) Mental Health in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities of Youth with Disabilities – Richmond Centre for Disability, Richmond. Get more information and registration details here.

Join us for our 8th BC Information Summit as we explore how the changing perceptions of the right to know versus the right to one’s privacy are being shaped. As technological innovation continues to evolve and connect our world, it is time for our information and privacy frameworks to catch up. Commissioners and committees are calling for a change to the systems. In terms of the BC freedom of information system, there is the potential for change on the horizon as we await the results from the provincial public consultation. Federally, there is still a lot of work to be done. This conference has assembled a range of experts from varying backgrounds to look at these developments and what they might mean for information and privacy rights. Get more information and register online here.

  • Thursday, September 27 (5:30 – 9:00 pm): Disability Alliance BC presents Fall Fling Gala and Fundraiser at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver.

Fall Fling is a fun evening out and a great way to connect with friends and colleagues from BC’s diverse disability community. And your attendance is an opportunity to show your support for our work and for British Columbians with disabilities. All proceeds from Fall Fling benefit people with disabilities through Disability Alliance BC’s programs and services. DABC’s Executive Director, Jane Dyson, is retiring this year and this will be her last DABC gala. We really hope you can join us to help celebrate her 20-year legacy advocating for people with disabilities! Get more information and register online here.

  • Friday, September 28 (1:00 – 2:30 pm): Nidus presents a presentation The Planning Continuum — a Will is not enough! at the South Granville Seniors Centre in Vancouver.

What are the essential legal documents in BC to plan for incapacity, for end-of-life, and for after death? This presentation gives an overview of legal documents such as Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Wills. Learn how Personal Planning is different from Estate Planning. Find out how to make your plans and where to register them. This is part of Nidus’ October Personal Planning Month. Get more information here.

TRU CLC will kick off Access to Justice Week with other Kamloops legal resources at the weekend Farmers Market, stop by to say hello! Get more information here.

Justice Hack BC is a coding-encouraged-but-not-required hackathon/designathon. It is part of BC’s Access to Justice Week and aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing, and community-building around BC justice issues. Technologists, business people, designers, and justice system actors (including lawyers) can all benefit from attending. Justice Hack BC is designed to provide a deep level of knowledge-sharing between participants that will enhance their careers while gaining a detailed level of knowledge about challenges in the justice system, meeting new people with similar interests and complementary abilities, and (most importantly) having a good time. Get more information and purchase the tickets online here.

BC’s inaugural Access to Justice Week is coming soon in the first week of October. Here’s one of the events planned for the week:

  • Monday, October 1 (8:45 am – 12:05 pm): Innovate BC presents the AI Challenge at the Joseph & Rosalie Segal Centre, Harbour Centre in Vancouver.

A half-day event featuring keynotes, panels, and presentations from industry and government leaders. Spend your morning learning how AI innovation is transforming the public and justice sectors and what that means for residents of British Columbia. Admission is free but seats are limited. Get more information and register online here.

Stay informed:

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Mental Health in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities of Youth with Disabilities

The broader context

by the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia

Are you a Youth living with Disabilities who is confused about topics such as Workplace Disclosure and Accommodations?

The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC is pleased to announce their upcoming series of legal workshops “Rights and Responsibilities of Youth with Disabilities”.

Why?

As a community, we have witnessed firsthand that youth with cerebral palsy and other disabilities already face significant difficulties in securing employment. A common barrier is the confusion that surrounds workplace procedures such as disclosures and accommodations. Though the BC Human Rights Code serves to protect youth in the workplace, we realized that the provision of safe spaces and legal expertise for youth to have discussions about joining the workforce is necessary and important.

On top of those barriers, youth with disabilities are disproportionately affected by mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, preventing them from fully participating in the workforce. Young people who participate in the Choices in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) program and hire their own caregivers also require insight and understanding of an employers’ role and obligations.

Knowledge is empowerment

We have responded to this need by inviting legal experts to explore the topics of disclosure, accommodations and other related workplace topics in a series of workshops. These workshops are open to youth living with disabilities, their caregivers and other interested community members. We hope that access to legal expertise that caters to youth living with disabilities can support and empower them to join the workforce on an equal basis with other citizens.

At the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, our vision is to create a Life without Limits for people living with disabilities and this includes the ability to seek employment and financial stability. We would love for you to join us!

Find more details here.

Stay Informed with Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia:

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August 2018 Events (BC-wide)

Clicklaw events, The broader context

Bookmark this post! It will be updated as more events are announced. You can also get frequent updates via our Twitter. Have a suggestion? Email us.

  • Thursday, August 9 (7:00 – 8:30 pm): People’s Law School presents a workshop on Wills and Estates at Burnaby Public Library – Tommy Douglas Branch.

Make sure your estate will be distributed according to your wishes. Learn how to prepare a will, including the legal requirements, what you should include in your will, and what happens if you die without a will. Get more information and register online here.

  • Wednesday, August 22 (1:30 – 2:30 pm): Seniors First BC presents a workshop at Barclay Manor in Vancouver.

Nighat Afsar, Legal Advocate, will be available to speak about Government Benefits for Older Adults and there will be time for Q&A during and at the end of this workshop. Get more information here.

  • Friday, August 24 (3:45 – 6:00 pm): Cerebral Palsy Association of BC presents the first of a workshop series titled Mental Health in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities of Youth with Disabilities at the Richmond Centre for Disability, Richmond.

This workshop series will address the issues of mental health in the workplace for youth with disabilities. The workshops will be given by two lawyers. To register for these workshops contact Denzil at programs@bccerebralpalsy.com or call 604-408-9484. Get more information here.

Stay informed:

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