To keep you informed, here are some highlights of changes and updates made to Clicklaw in January and February:
Jan-Feb | Mar-Apr | May-Jun | Jul-Aug | Sep-Oct | Nov-Dec
The following help sheets have been updated in January:
- CPP Disability Information & Assistance series
- Advocacy Access Help Sheet series (sorted by “last reviewed date”)
- Live Safe, End Abuse
The updated booklet is now available in print and online in simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, and Spanish. It explains what abuse is and where people who are being abused can get help. - Several locations for the following services have updated hours and contact info:
- Legal Advocacy Program
The program provides information, summary advice, referrals and legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees. We help newcomers navigate the Canadian legal system, ensuring that they are informed of their legal rights and responsibilities. - Legal Clinic for Temporary Foreign Workers
Pro Bono lawyers are available to provide a 30 minute free legal consultation on issues related to temporary foreign workers including Employment, Family, Human Rights and Immigration.
- End-Of-Life Planning
Overview of key issues and documents for end-of-life planning. Links to fact sheets and other web pages. - Medical Assistance in Dying
Information on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) with links to fact sheet and government resources. Link to BC Patient Request form. Analysis of two court cases since federal legislation in effect – Ontario Superior Court and Supreme Court of BC. - Medical Assistance in Dying – Fact Sheet
Information on federal legislation for MAiD with examples and links to related Criminal Code amendments. Links to BC resources for MAiD. Information about rights to give and refuse consent to health care. Links for Cross-Canada information about personal planning.
Privacy Guidance for Landlords and Tenants
by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC
Landlords must follow the privacy rules contained in the BC Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). This guide explains about collecting, using, and disclosing personal information from tenants.
The following resources give consumers practical and step-by-step information:
- Buying or Repairing a Car
Learn how to protect yourself when buying a used car, and what’s involved in making the purchase. - Cellphones
Learn how to decide on a cellphone, negotiate with a cellphone provider, or deal with a problem with a new phone or phone bill. - Contracts
Learn how to write a legal contract, what to consider before signing a contract, and what you should know about cancelling or breaking a contract. - Hiring Someone to Perform a Service
Learn your rights and obligations when you hire someone to perform a service, hiring someone who comes to your door, and what you can do if you’re not happy with a service. - Holidays
Learn what your rights are when booking a holiday or flying, and what you need to know if a holiday is cancelled or you have problems during a holiday. - Making a Purchase
Learn your rights when you buy something, how to navigate warranties and guarantees, what you can do if you change your mind, and what happens if there is a problem with a purchase. Covers yoga studios and other continuing services contracts.
Residential Tenancy Branch: Solution Explorer
by BC Residential Tenancy Branch
This online tool (a beta version) helps you find useful information, resources and template letters specific to your tenancy problem. It also helps you find out what you need to resolve your dispute and whether you may have a valid dispute resolution claim or if you need to take extra steps.
Child and Youth Legal Centre
by Society for Children and Youth of BC
The Centre provides legal help for young people who are experiencing problems relating to family law, child protection, a breach of your human rights and many other legal issues. If you’re not sure if that includes you, call us and find out. We can help you figure out what you need.
The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBA BC)
Many Dial-A-Law scripts have been updated. For a complete list of these resources, see their listings here (sorted by “last reviewed date”). The following scripts have been rewritten or partially rewritten:
- Aboriginal Law
- Appearing in Court by Phone
- Defamation: Libel & Slander
- Human Rights & Discrimination Protection
- Immigrating to British Columbia
- Income Assistance: Reconsideration and Appeals
Their most recent works in strengthening environmental laws include the following recommendations and reports:
- A Path to 2020 and Beyond: Protection of Canada’s Oceans
- Establishing Effective Marine Protected Areas: Proposed Amendments to Bill C-55 (Oceans Act)
- Getting it Right: Strong Laws for Healthy Communities and a Resilient Environment
- Guide for Reviewing the Environmental Assessment Bill
- Oceans20: Canada’s Oceans Act Workshop Report
- Submission to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Regarding the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act
- Top 10 Recommendations for an Amended Oceans Act
- WCELA Submission on Bill C-55, An Act to amend the Oceans Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act
New & Updated Common Questions
With help from Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC), we have updated the questions on residential tenancy and added three new ones:
- My landlord gave me an eviction notice. What can I do?
How do I get my rental deposit back?- How much can my rent increase by every year?
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
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