November 2019 Events

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Society for Children and Youth of BC

Join the Society for Children and Youth of BC on November 20th for A Night for Rights Celebration Fundraiser, an evening benefiting the advancement of Children’s Rights.

When: November 20, 2019 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5T 3G7
Registration: $45. For more information, email info@scyofbc.org

Seniors First BC

Free Workshops for Older Adults

Workshop on Residential Tenancy for Older Adults
This 60-minute workshop covers information on Residential Tenancy Law in British Columbia. Discuss the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, and the process involved in dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch.
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Seniors Come Share Society, located at: 15008 26 Ave., Surrey, BC V4P 3H5

Elder Abuse Workshop: What is it? How do we deal with it? (online livestream)
This 90-minute workshop addresses the correlation between social isolation and abuse of older adults, types of abuse and people involved, and strategies to deal with abuse. We discuss the importance of staying connected to others through brainstorming community resources, and viewing a short video depicting a fictional story of social isolation and elder abuse.
When: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Live streaming from our office in Downtown Vancouver to Fraser Valley University, Abbotsford.

Workshop on Government Benefits for Older Adults
This 90-minute workshop provides an informative overview to numerous federal and provincial government benefits for seniors – including Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Fair Pharmacare, BC Senior Supplement, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
When: November 22, 2019
Where: Live streaming from our office in Downtown Vancouver to Seniors Centre in Pemberton .

Law for Non-Profits

A workshop at the BCPNHA Housing Central Conference
Law for Non-Profits will be presenting a Recordkeeping and Privacy workshop at the BCNPHA Housing Central Conference.
When: The Conference is taking place over three days, from November 17-19, 2019. The workshop presented by Law for Non-Profits on Recordkeeping and Privacy will take place from 2:00-3:15 p.m. on the first day (Nov.17). A full agenda for the conference and schedule of events can be found here.
Where: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre: 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2R9 Canada (map)

MOSAIC

How to Renew Your Permanent Resident Card (in Mandarin)
In this workshop, learn:
1. Eligibility and the preparation of documents
2. Calculating the days of residency in Canada
3. Processing time
4. FAQs
When: November 8, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: CCM Crystal Mall Level 24500 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4V2 Canada
Registration: Registration can be found here. There is no registration fee.

Canadian Citizenship Preparation
Join us for a two-day workshop to prepare for Canadian citizenship! The sessions will be facilitated by MOSAIC staff. We will talk about topics such as Canada’s history, symbols, government and geography, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Please have PR number ready when registering and please bring pens, paper, the Discover Canada book if you have it, to class.
When: November 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and on November 15, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (this is a recurring event)
Where: Vancouver Public Library (South Hill Branch)6076 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z7
Registration: Please register here. There is no registration fee. For more information, please contact Shaima 604 254 9626 ext 1021 or sjaff@mosaicbc.org.

People’s Law School
People's Law School logo

People’s Law School offers free classes for the public, led by lawyers, notaries and other experts.

Strata Law
If you live in a condo you may have questions about strata bylaws and their enforcement, insurance obligations, and strata council duties and responsibilities. Lawyer Oscar Miklos will discuss these topics and much more.
When: Thursday November 7, 2019 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Library – McGill Branch, 4595 Albert St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2G6
Registration: Register online, or by calling 604-299-8955

Representation Agreements
Topics to be covered in this class about representation agreements, which can be used by your legal representative to make major decisions on your behalf, include…

  • the difference between section 7 and section 9 agreements
  • how a representation agreement differs from a power of attorney
  • when a representation agreement is necessary

When: Thursday November 7, 2019 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Library – McGill Branch, 4595 Albert St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2G6
Registration: Register online, or by calling 604-299-8955

Immigration Law
Do you want to stay in Canada? Do you want to sponsor a family member? Learn about how students can become permanent residents, work options for students, what happens when foreign workers lose their jobs, and how to sponsor a spouse or partner. Get the answers to these questions and more from immigration lawyer, Robert Leong.
When: November 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Library – Kensington Branch, 1428 Cedar Cottage Mews, Vancouver, BC V5N 5Z1
Registration: Not required. For more information call 604-527-4660.

Probating a Will
This class will provide basic information about applying for probate or administration. It will cover what probate involves, what you need to start the process, and the duties of an executor. It also explains whether probate is always necessary, and what to do if there is no will.
When: November 19, 2019 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 6th Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3
Registration: Not required. For more information, call 604-527-4660.

Wills and Estates
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.
When: November 26, 2019 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Canucks Family Education Centre, 1655 William St., Vancouver, BC V5L 2R3
Registration: Not required. For more information, call 604-527-4660.

Plan Institute

Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Webinar (recurring, online)
A pre-recorded webinar version of Plan Institute’s highly successful Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (WTE) course available online for residents BC.
When: Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Registration: $25/person. For more information, please contact: Plan Institute Learning, 604-439-9566 or through email at: info@planinstitute.ca

Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Workshop (in-person)
Becoming well-informed about wills, trusts and estate planning is necessary to secure the financial future of your loved one with a disability. In this workshop, you will learn how to arrange your estate, prepare a will, and the various ins and outs of setting up a trust specifically for your relative with a disability.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2019 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Centre for Social & Economic Innovation, 312 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 2T2
Registration: $65/person. For more information, please contact: Plan Institute Learning, 604-439-9566 or through email at: info@planinstitute.ca

Registered Disability Savings Plan information session (Workshop at Level 1)
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities. It is a unique savings program that allows savings to grow in a tax-deferred environment and provides matching federal contributions of up to 300% annually. Canada is the first country in the world to have an RDSP, which helps those living with a disability and their families save for the future.
In-Person workshops are held at our Vancouver, BC office located in Downtown Vancouver at 312 Main Street. Practical information including parking and transit options will be sent to all registered participants before the workshops.
This is a Level 1 Workshop: For those who want to learn what an RDSP is, who qualifies, how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, and how to open an RDSP.
When: Thursday November 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Centre for Social & Economic Innovation, 312 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 2T2
Registration: Register here. Not sure if you should take Level 1 RDSP or Level 2 RDSP Session? Click on the PDF below for a flow chart to help decide which information session is best for you! RDSP Level 1 or Level 2 Flow Chart

Registered Disability Savings Plan information session (Workshop at Level 2)
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities. It is a unique savings program that allows savings to grow in a tax-deferred environment and provides matching federal contributions of up to 300% annually. Canada is the first country in the world to have an RDSP, which helps those living with a disability and their families save for the future.
In-Person workshops are held at our Vancouver, BC office located in Downtown Vancouver at 312 Main Street. Practical information including parking and transit options will be sent to all registered participants before the workshops.
This is a Level 2 Workshop: For those who already have an RDSP and want deepen their knowledge and learn how to maximize growth.
When: Saturday November 30, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Centre for Social & Economic Innovation, 312 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 2T2
Registration: Register here.
Not sure if you should take Level 1 RDSP or Level 2 RDSP Session? Click on the PDF below for a flow chart to help decide which information session is best for you! RDSP Level 1 or Level 2 Flow Chart

Law Courts Center

AC LEXtures: Trauma-Informed Advocacy in Practice (ACL TIP 103)
Learning outcomes:

  1. Assessing the likelihood for trauma before meeting your client
  2. Asserting boundaries, Focusing your client & Managing client expectations
  3. Relational engagement, responding to emotions & other trauma triggers

CPD hours: 2 (Ethics, professional responsibility, client care relations hours: 2)
When: 12 Nov 2019 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Justice Education Society 260 800 Hornby St Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 (use the Smithe St entrance)

For more information,
Call us: 604.551.2727 Write us: dom@lawcourtscenter.com

AC LEXtures: Vicarious Trauma Self-Assessment (ACL TIP 104)

Learning outcomes:

  1. What is a self-assessment tool & why do you need it?
  2. Identifying your personal triggers / creating your own self-assessment tool
  3. Strategies for Integrating vicarious trauma awareness into the workplace

CPD hours: 2
Ethics, professional responsibility, client care relations hours: 2
When: 12 Nov 2019, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Justice Education Society 260 800 Hornby St Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 (use the Smithe St entrance)

For more information contact:
Call us: 604.551.2727 Write us: dom@lawcourtscenter.com

Disability Alliance BC
Disability Alliance BC's logo

Debt Management for People with Disabilities

It Can Be Hard to Deal with Debt Stress. Learn more about the options available to you to help manage your debt! The presenter will answer your questions, explain the short and long-term
consequences and give you the information you need to make a decision. The Credit Counseling Society is a registered, non profit service for consumers. Since opening over 20 years ago, they have helped over half a million Canadians.
When: Friday November 22, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Disability Alliance BC, 204-456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3
Registration: Register here. Event is free.

Courthouse Libraries BC

Webinars open to non-lawyers:


Know Your Rights: A Primer for Advocates & Service Providers
When: November 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Registration: Register here.
Freedom of Information: Tips & Troubleshooting
When: November 21 at 12:30 p.m.
Registration: Register here.

Stay informed:

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Public consultation open for a proposed new approach for the Provincial Court Family Rules and forms

by BC Ministry of Attorney General

The public is invited to provide written comments on the policy direction, draft language, and specific consultation questions embedded in the discussion paper. Find it at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/provincial-court-family-rules-consultation.

Feedback received before December 16, 2019 will be considered in finalizing the Rules.

The Provincial Court Family Rules (the rules) are used to manage cases and resolve issues within the jurisdiction of the provincial court (parenting arrangements, child support, contact with a child, guardianship of a child and spousal support). The rules also apply to enforcement of child and spousal support under the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act (FMEA). 

The Ministry of Attorney General and the Provincial Court of British Columbia invite comments on the proposed new Provincial Court Family Rules and forms. Feedback will be considered in finalizing the rules, which will be reviewed with the Provincial Court Family Rules Working Group and Steering Committee, the Chief Judge and eventually prepared as an Order in Council for consideration by cabinet.

Comments may be provided in the following ways:

  • Email:                     JSB.FPLT@gov.bc.ca
  • Fax:                        250-356-2721
  • Regular mail:       Family Policy Legislation & Transformation

Justice Services Branch
Ministry of Attorney General
PO Box 9222, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.  V8W 9J1

The ministry will assume that comments received are not confidential and that respondents consent to the ministry attributing their comments to them and to the release or publication of their submissions. Any requests for confidentiality or anonymity, must be clearly marked and will be respected to the extent permitted by freedom of information legislation.

Please note that the deadline for providing feedback is December 16, 2019.