Advocacy and Legal Assistance
BC 211
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24/7 phone line that provides free, confidential information and referrals to community resources including advocacy and legal help, and housing search assistance.
For the 24-hour phone line, dial 211 Phone: 604-875-6381 or 604-875-0885 Text: 604-836-6381 Email: [email protected] |
Crime Victim Assistance Program
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There are many ways a crime can affect your life. If you have been physically or emotionally hurt as a result of a violent crime, you may be entitled to financial assistance.
The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) assists victims, immediate family members and some witnesses in coping with the effects of violent crime. It provides financial benefits to help offset financial losses and assist in recovery. Benefits for victims:
Phone: 604-660-3888 Tole-Free: 1-866-660-3888 Email: [email protected] |
Refugee Readiness Team
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From 2022-2024, the Government of Canada has committed to resettling more than 3 times the annual number of refugees (150,000 compared to 45,000 pre-pandemic). Adding to this dramatic increase, the Government responded to Russia’s war on Ukraine by opening a new visa stream—the Canada-Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)—which has opened the door to +75,000 forcibly displaced Ukrainians since August 24, 2022.
Given that BC receives roughly 10% of Canada’s refugee arrivals and 17-20% of CUAET visa-holders, the next two years will stretch refugee-serving organizations and communities well beyond existing capacities. Email: [email protected] |
BC Refugee Hub
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ISSofBC, in partnership with the Provincial Government of British Columbia, have created this online resource hub to assist and empower both individuals and organizations in the refugee resettlement process.
The BC Refugee Hub serves as a resource centre, providing access to the latest publications and relevant statistics on all refugee categories throughout the entirety of BC. Email: [email protected] |
Community Legal Assistance Society
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Community Legal Clinic:
Location: 516 Richards Street, Vancouver Phone: 236-317-9000 Email: [email protected] |
Community Legal Assistance Society
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In British Columbia, legal aid is provided to low-income individuals.
Legal issues related to workers' rights, housing security, income security, mental health detention, workplace harassment, and human and civil rights A variety of legal services are provided:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 604-685-3425 Toll Free: 1-888-685-6222 Fax: 604-685-7611 Location: 300 – 1140 West Pender Street |
Pivot Legal
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Pivot Legal Society is a human rights organization that uses strategic litigation and legal advocacy campaigns to reform systems that entrench and exacerbate poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion.
Location: 312 Main St, Vancouver Phone: 604-255-9700 |
Law Students' Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
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The Law Students' Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) is a non-profit run by law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. We provide free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.
We have filled our appointments for the 2024 summer program. New intakes will resume in September. Phone lines open: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 604-822-5791 Fax: 604-822-1661 Location: The University of British Columbia
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Legal Aid BC
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Legal Aid BC provides a variety of legal services to low income individuals and families residing in BC. Legal aid is funded by the provincial government and organizations such as the Law Foundation of BC and Notary Foundation of BC.
Services:
Who qualifies?
It is recommended that you make an appointment before arriving at the Vancouver office. Phone: 1-866-577-2525 / 604-408-2172 |
Amici Curiae (AC) Friends OF Court
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Amici Curiae Friendship Society (AC) volunteers help British Columbians understand legal procedures and complete paperwork. AC’s services are provided on the principle of equal access to justice.
Services:
Phone: 778-522-2839 & text Email: [email protected] |
Tenant Resource & Advocacy Centre
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TRAC is a non-profit organization that provides free legal education, representation, and advocacy on residential tenancy matters. A leader in tenants’ rights since 1984, TRAC’s mandate is to enhance legal protections for all tenants living in British Columbia.
Services:
TRAC’s Tenant Infoline Phone:
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First United - Legal Advocacy
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First United has provided legal advocacy services to low-income and vulnerable people in the Downtown Eastside since the 1970s. They offer a wide range of legal services such as legal aid, counsel, and representation.
Areas of assistance include:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 604-251-3323 Location: 542 East Hastings Street, Vancouver Intake times: Mon, Wed, Fri | 9:30 pm - 11:30 am Tues, Thurs | 1 pm - 3 pm |
First United - Legal Advocacy
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Dial-A-Law is a service of People’s Law School, a non-profit society in British Columbia that provides public legal education. Dial-A-Law is a starting point for information on the law for British Columbians.
Funded by the Law Foundation of BC, Dial-A-Law was previously operated by the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch. No legal advice offer Basic information about 190 law topics such as:
To listen to Dial-A-Law information: Phone: 1-800-565-5297 Lower Mainland: 604-687-4680 |
Battered Women's Support Services - Legal Advocacy Resources & Services
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The BWSS Legal Services and Advocacy Program offers a range of legal services, such as legal advice, court and legal appointment accompaniment, and assistance with document and affidavit preparation. The program was designed to help women exiting abusive situations, as navigating the legal system can be more challenging for women coping with power and control concerns from a violent partner.
Details and Services Provided:
Email: [email protected] Crisis & Intake Phone: 1855-687-1868 Locations:
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PovNet - Find an advocate
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PovNet is dedicated to building an online anti-poverty community, and is heavily rooted in social justice.
We connect poverty and family law advocates and pro bono lawyers from across British Columbia working on issues like housing, income, workers’ rights, Indigenous legal issues, newcomers to Canada, and more. |
Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre - Legal Advice
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The Centre provides low-barrier access to wellness and legal services for Two-Spirit, Transgender, and gender non-conforming people in a manner that is respectful and celebratory of clients' identity and self-expression.
Services include:
To access services:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 604-442-4352 Fax: 604-757-5274 |
Legal Aid for Aboriginal people in BC
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Legal Aid BC is a non-profit organization committed to helping British Columbians resolve their legal issues. We provide free public legal information, advice, and representation to people with low incomes.
Phone: 604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver) 1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC) You may qualify for a free lawyer and an advocate. Call 1-888-522-2752 (1-888-LABC-PLC) |
Justice System Education Program for Indigenous People
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The Justice System Education Program for Indigenous Peoples (JSEP-IP) provides culturally sensitive legal education for Indigenous communities in British Columbia. They do so by increasing the legal capability of people who access justice systems, strengthening justice systems, and developing digital solutions for the justice sector.
Outreach Seminars
Address systemic issues
Email: [email protected] Phone: 604-660-9870 Legal Help Phone: 1-855-875-8867 Location: #260 - 800 Hornby St, Vancouver |
MOSAIC - Legal Advocacy Program
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The Legal Advocacy Program at MOSAIC provides:
Details:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 604-254-9626 Locations:
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Indigenous Community Legal Clinic
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The Indigenous Community Legal Clinic serves the Indigenous community and provides legal assistance without charge. It also teaches legal knowledge to Allard School of Law students.
The ICLC provides students with the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience managing client files and making court appearances. Email: [email protected] Phone: 604-822-5421 Fax: 604-684-7874 Location: Indigenous Community Legal Clinic
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Migrant Workers Centre
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The Migrant Workers Centre provides free legal advocacy services to migrant workers. They provide their services in person by appointment, over the phone, and virtually.
Please call their office during our intake hours to book an appointment. Hours: Tues - Sat from
Email: [email protected] |
Access Pro Bono
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Access Pro Bono is a small charitable organization that operates a free lawyer referral service and several pro bono programs serving the critical legal needs of people and non-profit organizations across BC. They offer full spectrum legal advice and representation.
Services include:
Eligibility:
Intake Phone: 604-878-7400 General Phone: 604-482-3195 Email: [email protected] |
Law Students' Legal Advice Program
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Law Students' Legal Advice Program is a non-profit organization run by law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. They provide free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.
Services include:
Services are on a blackout period during exam seasons. Please check the website for dates and call ahead for information. Hours: Monday to Friday | 10 am - 4 pm. Phone: 604-822-5791 Fax: 604-822-1661 |
Act For Mental Health Campaign
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All Canadians have a right to free, publicly funded mental health care. Despite the fact that many Canadians require mental health services, only a small percentage of them will receive care. The Act for Mental Health campaign, a group of Canadian organizations, has written a comprehensive policy paper calling on politicians to implement universal mental health care.
There are several reasons why this is important:
Email: [email protected] |
The Buddy Up Campaign
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Men's Suicide Prevention Campaign This campaign is focused on preventing suicide among men. It's a call to action by men, for men, to encourage open and honest conversations about mental health.
Driving Authentic Conversation Amongst Men The goal of this campaign is to drive authentic conversation amongst men and their buddies. By creating a safe space for men to talk about their mental health, we hope to break down barriers and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Suicide Prevention Year-Round Participate in this campaign year-round by completing activities that promote connection and wellbeing. These activities can be as simple as reaching out to a friend or engaging in a hobby that brings you joy. Promoting Connection and Wellbeing The activities in this campaign are designed to promote connection and wellbeing. By fostering strong relationships and taking care of our mental health, we can prevent suicide and create a more supportive and resilient community. |
Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC)
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The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada is a national organization that:
They offer resources and education to:
Email: [email protected] Members/donors: [email protected] Mailing Address: ARCC-CDAC PO Box 2663 Station Main Vancouver, BC V6B 3W3 |
Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture
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Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) provides support to newcomers and survivors of torture. Its core beliefs are that healing happens in community, healing is an act of resistance, and that healing journeys are supported by those we meet along the way.
Services provided by VAST:
Details:
Email: [email protected] Locations:
Provincial Refugee Mental Health Line: 604-588-3071 (Press 2) 1-888-619-8636 (Toll Free Voice Mail) |
The Systems Change Initiative
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The Systems Change Initiative brings communities together by taking action to solve the root causes of complex social problems, including anti-racism, equity, and justice. They advocate and challenge ideas, beliefs, and behaviours of individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions.
Ongoing Programs:
Email: [email protected] Locations:
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The Kettle Society - Advocacy Office
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The Kettle Mental Health Outreach and Advocacy Program supports people living with a combination of mental illness, mental health problems, low-income, or homelessness to address both individual needs and systemic issues that may impact their mental health and well-being. They advocate for and support people who need help resolving a conflict or navigating a crisis.
Areas of Assistance Include:
Contact the Advocacy Office: Location: 1725 Venables St. (second floor) Hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs | 9:30 am - 4 pm
Phone: 604-253-0669 |
Connective
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Connective is a community-based social services non-profit operating in BC and the Yukon. The organization provides a strong social safety net that addresses the needs of all who walk through our doors. They see a path forward for everyone, with opportunities to learn, grow, and develop—on their own terms and at their own pace. The goal is to assist individuals to achieve greater independence and navigate challenging social systems.
Resources Provided Include:
Phone: 604-872-5651 Fax: 604-872-8737 |
People's Law School Webinars
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People's Law School is a non-profit society located in British Columbia, striving to make law accessible for all. It focuses on accessibility by providing free education and information to empower individuals in handling everyday legal matters.
Services offered:
Phone: 604-331-5400 Email: [email protected] Location: Suite 1433 - 1130 W Pender Street |