Who can help

The organizations listed below may be able to help with your human rights problem or case


Last updated: March 22, 2024

Page contents

Overview

This website has information about human rights and the human rights complaint process. You can contact us for help on the phone.

The organizations listed below may be able to help with your human rights problem or case.

For each organization, the chart lists:

  • the services – what the organization may be able to help with
  • contact information and office location
  • mandate – who the organization may be able to help

Most organizations help people with low incomes.

Look for organizations that help people in all parts of BC and those that help people in your local area.

Specialized client groups:

British Columbia – serving all parts of the province

OrganizationServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
Access Pro Bono: Summary Advice ProgramRequest a 30-minute summary advice program appointment, including about a BC or Canadian human rights complaint. Fill out Online Triage Form here: accessprobono.ca/get-legal-helpPhone: (604) 878-7400
Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 Email:
appointments@accessprobono.ca
Web info:
accessprobono.ca/summary-advice-program
Summary advice is provided through various legal clinics across BC.For low to modest income earners across BC.
Access Pro Bono: Roster ProgramA coordinating lawyer at Access Pro Bono matches a complainant with a pro bono lawyer who interested in helping with or taking on BC and Canadian human rights matters. A referral from an advocate or lawyer is helpful.Email:
roster@accessprobono.ca
Web info:
accessprobono.ca/roster-program
300 – 845 Cambie St
Vancouver, BC.
V6B 4Z9
For low to modest income earners across BC.
Access Pro Bono: Lawyer Referral ServiceReferrals to private lawyers who provide a free 30-minute consultation. Fees only apply if you decide to retain a lawyer afterward.Phone: (604) 687-3221
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
Email: appointments@accessprobono.ca
Book online: accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service
 For people seeking to hire a lawyer.
Amici Curiae Friendship SocietyParalegal assistance with drafting BC and Canadian human rights complaints. No legal advice or representation provided. Virtual Meetings Available Wednesday & Thursday, 5:30-7:30 PMPhone: (778) 522-2839
Email:
legalformsbc@gmai.com
Web info:
legalformsbc.ca
Hosted at various organizations across the lower mainland.Across the Province with new virtual sessions.
BC Human Rights Clinic (Community Legal Assistance Society – CLAS)

Specialized client group: indigenous people in BC
Telephone info line provides information on human rights. Available Monday to Friday. Short Service Clinic provides half-hour appointments for information and summary advice, including assistance with complaint drafting on Wednesdays. May provide further legal assistance or representation once a complaint has been accepted by the BC Human Rights Tribunal.Phone: (604) 622-1100
Toll Free: 1-855-685-6222
Email:
infobchrc@clasbc.net Web info:
bchrc.net
300-1140 West Pender St
Vancouver, BC.
V6E 4G1
All across BC, for complainants.

Indigenous advocate available to assist Indigenous clients by request.
Disability Law Clinic

Specialized client group: people with disabilities
Gives information about human rights problems. Can help with completing complaint forms.Phone: 236-427-1108
Email:
lawclinic@disabilityalliancebc.org
Web info: disabilityalliancebc.org
 For persons with disabilities.
The Law CentreSummary advice and assistance about human rights problems. Help filling out forms. Represent complainants and respondents in BC and Canadian human rights matters. Cannot attend in-person hearings outside the Victoria area.Phone: (250) 385-1221
Email:
reception@thelawcentre.ca
Web info:
thelawcentre.ca
Suite 225 – 850 Burdett Ave, Victoria BC
V8W 0C7
For clients who cannot afford a lawyer.

For respondents province-wide.

For complainants in:
– Victoria Area
– Lower Island
– Gulf Islands.
Migrant Workers Centre – Respect at Work Legal Centre

Specialized client group: migrant workers or newcomers who have experienced sexual harassment
Help with drafting BC human rights complaints for migrant workers.Phone: (604) 669-4482
Toll Free: 1-888-669-4882
Email:
info@mwcbc.ca
Web info:
mwcbc.ca/how-to-get-legal-help
#302 – 119 W. Pender St Vancouver BC.
V6B 1S5  
For migrant works or newcomers who have experienced issues in employment including workplace sexual harassment.
Seniors First BC Elder Law Clinic

Specialized client group: seniors, 55+
May help with a human rights problem.Phone: (604) 336-5653
Web info: seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/legal-programs/seniors-legal-clinics
150 -900 Howe St Vancouver BC
V6Z 2M4
Seniors, 55+

In-person legal clinic locations in:
– Richmond
– New Westminster
– Surrey
– Burnaby
– North Vancouver
– Vancouver

Phone consultations anywhere in BC.
Society for Children and Youth of BCChild and Youth Legal Centre

Specialized client group:
young people
We answer questions about human rights problems. Encourage youth to call. We can also provide referrals to appropriate service if we can’t assist. Our services are free of charge.Phone: (778) 657-5544
Toll-free outside Lower Mainland: 1-877-462-0037
Email (general inquiries):
info@scyofbc.org
Email (legal support inquiries): cylc@scyofbc.org
Web info: scyofbc.org
303-1270 Grant Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 2Y7
For young people or people whose human rights problem arose before they were of the age of majority.
Stand Informed legal advice services

Specialized client group:
People experienced sexual assault
Their lawyers provide up to 3 hours of free and confidential  legal advice to anyone in British Columbia who has been sexually assaulted. A lawyer will explain your rights and the legal options available to you. If you need more time, your lawyer can request an additional 2 hours to assist you.Phone: (604) 673-3143 
Toll-free 1-888-685-6222
Email:
standinformed@clasbc.net

You can also complete their application for legal services and email it to them
Anyone who was sexually assaulted in B.C.; and lives in B.C.

Kamloops area

OrganizationServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
Elizabeth Fry Legal Clinic
(Poverty Law Clinic – Kamloops)
Answer questions about a person’s human rights problems. Can help fill out a complaint form.
Gives summary advice, and referrals to other organizations. Free public legal education to organizations or groups.
Phone: (250) 374-2119
Email:
admin@kamloopsefry.com
Web info:
kamloopsefry.com/#community-justice
702-235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC V2C3J4
For low-income people living in:
– Kamloops
– district area.
TRU Community Legal Clinic
(TRU-CLC)
Can answers questions about human rights problems. May help fill out complaint form.
Represents eligible clients at all stages of the HRT process.
Phone: (778) 471-8490
Web info:
tru.ca/law/students/outreach/legal-clinic.html
204-246 2nd Avenue
Kamloops, BC V2C2C9
Summary advice to all clients.

Other services for low-income clients.

Kelowna area

NameServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
Elizabeth Fry Legal ClinicAssistance with drafting BC and Canadian human rights complaints, summary advice, and representation if capacity permits.Phone: (250) 374-2119
Email:
legalclinic@kamloopsefry.com
Web info:
kamloopsefry.com/community-justice-legal-services
304-554 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6J6For low-income people living in:
– Kelowna
– surrounding areas.

Prince Rupert area

NameServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
Prince Rupert Unemployed Action CentreAssistance with
BC Human Rights Complaints.
Phone: (250) 627-8776
Email: advocate.pruac@citywest.ca
Web info:
facebook.com/people/Prince-Rupert-Unemployed-Action-Centre/100067040643693
818 3rd Avenue West
Prince Rupert
BC
V8J 1M6
For people living in:
– Prince Rupert
– neighbouring First Nations communities.

Smithers area

OrganizationServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
Dze L. Kant Friendship Centre

Specialized client group:
indigenous people in Smithers area
Assistance with BC Human Rights Complaints.Phone: (250) 847-5211 ext. 210
Email:
legal.advocacy@dzelkant.com
Web info:
dzelkant.com/legal-support-worker
1188 Main Street
P.O. Box 2920
Smithers, BC
V0J 2N0
For indigenous people living in:
– Smithers
– neighbouring communities.

Surrey, White Rock, Delta, Langley areas

OrganizationServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
Sources Community Law ClinicAssistance with drafting BC and Canadian human rights complaints, summary advice, and representation if capacity permits.Phone: 778-731-9768 Email:
gdhaliwal@sourcesbc.ca Web info:
sourcesbc.ca/our-services/community-law-clinic
Unit # 105
13771 72A Ave
Surrey, BC V3W 9C6
For individuals in need living in:
– Surrey
– White Rock
– Delta
– Langley
– Burnaby
– Vancouver
– Coquitlam.

Vancouver area

OrganizationServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
BC Human Rights Clinic (Community Legal Assistance Society – CLAS)

Specialized client group:
indigenous people in BC
Telephone info line provides information on human rights. Available Monday to Friday. Short Service Clinic provides half-hour appointments for information and summary advice, including assistance with complaint drafting on Wednesdays. May provide further legal assistance or representation once a complaint has been accepted by the BC Human Rights Tribunal.Phone: (604) 622-1100
Toll Free: 1-855-685-6222
Email:
infobchrc@clasbc.net
Web info:
bchrc.net
300-1140 West Pender St
Vancouver, BC.
V6E 4G1
For Complainants province wide.

Indigenous advocate available to assist Indigenous clients by request.
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)Provides legal advice, and assistance with drafting BC human rights complaints. Full representation at the BC Human Rights Tribunal if capacity permits. Summary advice regarding Canadian human rights complaints.Phone (in English): (604) 822-5791

Phone (in Chinese): (604) 684-1628
如果你需要中文服務的話,請撥打604) 684-1628 將會有人幫您預約時間

Web info:
lslap.bc.ca  
Legal clinics are provided throughout the lower mainland.For low-income earners who live in:
– Greater Vancouver.
Atira Women’s Resource Society

Specialized client group:
self-identified women living in Greater Vancouver
Assistance with drafting BC and Canadian human rights complaints, summary advice and representation if capacity permits.Phone: (604) 331-1407 x. 114
Email:
volunteer_advocate@atira.bc.ca
Web info:
atira.bc.ca/what-we-do/program/legal-advocacy
101 E. Cordova St
Vancouver, BC.
V6A 1K7
All self-identified women who cannot afford to pay for legal help, living in:
– Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES)
– Greater Vancouver.
Sources Community Law ClinicAssistance with drafting BC and Canadian human rights complaints, summary advice, and representation if capacity permits.Phone: 778-731-9768
Email:
gdhaliwal@sourcesbc.ca
Web info:
sourcesbc.ca/our-services/community-law-clinic
Unit #105
13771 72A Ave
Surrey, BC.
V3W 9C6
For individuals in need living in:
– Surrey
– White Rock
– Delta
– Langley
– Burnaby
– Vancouver
– Coquitlam.
* Specialized client group

Victoria, Vancouver Island, and Gulf Islands

OrganizationServices providedContact infoOffice locationMandate
The Law CentreSummary advice and assistance about human rights problems. Help filling out forms. Represent complainants and respondents in BC and Canadian human rights matters.Phone: (250) 385-1221
Email:
reception@thelawcentre.ca
Web info:
thelawcentre.ca
Suite 225 – 850 Burdett Ave, Victoria BC
V8W 0C7
For clients who cannot afford a lawyer.

For complainants in:
– Victoria Area
– Lower Island
– Gulf Islands

For respondents province-wide.
Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition
(VIHRC)
Gives information about the Human Rights Code and process. Can help to draft and file complaints.
Do not give legal advice or representation. Gives public presentations.
Phone: (250) 382-3012 Email:
advocates@vihrc.com Web info:
vihrc.com
#418-620 View Street
Victoria, BC V8W1J6
For complainants and duty bearers on:
– Vancouver Island
– Gulf Islands.