The POVERTY LAW ADVOCACY PROGRAM provides free, confidential legal information, advocacy and referrals to low-income residents of the qathet region. In partnership with the Law Foundation of BC, the advocate provides support in the following areas:
Disability benefits: Provincial Persons with Disability (PWD); Federal CPP-Disability (CPP-D)
Tenancy issues: Dispute Resolution process and Residential Tenancy Branch Hearings
Income assistance: Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction applications; Rent bank; Community crisis grants
Seniors issues: Old Age Security; CPP; GIS
Debt and consumer law: Looking at options and solutions
Human rights issues: BC Human Rights Tribunal
Low income housing: Applications with BC Housing
Employment law: Workers’ Rights; Employment Standards Act
Family law: Information and referral only
Within these areas of service, the Poverty Law Advocate can help you:
- Understand your rights and responsibilities
- Identify deadlines and limitation periods
- Clarify your goals and options
- Review legislation, statutes and regulations to Assess the likelihood of success
- Get started with applications, reconsiderations and appeals
- Communicate with landlords, government agencies, creditors and decision makers
- Prepare for hearings, tribunals and your first meeting with a lawyer
- Address systemic issues that affect you as a member of a marginalized group
- Understand your right to be heard and the likelihood of judicial review
- Locate other helpful resources
An advocate is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice