Open ProvincesProblems and disputes in British Columbia: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
Who to contact in British Columbia for a problem with a business, an unpaid debt, a workplace injury or when you cannot afford a lawyer.
What to do and who to contact when something goes wrong in British Columbia. Each section gives the usual order of steps, then the official body and page. Rent disputes are on the renting page.
A problem with a business (consumer complaint)
Write to the business first, say what happened and what you want, and keep copies. If you paid by credit card you can ask the issuer about a chargeback. Then complain to the regulator.
Consumer Protection BC. Try to resolve the problem with the business first, then use the complaint form. The agency can only help with issues under the laws it enforces and will refer you elsewhere when it cannot.
Official page: consumer complaints ↗
Money owed to you or damage caused (small claims)
Small claims court is a last resort. Send a written demand with a deadline, keep proof of delivery, and check the time limit to sue and the maximum amount in your province: both differ and have changed recently.
Civil Resolution Tribunal (online) and Small Claims Court. Most small claims start online at the Civil Resolution Tribunal; claims it cannot take go to Small Claims Court, which uses a Notice of Claim.
Hurt at work (workers' compensation)
Get medical attention, tell your employer straight away and report to the compensation board: deadlines differ by province and being late can cost you benefits. In several provinces it is illegal for an employer to ask you not to report.
WorkSafeBC. Report online for a physical injury from a single incident, or by phone for other kinds of injury. Your employer must also report, and it is against the law to tell you not to report.
Official page: report an injury ↗
You cannot afford a lawyer (legal aid)
Legal aid covers some problems only, often criminal, family and some civil matters, and uses a financial test. Duty counsel at the courthouse is often available without applying. Ask early: waiting lists exist.
Legal Aid BC. Apply through a legal aid location, the call centre or an online application; an intake worker follows up. Coverage depends on your type of legal problem.
Official page: apply for legal aid ↗
Scams and fraud
If you were scammed or your identity was stolen, see the step-by-step help under where to start.
Procedures only: fees, limits, forms and time limits change and differ, so each official page is the authority. General information, not legal advice; a community legal clinic can help. Quebec has its own rules: see AtlasQuébec.
Guides for this province
- Renting in British Columbia: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in British Columbia: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to British Columbia: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in British Columbia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in British Columbia: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in British Columbia: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in British Columbia: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in British Columbia: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in British Columbia: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in British Columbia: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in British Columbia: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in British Columbia: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in British Columbia: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in British Columbia: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in British Columbia without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in British Columbia: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in British Columbia: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in British Columbia: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in British Columbia: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in British Columbia: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to British Columbia: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in British Columbia: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in British Columbia: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in British Columbia: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in British Columbia: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in British Columbia: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in British Columbia: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in British Columbia: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in British Columbia: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in British Columbia
- Fishing and hunting licences in British Columbia: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in British Columbia: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in British Columbia: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in British Columbia
- New drivers in British Columbia: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in British Columbia
- Probate fees in British Columbia: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in British Columbia: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in British Columbia: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in British Columbia: where to apply
- Voting in British Columbia: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in British Columbia