Open ProvincesProblems and disputes in Manitoba: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
Who to contact in Manitoba 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 Manitoba. 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 Office. Complaints are in writing. The office contacts the business and mediates, but it cannot impose a settlement: if there is no agreement, either side can go to court.
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.
Court of King's Bench, Small Claims. File the claim form on paper at a court administrative centre (e-filing is not accepted) and serve the defendant within the set time.
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.
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. Tell your supervisor right away, see a health care provider, then report to the WCB (app, phone, online or paper). Your employer must also 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 Manitoba. Start online or by phone, or apply in person at an application centre or courthouse. A fee may apply, with waivers for some applicants.
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 Manitoba: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Manitoba: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Manitoba: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Manitoba: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Manitoba: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Manitoba: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Manitoba: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Manitoba: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Manitoba: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Manitoba: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in Manitoba: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in Manitoba: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in Manitoba: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in Manitoba: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in Manitoba without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in Manitoba: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in Manitoba: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in Manitoba: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in Manitoba: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in Manitoba: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to Manitoba: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in Manitoba: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in Manitoba: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in Manitoba: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in Manitoba: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in Manitoba: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in Manitoba: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in Manitoba: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in Manitoba: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in Manitoba
- Fishing and hunting licences in Manitoba: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in Manitoba: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in Manitoba: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in Manitoba
- New drivers in Manitoba: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in Manitoba
- Probate fees in Manitoba: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in Manitoba: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in Manitoba: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in Manitoba: where to apply
- Voting in Manitoba: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Manitoba