Problems and disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid

Who to contact in Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador. 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 and Financial Services Division (Digital Government and Service NL). Complaints go through a complaint form (online or by mail, fax or email) and usually must come from the person who dealt with the business.

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.

Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Small Claims. File a statement of claim (Form 1) on paper or through the e-filing system, which needs a registry account, then serve it on the defendant.

Official page: small claims ↗

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.

WorkplaceNL. Tell your supervisor before leaving, seek medical help and file a Worker's Report of Injury (Form 6) online through MyWorkplaceNL or on paper within the time limit.

Official page: report an injury ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

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.

Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission. Book an appointment, mail or fax the application, drop it off, or apply online where eligible. You must include proof of finances or the application will be rejected.

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.