Open ProvincesProblems and disputes in Northwest Territories: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
Who to contact in Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories. 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 Affairs (Municipal and Community Affairs). Start with the business, then use the complaint form; Consumer Affairs offers voluntary, free mediation.
Official page: consumer complaints ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)
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.
Territorial Court, Civil Claims. File a Statement of Claim (Form 1) at the registry nearest where the matter arose; all civil claims go through a mandatory mediation session with a judge.
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' Safety and Compensation Commission (NWT and Nunavut). Report to your employer and file a Worker's Report of Injury with the WSCC as soon as possible; ask your health care provider to send medical reports.
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 Commission of the Northwest Territories. Book an appointment with a Yellowknife legal aid office, or ask a community court worker to help you complete the application.
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 Northwest Territories: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Northwest Territories: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Northwest Territories: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Northwest Territories: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Northwest Territories: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Northwest Territories: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Northwest Territories: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Northwest Territories: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Northwest Territories: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Northwest Territories: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in Northwest Territories: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in Northwest Territories: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in Northwest Territories: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in Northwest Territories: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in Northwest Territories without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in Northwest Territories: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in Northwest Territories: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in Northwest Territories: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in Northwest Territories: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in Northwest Territories: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to Northwest Territories: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in Northwest Territories: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in Northwest Territories: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in Northwest Territories: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in Northwest Territories: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in Northwest Territories: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in Northwest Territories: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in Northwest Territories
- Fishing and hunting licences in Northwest Territories: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in Northwest Territories: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in Northwest Territories: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in Northwest Territories
- New drivers in Northwest Territories: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in Northwest Territories
- Probate fees in Northwest Territories: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in Northwest Territories: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in Northwest Territories: where to apply
- Voting in Northwest Territories: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Northwest Territories