Problems and disputes in Prince Edward Island: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid

Who to contact in Prince Edward Island 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 Prince Edward Island. 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.

Financial and Consumer Services (Justice and Public Safety). The Consumer Services section of the Department of Justice and Public Safety handles consumer complaints and inquiries; the province asks you to call toll-free 1-800-658-1799 to make a consumer complaint (no online complaint page was found).

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.

Supreme Court of PEI, Small Claims Section. An action is started by filing a statement of claim (Form 7A) and a designation of address for service (Form 8A) with the clerk.

Official page: small claims ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

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 PEI. Get medical attention, tell your employer and file a Worker's Report, online or on paper, whether or not you miss work.

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 Division (Justice and Public Safety). Legal Aid covers criminal, youth justice and family and civil matters for low-income people, with a means test. We did not find an application page: phone the Legal Aid Division.

Official page: apply for legal aid ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

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.