Finding a Lawyer
Law Society of Alberta – Find a Lawyer
The Lawyer Directory allows people to search for information on a specific lawyer or find a lawyer who can help you with your legal issue based on certain search criteria.
You can search for a lawyer by their name, firm, location, practice areas, language(s) spoken, gender, and whether a lawyer offers limited scope retainers. There are approximately 7,500 lawyers in private practice in Alberta who are eligible to provide legal assistance.
Legal Aid Alberta (LAA)
1-866-845-3425 (Toll Free)
Provide a range of legal services to eligible low-income Albertans in many areas of law including family, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, youth, and criminal. To determine service and financial eligibility answer the questionnaire on their website. All youth criminal matters are eligible for legal aid representation. Legal aid has offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge & Red Deer.
Law Central Alberta – Finding a Lawyer
Alberta Legal Coaches and Limited Legal Services – Lawyers who provide limited services allowing you to reduce costs and still have assistance when needed.
Centre Albertain D’Information Juridique / Alberta Legal Information Centre
1-844-266-5822
Provides referrals to bilingual lawyers and legal information.
Last Revised Sept. 22, 2023
Duty Counsel and Court Support
Duty Counsel are lawyers who assist with court matters and court appearances and can offer limited legal advice. Duty Counsel services are provided free of charge.
Duty Counsel at the Courthouse for first appearances
Provided by Legal Aid.
Call 1-866-845-3425 up to 14 days prior to attending court (early appearance assistance) if you require duty counsel assistance for criminal (adult and youth) matters.
Legal Aid also provides duty counsel for the following dockets courts:
- Drug treatment court
- Bail Hearings
- Child Welfare dockets – Alberta Court of Justice
- Family Matters – Alberta Court of Justice and Court of King’s Bench — Calgary Courthouse – 10th Floor N (KB) room 1004 & 12th Floor S. (PC). Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, St. Paul & Wetaskiwin courthouses.
Duty Counsel – Provided by Pro Bono Law Alberta
- Civil Claims Duty Counsel (CCDC) – Alberta Court of Justice – assists self represented litigants with civil matters in Alberta Court of Justice. Assistance is not guaranteed. They provide one free 30 minute session to assist with procedural information, preparing for trials, motions and other appearances and help with completing forms.
- This program does NOT assist with:
- Family, criminal or corporate law matters
- Matters in Court of King’s Bench or Appeal Courts
- Pre-trial conferences and mediation.
- This program does NOT assist with:
- For times in Calgary and Edmonton check their website.
- King’s Bench Court Assistance Program – assists self represented litigants in civil matters at the Court of King’s Bench, including Applications Judge and Justice chambers. They can provide legal advice and assistance with court procedures, forms, and trial preparation.
- For times in Calgary and Edmonton check their website.
Calgary Legal Guidance – Domestic Violence
- Calgary King’s Bench N45 -10th Floor – help with family domestic violence family matters
Elizabeth Fry Society
- Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary 403-294-0737 Toll free 1-877-398-3656. Provides assistance to women and youth with criminal, traffic, domestic violence and family court matters. They are available outside of various courtrooms (with limited availability) and they also provide regional court liaisons in Airdrie, Canmore, Cochrane, Didsbury, and Okotoks.
- Elizabeth Fry Northern Alberta 780-422-4775 Located on the 4th Floor North Tower, Courthouse Edmonton – Provides assistance to women in criminal court in Edmonton, and they also provide regional court liasons in Stony Plain, St. Albert, Morinville, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Ponoka, and Red Deer. They will help explain court procedures, terminology, provide emotional support.
Native Counselling Services of Alberta – Courtwork program
1-780-451-4002 or email info@ncsa.ca
They provide province wide assistance for criminal and family court matters for Indigenous youth and adults.
Court Support
Court support is offered free of charge to victims and witnesses when appropriate.
Court Support Program
1-888-327-7828
Free service for victims of crime and witnesses for the crown providing court information, preparation and accompaniment to court.
Homefront Assist (Calgary)
403-206-2100
The Domestic Violence Intervention & Resource Team (DVIRT) provide victims support through the court process. Their services are provided free of charge. You must be referred to them by the Calgary Police Services.
Last revised Jan. 5, 2023
Representing Yourself
Online
- National Database of Professionals Assisting SRL’s It is searchable by location and includes lawyers, paralegals and other professionals offering a variety of services including unbundled legal services.
- National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP) Representing yourself in Canada. Look under the tab “Our SRL Resources” for various publications including:
- So you’re representing yourself : a primer to help you get ready to represent yourself in family or civil court
- Coping with the courtroom : a primer to help you navigate the written (or unwritten) rules of the courtroom
- Coping with the courtroom: essential tips and information for Self-Represented Litigants
- Settlement Smarts : Tips on Effectively using negotiation, mediation and judge-led settlement processes
- “Settlement Smarts” for self-represented litigants: how to use settlement processes knowledgeably and effectively
- Working with opposing counsel
- The McKenzie Friend: Choosing and Presenting a Courtroom Companion”
- Building constructive working relationships between self-represented litigants and opposing counsel
- Navigating the justice system a guide for self-represented litigants with disabilities
- Canadian Judicial Council
- Self-Represented Litigants (Law Now magazine August 2022)
- Information for self-represented litigants in Court of Justice adult criminal
- Information for self-represented litigants in Court of Justice family
- Lawyer’s and self represented litigants guide: maintenance enforcement program
- Representing yourself in Family Court
- Running a criminal trial in Alberta Court of Justice
For further assistance with Alberta court procedures see the Alberta courts tab in this guide.
Podcasts
- Jumping off the Ivory tower – discusses various social justice topics
In Print
- Representing yourself in court: how to win your case on your own by Devlin Farmer Table of Contents
- Journey to Justice: A Practical Guide to Representing yourself in Court by Denice Barrie Table of Contents
- Navigating the criminal justice system in Canada : a guide for self represented accused, victims and witnesses by Peter Keen Table of Contents
Legal Assistance
Province-Wide
Court and Justices Services (CJS) Resolution and court supports for people in legal disputes offered by the Government of Alberta, Justice and Solicitor General in collaboration with the courts of Alberta.
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 1-855-738-4747
CJS staff work to:
- help find solutions for legal issues
- offer programs at no cost or a nominal charge
- provide services across Alberta
- provide administrative support to all the courts within the province
Support Services for Albertans
Provides a list of services located near you. Listing developed by Legal Aid.
Emergency Protection Order Program – Legal Aid
Free service that provides help to obtain and confirm protection orders.
- Calgary courthouse 403-297-5260 – 7th floor South
- Edmonton 780-422-9222
- Lethbridge 403-388-3162
- Other areas 1-866-845-3425
- Or call 911 if it is an emergency
AJEFA (Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta)
Operates the Alberta Legal Information Centre, which offers legal information, support and referral services with regard to clients’ legal questions. These services are provided in 10 different languages, in person or remotely, free of charge. Their mission is to inform the general public of their rights to access legal services in the language of their choice
- Edmonton 780-450-2443
- Calgary 403-619-9081
Office of the Child & Youth Advocate Alberta
1-800-661-3446
Provides lawyers for children and youth in intervention matters
Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
403-284-0945
Will assist with questions about civil liberties and human rights.
Alberta Human Rights Commission
780-427-7661 – Edmonton (Confidential Inquiry Line)
403-297-6571 – Calgary (Confidential Inquiry Line)
Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter one of the phone numbers above.
An Independent commission of the Government of Alberta. They help Albertans resolve human rights complaints.
Alberta Human Services – Office of the Public Guardian & Trustee (OPGT)
1-877-427-4525
They provide information and assistance in obtaining guardianship. Also, they will assist with burial and may help with the administration of the estate when someone dies and no one is willing or available to settle their affairs.
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
Responsible for the administration of justice, including information on victim’s services, legal services for vulnerable persons, corrections, prosecutions, and policing.
Alberta Ombudsman
Toll Free 1-888-455-2756
403-297-6185 – Calgary
780-427-2756 – Edmonton
Investigates complaints of unfair treatment by provincial government authorities and designated professional bodies.
BLG Business Venture Clinic
For entrepreneurs or those starting up a business, law students will assist your legal questions.
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
780-422-6860 (Edmonton)
1-888-878-4044 (Toll free)
Investigates privacy complaints regarding the collection and use of personal or health information.
Workers’ Resource Centre
403-264-8100 or Toll Free 1-844-435-7972
Free and confidential services for various employment related issues. Appointments are needed.
For more information see the tab for Duty Counsel in this guide.
Calgary
Calgary Legal Guidance
403-234-9266
A non-profit legal organization that provides legal information, advice and advocacy to low income Calgarians who would otherwise not have access to legal services. If you can not afford a lawyer and do not qualify for Legal Aid, Calgary Legal Guidance may be able to help. Staff accept or reject applications for assistance on a case-by-case basis.
Unison at Kerby Centre
403-705-3246
Offers free 20 minute legal assistance sessions for low income seniors over the phone.
Student Legal Assistance (SLA) – Calgary
403-220-6637
Law students provide low income Calgarians with legal services and representation in family, traffic, criminal and civil matters (claims up to $100,000). To determine if your matter is eligible for their services check their website. A small disbursement fee may apply.
Homefront Assist
403-206-2100
The Domestic Violence Intervention & Resource Team (DVIRT) provide victims support through the court process. Their services are provided free of charge. You must be referred to them by the Calgary Police Services.
Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary
403-294-0737 or Toll Free 1-877-398-3656
The Elizabeth Fry Society works with, and on behalf of, low income women involved with the justice system, particularly women in conflict with the law. They help with various matters including landlord and tenant, employment, immigration, family and administrative law. They provide information on court procedure, plea options, process and provide assistance filling out forms. They also provide referrals to duty counsel and other community and legal resources.
Child Witness Court Preparation – 403-289-8385
Women’s Centre of Calgary
403-264-1155
They offer free 30 minute legal advice appointments to women, for preliminary matters and next steps. They do not assist with criminal matters.
Edmonton
Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC)
780-702-1725
45 minute free legal advice clinics are offered to low-income individuals in the areas of family, immigration, social benefits and civil law. You need to fill out an online intake form to confirm eligibility and to set up an appointment time. In person appointments are available in Edmonton and Grande Prairie while all other northern communities have access to phone appointments only.
Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton
780-422-4775 or Toll Free 1-866-421-1175
They work with low income women involved with the justice system, particularly women in conflict with the law. They help with various matters including landlord and tenant, employment and family. They provide access to court workers who provide information on court procedure, plea options, process and forms. They also provide referrals to duty counsel and other community and legal resources.
Student Legal Services of Edmonton
780-492-2226
Free legal assistance by students to those who don’t qualify for Legal Aid and are not able to afford a lawyer. They may assist you in court in some situations. Check their website to determine your eligibility. Their website is also a great source for information on many legal topics.
Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie Legal Guidance
780-882-0036
Provides free legal advice and information to low-income individuals who do not qualify for legal aid. Legal representation is not available.
Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC)
780-702-1725
45 minute free legal advice clinics are offered to low-income individuals in the areas of family, immigration, social benefits and civil law. You need to fill out an online intake form to confirm eligibility and to set up an appointment time. In person appointments are available in Edmonton and Grande Prairie while all other northern communities have access to phone appointments only.
Lethbridge
Lethbridge Legal Guidance
403-380-6338
Provides free legal advice and information to low-income individuals who do not qualify for legal aid.
Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat Legal Help Centre
403-712-1021
Volunteer lawyers provide legal advice during evening legal clinics. Clients must meet certain eligibility requirements. Legal representation is not available.
Community Legal Clinic – Medicine Hat
403-712-1021 or 1-877-314-9129 (Toll Free)
Provide free legal advice to people throughout Central Alberta who do not qualify for Legal Aid. The Community Legal Clinic also delivers public legal education and information sessions on various legal topics.
Red Deer
Community Legal Clinic (Red Deer) 403-314-9129 or 1-877-314-9129 (Toll Free)
Provide free legal advice to people throughout Central Alberta who do not qualify for Legal Aid. The Community Legal Clinic also delivers public legal education and information sessions on various legal topics.
Women’s Outreach 403-347-2480 or 1-866-347-2480 Provide legal information, support and referrals.
Legal Clinics and Workshops
Provincial
Bearpaw Legal Education and Resource Centre
780-451-4002
Provide many workshops on request, throughout the province, on topics such as divorce, going to court, kids and the law and traffic violations.
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta
Provide online and on demand workshops on a number of legal topics.
Edmonton Community Legal Center
Provide video recordings on various different topics.
Portage College Public Legal Education (PLE)
Provide various seminars on a variety of legal topics
Calgary
Calgary Legal Guidance – clinics
Provide various clinics for specific matters at multiple venues across the city check out their website for full details.
Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary – Immigrant Legal Advocacy Program 403-294-0737 Provide workshops on various issues for women immigrants
Public Interest Law Clinic
For those who want to change the system, in regards to the environmental assessment process, landlord-tenant dispute resolution and environmental protection.
Lethbridge
Lethbridge Legal Guidance
403-380-6338
“Know before you go” seminars provide an overview of issues relating to separation and/or divorce. Please call ahead to book an appointment.
Alberta Courts
General
Court and Justice Services — Contact Centre 1-855-738-4747 (Toll Free)
Monday to Friday 8:15am – 4:30pm
Court Fees & Waivers in Alberta
Waiving a filing fee
Court Generated orders Court of King’s Bench Family and Civil
Court clerks will prepare orders granted by the court for self represented litigants in KB family and civil matters.
Court and Justice Services (CJS) Can help you with civil and criminal matters in the Court of King’s Bench and the Alberta Court of Justice. They can provide assistance with general court procedures, alternatives to court, court forms, explain the steps in making legal applications, and refer you to other resources.
Locations in Alberta:
- Calgary courthouse 7th floor N.
- Edmonton – John E. Brownlee Building 8th Floor
- Grande Prairie courthouse main floor
- Red Deer courthouse main floor
Family Law Assistance only:
- Lethbridge courthouse
- Medicine Hat courthouse
Court of Justice
- Alberta Court of Justice – Civil – including small claims
- Alberta Court of Justice – Traffic
- Alberta Court of Justice – Criminal
- Alberta Court of Justice – Youth
- Civil Claims Process – Flow
- I got a Calgary bylaw ticket. Now what?
- Information for self-represented litigants in Court of Justice adult criminal court
- Information for self-represented litigants in Court of Justice family
- Small Claims 2022
- Running your criminal trial in Alberta Court of Justice
Court of King's Bench
Court of Appeal
Other
Forms
- Alberta Court of Justice Forms
- King’s Bench Criminal Forms
- King’s Bench Civil Forms
- King’s Bench Family Forms
- King’s Bench Divorce Forms and Instructions
- Court of Appeal Filing, Fees and forms
- Alberta Rules of Court and forms
- Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee – Forms Guardianship, trusteeship and personal directives
- Surrogate Forms – non-contentious matters
- What is an Affidavit
- Evidence in Court Affidavits
- Serving court documents
Preparing for Court & Navigating the Courts
- Going to civil courts : 10 things to know about going to civil court in Alberta
- Court procedures
- Court appearances and orders
- Courtroom etiquette
- Coping with the courtroom: essential information and tips for SRL’s
- Support in preparing court forms
- Family court assistance
- Preparing for Court
- Preparing for Court – Law Central Alberta
- Adjournments
- After the judge makes a decision
Videos
- Civil Matters: what to do in court
- Courtroom Etiquette (Probono Law Alberta)
- Courtroom Videos (Probono Law Alberta)
- A Successful Day in Court – How to Present or Defend Your Civil Claim
Texts
- Alberta civil procedure: introduction and glossary by the Honourable Jean Coté.
Alternative Dispute Resolution & Mediation
For additional information on Dispute resolution and Mediation see our guide with that name.
Dispute Resolution Officer Program
Child Support Resolution Program
Children’s Services Mediation Program
Family Mediation
Lawyers’ fees review and assessment
Support in resolving parenting disputes (Caseflow Conference)
Civil Mediation
Translation services
Alberta courts provide translators for criminal and child welfare matters only. If you require a translator or translation services for another matter the services below may be able to assist you.
- Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) – 403-263-4414 . Appointments are needed. Services are provided depending on immigration status.
- Calgary Legal guidance – can translate using the telephone based cantalk translation service
- Centre Albertain D’Information Juridique/Alberta Legal Information Centre 1-844-266-5822 . Provides legal information in 10 languages and referrals to bilingual lawyers.
- Edmonton Immigrant Services Association – Language bank. Provide translation & interpretation services.
- Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) – provides an online directory of translators searchable by the language you require.
- Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) – 403-705-8893 Provides interpretation and translation of official documents in over 50 languages through their language bank.
- Termium Plus – French to English Legal translation website
Areas of Law
Aboriginal
- Native Counselling Services of Alberta provide court assistance in Criminal & Family court for Aboriginal youth and adults.
- Aboriginal Identity: Terms and Definitions
- Are you aboriginal? Do you have a bail hearing? Or are you going to be sentenced for a crime
- Understanding Gladue – podcast
For more information on indigenous law see our research guide: Indigenous Law
Abuse, Harassment and Violence
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call 1-866-606-7233 to get connected with resources if you are in immediate danger call 911.
Calgary Communities against Sexual abuse Police and court education and support program
1-877-237-5888
Provides information on your rights, and options and will attend meetings with the police or crown prosecutor. Also provide court orientation sessions.
Emergency Protection order Program – Legal Aid
Free service that provides help to obtain and confirm protection orders. They will assist both claimants and respondents.
Calgary courthouse 403-297-5260 – 7th floor South
Edmonton 780-422-9222
Lethbridge 403-388-3162
Other areas 1-866-845-3425
Restraining and protection orders – with the Alberta courts
How to file an Emergency Protection order
Applying for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO)
Domestic and Sexual violence resources in the Calgary area – Calgary Domestic Violence Collective
Homefront Assist 403-206-2100
The Domestic Violence Intervention & Resource Team (DVIRT) provide victims support through the court process. Their services are provided free of charge. You must be referred to them by the Calgary Police Services.
Chinese Community Response to Family Violence (Calgary) – 403-261-7956
- Alberta’s Protection against Family Violence Act
- Alberta Sexual violence prevention and resources
- After sexual assault : your guide to the criminal justice system
- Assault 2019 (SLS)
- Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Violence Handbook for police and crown prosecutors in Alberta
- Families and the Law – Domestic Violence Series Numerous publications on protection orders, preparing for court, planning for an emergency etc.
- Finding a shelter
- Harassment 2022, Alberta Guide to the law (SLS)
- Information guide for victims of sexual assault
- Restraining Orders
- Safer spaces certificate to end tenancy – ending tenancy due to domestic violence
- Stalking is a crime called criminal harassment
- Willownet Abuse and the law in Alberta
- Women, family violence and immigration
Elder Abuse
- Abuse of Older Adults – Questions & Answers
- Elder Abuse
- Elder Abuse: if plans haven’t been made
- Planning ahead to prevent elder abuse
- Practical guide to Elder abuse and neglect law in Canada
Abuse of persons in care
- Alberta Health Reporting abuse of a person in care
- A Guide to understanding the Protection of Persons in Care Act
Last revised May 25, 2023
Bylaws & Traffic
- Charter Implications of Bylaw Enforcement on People with low incomes in Alberta
- Bylaws, Tickets & Fine 2021, Alberta Guide to the law (SLS)
- Traffic offences
For help finding bylaws see our research guide: “Municipal bylaws“
Charity & Not-For-Profit
- Charity Central
- Pro Bono Law Alberta Help for non-profit and Charities
Complaints against Lawyers
Consumer
- Consumer law Resources (CPLEA)
- Canada Consumer Information
- Consumer tips and resources
- Pay Day Loans … What you should know
- Collection Agencies
- Debt problems … What you should know
- Pay Day Loans
- Legal Health Check – Money Matters
- Consumer bill of rights – Service Alberta
- File a Consumer Complaints against a business
Criminal
- Criminal Law in Alberta
- Guilty Pleas and sentencing
- If you can’t get legal aid for your criminal trial: how to make a Rowbotham Application – this is a B.C. document so you may need to determine the corresponding information for Alberta.
- Parole, 2018
For further information look at our various criminal law research guides.
Employment
Services
- Employment Standards Contact Centre 1-877-427-3731, will answer employment law questions by phone or online.
- Alberta Workers Health Centre 1-866-729-4879 Provides worker health and safety information.
- Office of the Appeals Advisor -WCB Alberta 1-866-922-9221 Contact them if you are questioning a decision on your WCB file.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline and Advisory Office 1-877-944-9955. They can provide assistance with completing forms or submitting complaints.
- Workers’ Resource Centre – Calgary 403-264-8100 They help with legal issues surrounding disability, workers’ compensation and employment insurance claims and other employment related issues.
Information
- Becoming a parent in Alberta
- Collecting an employment standards judgment
- Complaint resolution process
Employment standards
- Employment Contract – Video on your rights as an employee
- Employment Insurance (IE) and job loss
- Employment Law 2022
- Employment Standards
Rules & regulations & filing a complaint
- Employment Standards Guide
- Employment standards umpire hearings
- Guide to Alberta Labour relations laws
- Know your rights in the workplace: youth employment law handbook 2018
- Legal Health Check – Business and Employment
- “Representing Yourself at the Alberta Appeals Commission for Worker’s Compensation” by Lynn Parish – LawNow article
- Criminal Harassment
- Things to know when you’ve lost your job
- Worker’s Resource Centre Know your rights
- Your health and safety rights at work
- Your rights at work
For further information see our research guides: Employment and Labour
Family
- Divorce and Separation
- Do your own Divorce Clinic – Calgary Legal Guidance
- Divorce Magazine
- Family Court Assistance – Alberta Courts
- Families & the Law – CPLEA
- Families Change – information on the law and emotional issues encountered during divorce and separation
- Legal Health Checks – Relationships, Separation and Divorce
- Separation Agreement checklist
- Dating and new relationships for older adults
- Living Together: Adult Interdependent Relationships
Property Division
- Common law relationships and property
- Families and the Law – Property Division for Married and Unmarried Couples
- Divorce and Division of Family property
- Separation and Divorce or Death of a Spouse: Property Division
Child Custody and Access
- The Child’s Right to Love – Based on B.C. Laws
- Families and the law – Parenting time and contact
- Grandparent’s rights in Alberta
Child and Spousal Support
Maintenance Enforcement
- Lawyer’s and self represented litigants guide: maintenance enforcement program
- Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) – 780-422-5555 Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter the phone number above.
Parenting after separation online courses – No cost to attend
- Parenting after Separation (PAS) Mandatory attendance for most Court of King’s Bench proceedings.
- Parenting after Separation for Families in High Conflict (PASHC) Participation is voluntary unless directed by court to attend.
For Domestic abuse issues see the tab Abuse, Harassment and Violence.
For further information see our research guide: Family Law
Videos
Landlord & Tenant & Property
- Service Alberta – Consumer Contact Centre – 1-877-427-4088 – Information for landlords and tenants on the provincial Residential Tenancies Act
- Landlords and tenants
- Edmonton Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board – 780-496-5969
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Services (RTDRS) – 780-644-3000 Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter the phone number above. The RTDRS is a tribunal that gives landlords and tenants a way to settle issues without going to court.
- Laws for Landlords and Tenants in Alberta
- Renting in Alberta
- Gimme shelter housing law in Canada
- Information for Landlords
- Information for Tenants
- Landlord and Tenant: what to do in court (Probono law Alberta) – Video
- Landlord and Tenant Law
- Landlord and Tenant Rights – Your rights as a tenant
- Renting 101: A guide to renting in Alberta
- Renting Basics: Easy read guide to renting in Alberta
- Renting in Canada
- RTA Handbook for Landlords & Tenants: Residential Tenancies Act & Regulations
- Your rights as a tenant
- Your rights when renting
Landlord and tenant law publications and forms
The following publications and more are available from CPLEA:
- Death of a tenant
- Abandoned Goods
- Renting out a room in your home
- Shared Accommodation
- What you need to know about … renting with a pet
- What you need to know if … the place you are renting is sold
- Condo Law for Albertans
- Renting a Condominium
- Foreclosure in Alberta
- Foreclosure for Landlords and Tenants
- Foreclosure Matters: what to do in Court
- Reverse Mortgages
- Renting with Assistance & Support Animals
Property
Human Rights
- Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC) 403-220-2505 aclrc@ucalgary.ca
- Alberta Human Rights Commission – 780-427-7661 (Northern Alberta) 403-297-6571 (Southern Alberta)
- Alberta Human Rights Commission – Information Sheets Covers complaints, employment issues etc.
- Homeless rights 2021
- Human rights and Discrimination 2021
- It’s my right! / C’est mon droit!: Constitutionally protected minority language rights outside of Quebec
- Respectful me, Respectful you: Discrimination, harassment & human rights – Video produced by the Alberta Civil Liberties research centre
- Significance of the Charter in Canadian legal history
- Youth guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms = La Charte canadienne des droits et libertes : guide a l’intention des jeunes
For more information on human rights see our research guide: Constitutional Law & Charter of Rights & Freedoms
Immigration
- Citizen & Immigration Help Centre 1-888-242-2100 Operated by the Government of Canada.
- Access to justice – New Canadians
- Citizenship 2020
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- Criminal charges in Canada and your immigration status
- Mental Illnesses, Criminal Offences & Deportation
- My refugee claim
- Refugee Hearing Preparation Guide
- Welcome to Canada: Publications for newcomers
- Women, family violence and immigration
For further information see our research guide: Immigration
Police
- A Newcomer’s guide to the Calgary police service – When and how to contact the police. Basic rights, laws and crime prevention
- Police Powers: Stops and Searches
Private Prosecution
Texts
- Enforcing Environmental Law: A Guide to Private Prosecution by James S. Mallet Table of Contents
- Private Prosecutions Law Reform Commission of Canada
Record Suspension (formally called pardons)
- Record Suspensions in Canada Government of Canada
- Pardons, Record Suspension and Youth records
- Record Suspension Guide – John Howard Society
- Stuart Freidman, “Broken Record”: Crossing the U.S. border with a Canadian criminal record (2017) 38:1 For the Defence 32
Texts
- Obtaining a Criminal Pardon : clear your name legally by Christopher Guly
Seniors
- Older Adult Knowledge Network (Oaknet) – Provides resources on Grandparent’s rights, housing issues, personal directives and more.
- Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act – Information booklet for someone who has lost capacity
- Grandparent’s rights in Alberta
- Legal Health Checks – Canadian Bar Association
- Life Leases
- Reverse Mortgages
- Seniors, Community and Social Services
- Understanding Guardianship: Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act
For information on elder abuse see the tab on Abuse, Harassment and Violence.
Victims
- Canadian resource centre for victims of crime
- Court Support Program – 1-888-327-7828 Free service that assists victims of crime and witnesses for the crown by providing them with court information, preparation and accompaniment to court.
- Help for victims of crime
- Information guide for victims of sexual assault
- Navigating the Canadian criminal justice system
- Understanding the Court Process – Court Support in Alberta
- Victim Assistance Support Team
- Victim impact statement – Form & information
- Victim Services Directory – Justice Canada
- Victim Services Unit – Alberta
- Victim’s guide to the Canadian criminal justice system questions and answers
Youth
Online Legal Information and Resources
- Alberta Law Libraries Research Guides – many guides on specific legal topics
- Calgary Legal Guidance – Provides access to legal information and programs through their website.
- Canada’s Court System
- Canada’s System of Justice
- Canadian Judicial Council
- Canadian Legal FAQs – Canadian Legal FAQs is a collection of legal questions and answers organized by jurisdiction and topic.
- Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) – use to research Canadian cases and legislation
- CanLII Primer Legal Research Principles and CanLII Navigation for self-represented litigants
- Canadian Legal Research and Writing Guide
- Centre for Public Legal Education in Alberta (CPLEA)– Provides pamphlets, videos, and websites on many different legal topics that are updated frequently.
- Edmonton Community Legal Centre Provides information on various different legal topics.
- LawCentral Alberta is a portal to law-related information and educational resources on justice and legal issues of interest to Albertans.
- Law Now Digital magazine developed with the public in mind. Focuses on different topics each month.
- Laws and Justice – Government of Alberta
- Legal Health Checks – Canadian Bar Association
- Legal information vs legal advice: what’s the difference?
- Legal Research and Writing
- Principles of Legal Research – University of Ottawa
- Reading and Understanding Case Reports: A Guide for Self-Represented Litigants
- Student Legal Services of Edmonton – Legal topics are explored under the “Resources tab”
Booklets
- Canadian Legal System (CPLEA) Booklet on the court system in Alberta and which jurisdiction certain issues fall under.
- Helping Clients With Legal Issues (CPLEA)
- Is it reliable? 7 clues to good legal information online
- Seven steps to solving a legal problem
- Working with a lawyer
Definitions
- Glossary of Legal Terms – Law Society of Alberta
- Glossary of Legal terms – Steps to justice Ontario
- Canadian Online Legal Dictionary
- Emond Glossary of Legal Terms
Additional Resources
Alberta’s Province Wide Service Directory – Provides information on services across the province searchable by location.
Alberta Supports – Provides access to various programs and community services.
Homeless outreach Program – Calgary Legal guidance provides assistance, advice and referrals through lawyer and non-lawyer team.
Service Alberta – Provides information on many topics including consumer protection, housing and vehicles.
Social Benefits Assistance Program – Calgary Legal Guidance. They can help you with accessing social benefit programs including AISH, Alberta Works and the Alberta/Child Health benefit.
Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program – 780-427-8255 Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter the phone number above. They protect victims injured by uninsured or unknown drivers.
Sorce – 403-428-3300 (Calgary) They provide a collaborative service between many Calgary based organizations.
Victim Services Alberta – 780-427-3460 Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter the phone number above. They provide services throughout the province. For locations check the website.
John Howard Society They assist with the transition from prison, may help with records suspensions and offer various other services to help reduce crime. Services vary depending on the location. See the locations below for the one nearest you.
- Calgary John Howard Society – 403-266-4566
- Edmonton John Howard Society – 780-428-7590
- Grande Prairie John Howard Society – 780-532-0370
- Lethbridge John Howard Society – 403-327-8202
- Medicine Hat John Howard Society – 403-526-5916
- Red Deer John Howard Society – 403-343-1770
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