Counselling Services
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre) is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis. The Centre offers the following services:
In addition to four regional distress lines, the Centre also provides two provincial 1-800-SUICIDE lines and two Mental Health Information lines. The provincial 1-800-SUICIDE lines and Mental Health Support Lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.
Online Distress Services (YouthInBC.com, CrisisCentreChat.ca)
Provides adults with an opportunity to talk openly yet confidentially when in distress, or crisis, seek emotional support, and locate referral services in their community.
Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and social service centers for young people ages 12-24, providing a one-stop-shop for young people to access mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services, and youth and family peer support.
Whether it’s by phone, online chat or text, connect with a counsellor or trained volunteer to ask questions, help you understand what’s going on for you and find resources online or in your community.
Settlement Supports
Learn Live BC:
Information about learning, living and working in BC
BC Newcomer’s Guide:
Comprehensive information guide includes information on pre-arrival, legal, housing, banking, medical and more – 15 languages available
Housing Support
Residential Tenancy Branch Metro Vancouver:
Tenants can find information to guide them from the start of a tenancy to the end.
Living Costs
Cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants
Tenancy Rights in British Columbia
Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC):
Online guide to better understanding tenant-landlord law in BC.
Low-Cost Legal Support
ClickLaw:
Provides legal information, education and help for British Columbians from trusted organizations
BC Human Rights Clinic:
Free legal services to people who need help with a provincial human rights complaint
BC Human Rights Tribunal:
Responsible for accepting, screening, mediating, and adjudicating human rights complaints.
Canadian Human Rights Commission:
Find help on discrimination and harassment, complaint rules, accessibility, housing, pay equity matters, as well as information on emergency support services and provincial and territorial human rights agencies.
Employment Safety, Rights and Responsibilities
BC Employment Standards:
The Employment Standards Branch set minimum standards for wages and working conditions in most workplaces. Learn more about who this applies to, answers to common questions and general information and forms
Complaint Process:
Steps to take when you have an Employment Standards problem.
Workplace Rights:
Employees in Canada are protected by laws and regulations. Employers have obligations to their employees on topics such as pay, hours of work and safety.
For more information on topics such as healthcare, emergencies, education, learning English, driving, public transportation, managing your money and mail see: