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Date updated: May 17, 2019

Legal Help

Whether you need help now, help with getting your affairs in order, to find out how to protect yourself; use these resources or get in touch with us and we can direct you to the right information.

Important legal documents everyone should have

This link provides information on Wills/Estates, Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive

General links (listed in alphabetical order):

The Adult Protection Act protects adults who are at risk of abuse and neglect, and who do not understand or appreciate that risk. Contact your Regional Health Authority at 1-855-376-4957 to report an adult who may be at risk of abuse or neglect and who does not understand or appreciate that risk. No long distance charges will apply. You can report confidentially. Call 911 for emergencies or situations requiring the police.  
The Better Business Services sets standards for and evaluates businesses, charities, advertisements... BBB alerts customers and businesses to unfair or illegal practices and schemes in Canada (nationally and locally). Services for NL are carried out online, by phone from Halifax through the BBB Atlantic Offices (see below). Contact by telephone Toll free: 1-877-663-2363 or by E-mail: info@ap.bbb.org  
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) connects people and organizations, works to share reliable information, and advances program and policy development on issues related to preventing the abuse of older adults.
CARP is Canada’s largest advocacy association for older Canadians. Formerly known as Canadian Association for Retired Persons. CARP:
  • CARP advocates for social change (topics: financial security, access to health care, freedom from ageism)
  • CARP offers insurance to its members
  • Publishes Zoomer Magazine nine times a year
  • Sponsors Drive Wise, a program of driving tips and strategies for seniors, delivered free by the RNC (see RNC resource).
  • Has local chapters, for example CARP NL Chapter 1
Contact CARP at 1-888-363-2279 Contact CARP NL Sharron Callahan, President  at 709-690-1238  or nl@carp.ca View Facebook
Consumer Advisories and Alerts webpage that provides a consolidation of information for consumers interested in bad business practices, public advisories, consumer alerts and consumer product recalls. The updated webpage is easy to navigate, giving consumers’ quick access to information to help them make informed choices and protect their health. The webpage will be reviewed and updated regularly to provide additional information and to ensure consumers have access to the most current notifications. This provincial government initiative enhances consumer protection.
The Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada, Inc.  can provide you with a debt management plan. Credit counselling services help you manage your finances and get out of debt. While it isn’t easy, with a little bit of help you can live a debt-free life. In addition, CCSAC provides financial education programs at the community level..
To Book an Appointment - please call 709-753-5812 and press 1 to talk to a real person or leave a message. E-mail at info@ccsnl.ca     Credit Counselling Services of Newfoundland and Labrador have trained Financial Wellness Counsellors to assist people with credit and debt needs. They can provide creditor interventions or assist with retiring debt.
Eastern Health suggests that you complete an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHCD) and Power of Attorney before your admission to a personal care home or nursing home. An Advance Health Care Directive helps individuals to make sure that their health care wishes (written) are known if for any reason they are unable to speak for themselves. A power of attorney is a written document that names the person you wish to act for you in relation to financial matters. An enduring power of attorney is required if you become mentally incapacitated. They suggest that you see a lawyer and discuss your wishes regarding your financial matters
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's (FCAC's) mandate is to protect Canadian financial consumers and strengthen financial literacy. The FCAC  website features the Financial Literacy Strategy for Canadians. The National Strategy is a 5-year plan to create a more accessible, inclusive, and effective financial ecosystem. The National Strategy is focused on how financial literacy stakeholders can reduce barriers, catalyze action, and work together to collectively help Canadians build financial resilience.

Guide to Programs and Services for Individuals and Families- Government of NL

This guide can help people find out what Provincial Government programs and services are available. See PDF version as link. Printed copies or alternate formats are available upon request by calling 1-866-883-6600 or via email at guidetoservices@gov.nl.ca
The Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman (OTO)  operates at arms length from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Taxpayers can make complaints to this office in response to individual service by CRA.  Contact  at 1-866-586-3839 (Canada and the United States) or outreachacg@oto-boc.gc.ca    
As their event, "The Big Tea" indicates, Independent Age is a United Kingdom site.  Contact numbers, events, language, and many resources are specific to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. There are other resources available on the site. Advice Guides, Factsheets & Leaflets are free to download and printed copies are available for a price.
NOTE Closed until further notice - Staff will be working remotely call or e-mail. Number(s) to call: 709-729-7647 Office of the Citizens’ Representative: Toll free: 1-800-559-0079 or e-mail citrep@gov.nl.ca   Are you having a problem with provincial government services or programs? The Office of the Citizens’ Representative (OCR) provides a province-wide ombudsman service. The main work of the Citizens’ Representative is to accept complaints from citizens who feel they have been treated unfairly with respect to their contact with government offices and agencies.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) works to help improve the digital literacy of Canadians. For seniors, they raise awareness of privacy issues and rights, and provide guidance and information to help older adults reduce privacy risks. On this page, you will find:
  • Tips to help protect your privacy online
  • Protecting personal information on your mobile devices
  • 10 Tips for Protecting Personal Information
  • Identity Theft and You
  • Top 10 tips to protect your inbox, computer and mobile device
  • Privacy presentation package Find slides and speaking notes for presenting to seniors about online privacy and protecting personal information.
This page provides a link to OPC's individuals page where you will find a full range of privacy information and advice on a wide range of topics.
Canadian Bankers Association promotes financial literacy to help Canadians make informed financial decisions. The financial literacy program, Your Money Seniors, has three modules: Cash Management, Financial Abuse, and Fraud Prevention
Did you know that PLIAN is a member of of the Public Legal Education Association of Canada? PLIAN is the Public Legal Information Association of NL. PLEAC is made up of public legal education and information organizations from all across Canada. PLEAC-ACEIJ just launched its new website
COVID-19 UPDATE:  OCTOBER 14, 2021 Both PLIAN offices are OPEN in both St. John's and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.  Staff is working in both offices to serve clients for the Legal Information Line, Lawyer Referral Service, and The Journey Project by phone, email, Zoom, or in person. In-person clients are advised to book an appointment in advance before coming into the office. Masks and contact tracing is required for all in-person clients at both offices. PLIAN working on vaccine protocol for staff, clients, in-person sessions, and community partners. In-Person Presentations: Case by Case basis, in accordance with public health guidance and restrictions (They try to ensure Zoom sessions are offered as well). Staff continue offer PLIAN's Legal Information Line and Lawyer Referral Service Have a general legal question or need to speak with a lawyer? Telephone: 1-888-660-7788 (province-wide) OR  709-722-2643 (St. John's local) E-mail: info@publiclegalinfo.com Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (island time) PLIAN's OFFICE in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL Telephone: 709-896-5235 E-mail: labrador@publiclegalinfo.com Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 am (Atlantic time) ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador provides general information and education about the law to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with the intent of increasing access to resources, information and justice.

PLIAN has developed a number of publications about many different areas of the law: Wills and Estates; Family Law; Criminal Law; Other Areas of Law; Links and Resources

Check out PLIAN's  Family Law Form Builder publiclegalinfo.com/builder NOTE: PLIAN is located at: 291-293 Water St. Suite 301, 4th Floor, St. John's, NL A1C 1B9. People can access PLIAN via the Merchant Tavern entrance and then come up the stairs or elevator. Walk-ins just call ahead to make sure someone in the office.
Both PLIAN offices are OPEN - St. John's and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Staff are working in both offices to serve clients for the Legal Information Line, Lawyer Referral Service, and The Journey Project by phone, email, Zoom, or in person. In-person clients are advised to book an appointment in advance before coming into the office. Masks and contact tracing is required for all in-person clients at both offices. PLIAN working on vaccine protocol for staff, clients, in-person sessions, and community partners. In-Person Presentations: Case by Case basis, in accordance with public health guidance and restrictions (They try to ensure Zoom sessions are offered as well). The Family Law Online Form Builder is a service available online (see link below). If you need to ask questions regarding this service Telephone: 1-888-660-7788 (province-wide) OR  709-722-2643 (St. John's local) E-mail: info@publiclegalinfo.com Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (island time) PLIAN's OFFICE in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL Telephone: 709-896-5235 E-mail: labrador@publiclegalinfo.com Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 am (Atlantic time)   Check out Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador's  Family Law Form Builder These forms are used to notify the Court that there are family law issues you would like to have resolved. This Family Law Online Form Builder will guide you as you create the form(s) you need. Once you have completed your form(s), you will be directed to a web page where your form is available to print. All forms must be printed and filed with the Court.
The Seniors and Aging Division works with other government departments and agencies to promote healthy aging across the lifespan. The Division acts as a centre of expertise and knowledge on aging and seniors. The main functions of the Division is are to oversee the implementation of seniors and aging initiatives and adult protection. Goals of the division include: creation of a more age-friendly province; eradication of ageism; and the protection of vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to protect themselves. The division also serves as the secretariat for the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors (PACAS) and works with the Council, other government departments, seniors’ organizations and retiree groups, the federal government, other provinces and territories and multiple key stakeholders to achieve its goals. 1-888-494-2266
Do you take care of a loved one? This is an informative website with some good information and links to federal resources about caregiving. Please note – any provincial links contain Ontario-specific information.
To speak with someone at the Office of the Seniors' Advocate: Telephone: 709-729-6603 Toll-Free: 1-833-729-6603 Email: seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca The Office of the Seniors' Advocate is an independent office of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador.  The Advocate will seek input from seniors in NL. The Office of the Seniors' Advocate is established to work together with seniors' organizations (such as SeniorsNL), service providers, and others to identify and address systemic issues related to seniors.  OSA will then determine where seniors believe gaps exist in legislation, policies, programs and services.  Once gaps are identified as systemic we can complete comprehensive reviews and make recommendations as to how to address those gaps to improve seniors' services.  The  Office of the Seniors' Advocate will also promote awareness to the general public.    
Both Offices are OPEN - St. John's and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Staff is working in both offices to serve clients for the Legal Information Line, Lawyer Referral Service, and The Journey Project by phone, email, Zoom, or in person. In-person clients are advised to book an appointment in advance before coming into the office. Masks and contact tracing is required for all in-person clients at both offices. PLIAN working on vaccine protocol for staff, clients, in-person sessions, and community partners. In-Person Presentations: Case by Case basis, in accordance with public health guidance and restrictions (They try to ensure Zoom sessions are offered as well). You can reach The Journey Project team at the following: Phone: 709-722-2805 (St. John's local) Toll-Free/VRS: 1-833-722-2805 email: support@journeyprojectnl.com To reach a specific Legal Support Navigator: Janet Lee janet@journeyprojectnl.com Cell: 709-986-2801 Ashley MacDonald ashley@journeyprojectnl.com Cell: 709-986-2811 Mandy Penney mandy@journeyprojectnl.com Cell: 709-219-3352 If you need immediate support, the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre’s Crisis, Support, and Information Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year at 1-800-726-2743.
The Journey Project is a joint initiative of the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) and the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre (NLSACPC) . The goal is to enhance supports for survivors of sexual violence in the justice system. Seniors do not often talk about sexual violence. Older adults do experience sexual violence. There is support!
  • The Sexual Violence Legal Support Service
  • Legal Support Navigation for Survivors
  • Trauma-Informed Training for Stakeholders in the Justice System
Call:             1-833-722-2805 or e-mail support@journeyprojectnl.com If individuals need support outside the hours of the service, contact the Sexual Assault Crisis, Support and Information Line at 1-800-726-2743.
The Sexual Assault of Older Women - Criminal Justice Responses in Canada, Isabel Grant and Janine Benedet, April 19, 2018. This presentation is  is part of  the project “Increasing Access to Justice for Older Adult Victims of Sexual Assault: A Capacity Building Approach”. It is funded by the Justice Canada Victims Fund. Learn more about this project on elder abuse or consult the full list of resources (see links on this page).  View the recorded webinar on youtube or download the slides (link below).    

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