CLAS Programs

CLAS is an umbrella organization consisting of a number of programs and projects. CLAS ensures that services are delivered by legal staff experienced in a specific area of the law, and that legal expertise is shared between programs when areas of law that we practice intersect.

Currently CLAS operates five programs:

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Community Law Program

The Community Law Program is a multidisciplinary centre of legal expertise that uses, advances, and reforms the law to protect the critical needs of those facing poverty. We envision a society where everyone can secure their critical needs with dignity and autonomy. CLP uses the law when it protects the critical needs of those facing poverty and works to change the law when it does not.

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BC Human Rights Clinic

The BC Human Rights Clinic provides representation to complainants who have cases before the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Our services integrate information, advocacy and education. Our advocacy program protects existing rights and our education program helps to prevent discrimination. Together this integrated approach works to promote and strengthen human rights.

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Mental Health Law Program

Since 1977, the Mental Health Law Program (MHLP) has been providing representation to those who have been involuntarily detained pursuant to the BC Mental Health Act or to those subject to the Mental Disorder Provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada.

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Community Advocate Support Line

The Community Advocate Support Line (CASL) is a poverty law legal support service specifically for community-based advocates across BC.

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Stand Informed Legal Advice Services

Stand Informed provides free and confidential legal advice from a lawyer to anyone in British Columbia who has experienced sexual assault in BC.