Community Legal Assistance Society

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization and legal aid society based in British Columbia. Founded in 1971, it is recognized as one of Canada’s first community law offices, providing legal services to low- and moderate-income individuals, particularly those facing discrimination or disadvantage. CLAS specializes in areas such as mental health law, human rights law, and poverty law, aiming to advance dignity, equality, and justice for marginalized populations in British Columbia.

History

Community Legal Assistance Society was established in 1971, with its first office located in Vancouver. The organization was co-founded by Mike Harcourt, who later became the Premier of British Columbia. Since its inception, CLAS has worked to provide legal assistance and to influence legal frameworks to better serve disadvantaged communities across the province.

Programs and Services

CLAS operates several key programs:

• BC Human Rights Clinic: Provides free legal representation to individuals with complaints before the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, assisting clients province-wide in matters relating to discrimination and human rights violations.

• Mental Health Law Program: Offers legal representation for people involuntarily detained under the Mental Health Act or those found Not Criminally Responsible or Unfit to Stand Trial under the Criminal Code of Canada.

• Community Law Program: Assists clients with legal issues related to housing security, income security, workers’ rights, equality, and challenges faced by individuals with mental illness.

• Community Advocate Support Line: A dedicated telephone support service for advocates and community workers in British Columbia, offering guidance and support for navigating legal matters affecting their clients.

Additionally, CLAS provides confidential legal advice specifically related to sexual harassment in workplaces in British Columbia, offering up to five hours of free legal counsel and collaborating with organizations to provide education and training on preventing workplace harassment.

Mission and Impact

The mission of CLAS is to provide legal advice and assistance to individuals who are physically, mentally, socially, or economically disadvantaged or whose human rights require protection. The organization works not only to assist clients with their legal issues but also to develop and advance laws that better address systemic issues impacting vulnerable populations.

Since its foundation, CLAS has played a significant role in advocating for legal reforms and offering critical support services, thereby contributing to greater access to justice and human rights protections in British Columbia.

Business Registration Number: 118870724RR0001

Official Website: www.clasbc.net[1][2][3][4][5]