Which organizations provide support in resolving legal issues?

Legal issues can arise unexpectedly in anyone's life, especially for new immigrants who are unfamiliar with the Canadian legal system. Calgary, as one of Alberta's largest cities, offers a well-developed network of organizations that provide free or subsidized legal assistance in various areas of law. These services help resolve issues ranging from family and immigration law to labor disputes and consumer protection, ensuring access to justice for vulnerable populations.

Calgary Legal Guidance

Calgary Legal Guidance is the largest non-profit organization providing free legal assistance to Calgary residents with limited financial resources. Located at 840 7 Avenue SW, consultations are available:

  • Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Phone: 403-234-9266 · Email: [email protected]

The program covers family matters (divorce, custody, child support), criminal law (minor offenses), civil disputes (disputes with landlords, debts), immigration law (CIC, CUAET, refugees), and other areas. The mobile clinics operate in partnership with:

  • Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (403-263-4414)

  • Centre for Newcomers (403-569-3325)

  • Immigrant Services Calgary (403-265-1120)

Each clinic provides family and immigration law consultations in a multilingual environment.

Legal Aid Alberta

Legal Aid Alberta provides subsidized legal services to low-income individuals in criminal, family, and civil matters, including immigration and refugee matters. Calgary office:

  • Address: Dominion Centre, 1100, 665 8 St SW
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 8:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
  • Toll-free: 1-866-845-3425

Eligibility depends on income, family size, and the nature of the case. Fees are $125/hour, with flexible payment plans available.

Immigrant Services Calgary

Immigrant Services Calgary (403-265-1120) serves over 10,000 newcomers annually, providing information and free legal clinics in partnership with Calgary Legal Guidance. Appointments can be made through the Gateway Newcomer Planner: online, by email, or by phone.

Centre for Newcomers

The Centre for Newcomers (403-569-3325), located at the T&T Centre in NE Calgary, offers free mobile legal clinics on family and immigration law in collaboration with Calgary Legal Guidance. Services are provided by multicultural professionals.

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

CCIS (403-262-2006) has been supporting immigrants and refugees in the region for over 40 years. The organization offers over 95 programs, including legal seminars, counseling, and assistance with immigration paperwork.

Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

CIWA (403-263-4414) is a non-profit organization founded in 1982. The free legal advice program covers family and immigration law. Consultations are provided exclusively by female lawyers, creating a safe environment for clients.

Student Legal Assistance (SLA)

Student Legal Assistance at the University of Calgary (3390 Murray Fraser Hall, 403-220-6637) provides free legal assistance to university students and members of the community. The program covers criminal, family, civil, and academic disputes, as well as limited immigration advice.

Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA)

PBLA (403-541-4804) does not provide legal services directly, but coordinates pro bono initiatives and programs, including:

  • King’s Bench Court Assistance Program
  • Civil Claims Duty Counsel at the Calgary Courts Centre.

Women’s Centre of Calgary

The Women’s Centre of Calgary (403-264-1155) provides free 30-minute legal consultations for women on family, civil, and immigration matters. Hours:

  • Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Wed–Thu: 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Additional resources

  • 211 Alberta: database of legal services in Calgary.

  • Court and Justice Services (1-855-738-4747): information about court services.

  • Alberta Legal Information Centre: free information in French (1-844-266-5822).

  • Law Society of Alberta: search for licensed lawyers online.

Each of these organizations plays an important role in ensuring access to justice for Calgary residents. Whether your needs are related to family and immigration matters or criminal and housing disputes, there is a resource in the city ready to provide support and protect your rights. Take advantage of these services to get the legal help you need and build a successful life in Canada.