Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) conducts research, education and advocacy relevant to the right of lawyers and human rights defenders to uphold, advocate, and report on international human rights issues and to advocate the implementation of international human rights law.
LRWC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or services to the general public. LRWC volunteers DO NOT provide
- legal advice
- referrals to other lawyers
- immigration and refugee resettlement advice or assistance
- assistance in obtaining consular protection
To obtain assistance, we suggest the following.
Canada’s refugee stream for human rights defenders at risk
To be considered for Canada’s refugee program for human rights defenders at risk, individuals must be referred to the Government of Canada by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The Government of Canada is working with Front Line Defenders (canadaprogram@frontlinedefenders.org) or ProtectDefenders.eu who are experts in the field of protection for human rights defenders. These organizations work with the UNHCR to identify human rights defenders most in need of resettlement.
More information on seeking asylum in Canada:
- General information from the Government of Canada about seeking asylum in Canada.
- General information from the UN Refugee Agency about making an asylum claim in Canada.
- Information provided by the FCJ Refugee Centre in Toronto on how to seek immigration help or refugee protection in Canada.
- Information for Canadian citizens about emergency consular services.
How to find a lawyer in Canada
Alberta
- Law Society of Alberta, Lawyer referral
British Columbia
- Access Probono, Lawyer referral service
- Legal Aid BC
Manitoba
- Community Legal Education Association, Lawyer referral program
- Law Society of Manitoba: Finding a lawyer
- Legal Aid Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
- Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid
- Public Legal Education Society of Nova Scotia, Lawyers and Legal Help
Northwest Territories
- Law Society of the Northwest Territories, Finding a lawyer
- Law Society of the Northwest Territories, Legal Aid
Nunavut
- Law Society of Nunavut, finding a lawyer
- Nunavut Legal Aid
Ontario:
- Law Society of Ontario: Finding a lawyer or paralegal
- Legal Aid Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
- Barreau de Quebec, Find lawyer
- Aid Juridique du Quebec (lega laid)
Saskatchewan
- Law Society of Saskatchewan: Finding a lawyer (links to probono and legal aid services)
- Legal Aid Saskatchewan
Yukon
- Law Society of Yukon
- Yukon Legal Services Society (legal aid)

