Publications are available in printed versions, free of charge and available in digital format where indicated.

Email the BCCLA to order publications >>

The Citizenship Handbook:
A Guide to Democratic Rights and Responsibilities
revised 2008. 118 pages

Available in:
English >>
Punjabi
Vietnamese

A resource created for students and new Canadians, but also a useful reminder for all Canadians who take their citizenship for granted. Topics discussed include:

-protecting your rights
-making the democratic process work for you
-dealing with government agencies.

The Teaching and Workshop Guide for ESL Teachers and Settlement Counselors
(a support package for the Citizenship Handbook)

The Arrest Handbook:
A Guide to Your Rights
revised 2008. 62 pp. Free

Available in:
Arabic >>
English >>
Spanish >>
Vietnamese

This handbook explains in plain language the range of conduct citizens can expect from police in the lawful exercise of their duties.

The Arrest Pocketbook:
A Guide to Your Rights
revised 2008. 20 pp. Free.

Available in:
Arabic >>
English >>
Spanish >>
Vietnamese

The pocketbook is a mini-version of the handbook and explains in plain language the range of conduct citizens can expect from police in the lawful exercise of their duties. At this time, we are unable to provide copies of the English version of the pocket book.

Making a Complaint Against the Police
Brochure >>

Answers these questions... and others:

• What counts as a complaint against the police?
• When and how should I complain?
• What information should I give about my complaint?
• How do I know what the police will investigate?
• What if I am not satisfied with the formal response?
  

The Facts About Drug Testing in the Workplace
Brochure >>

Brochure on the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers.

Questions addressed include:

• What is drug testing? Is drug testing accurate?
• If I refuse to take a drug test, can I be disciplined or fired?
• What are my rights under the Charter?
• Who should I call if my
  employer demands a drug test?

Rights Talk:
Students and Civil Liberties at School
revised 2005
Rights Talk >>

Liberties
Ed. John Russell. Vancouver: New Star Books, 1989.
246 pages.

In this collection, John Russell, former executive director and past president of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, brings together 17 articles and briefs on important civil liberties issues: The porn debate has been on-going. Where do we draw the line? John Dixon, Alister Browne, David Copp and Reg Robson explore the issues. Can a democracy tolerate the hate propaganda of the Jim Keegstras and Ernst Zundels in our midst?

Lynda Hird and John Dixon review the place of minorities in our society. When law enforcement clashes with our rights, who gets the benefit of the doubt? John Russell, Philip Bryden, David Copp and Alister Browne on CSIS, police powers and capital punishment. Plus articles on AIDS testing, legal aid, drug use and psychological testing by employers.