Litigation & Disputes

Limitation Period

Also called: Statute of Limitations, Limitation Date

The deadline for starting a lawsuit, after which the claim is generally barred no matter how strong it is.

Varies by jurisdiction. Limitation periods are provincial and differ. Some claims have their own specialised, and much shorter, deadlines.

Most provinces apply a basic limitation period of two years from when the claim was discovered, together with an ultimate longstop period. Discovery rules, and the treatment of minors and incapacity, vary.

Why it matters: this is the deadline that most often ends an otherwise good claim. Missing it is usually irreversible.

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A definition can tell you what a term means. It cannot tell you what to do about your matter — that needs a licensed lawyer who knows the facts.

Legal information, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and change over time. A licensed lawyer must review your matter.

Editorial status: Lawkin Editorial — pending independent legal review.

Limitation Period — Canadian legal glossary | Lawkin — Lawkin