Suspension of Limitation Periods will end March 25, 2021
ICYMI – On December 21, 2020, the BC Government announced that the suspension of limitation periods for starting a civil or family case or appeal in BC courts will end on March 25, 2021.
While the previous provisions relating to the suspension of limitation periods allowed for a transition period after the end of the state of emergency, under the new order there will be no transition or grace period. March 25, 2021 will be the last day of the suspension of limitation periods.
Brief History of the Suspension:
- March 26, 2020 – The BC government first introduced the suspension of mandatory limitation periods and other mandatory time periods for commencing a civil or family action, proceeding, claim or appeal in BC courts. The original order linked the suspension to the end of the provincial state of emergency.
- July 8, 2020 – The COVID-19 Related Measures Act was passed, enacting the order that suspended the limitation periods as a provision of the Act. The Act also allowed for a transition period to extend the suspension beyond the end of the state of emergency.
- December 21, 2020 – The suspension of limitation periods is de-linked from the duration of the state of emergency and is set to end on March 25, 2021. There are no transition periods after March 25, 2021.
For more information, please see the Order in Council and further information from the government here.
If you have been waiting to file your judicial review, do not hesitate any further. Read more about judicial reviews in our “Intro to Judicial Review” blog or go to judicialreviewbc.ca to learn how to file for judicial review.
This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. To determine if your matter is affected by the end of the suspension of limitation periods, please seek legal advice.