Free Tool for Canadian Lawyers
Limitation Period Calculator for Canadian Lawyers
Calculate the exact filing deadline for any Canadian cause of action — Ontario, BC, Alberta, Quebec, and more. Enter the discovery date and jurisdiction; get your deadline in seconds.
Calculate my limitation periodWhat this tool does
- ✓Calculates basic and ultimate limitation periods for all Canadian provinces and federal jurisdiction
- ✓Applies the discoverability principle — enter the date the client first knew about the claim
- ✓Handles Quebec's 3-year civil law prescription period separately from common law provinces
- ✓Generates a 90-day advance warning date so you can calendar alerts in time
How to use this tool
- 1
Select the jurisdiction
Choose the province or territory where the cause of action arose: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland, or Federal.
- 2
Select the cause of action
Choose the type of claim — negligence, breach of contract, trespass to person, defamation, professional malpractice, or another cause of action listed in the tool.
- 3
Enter the date of discovery
Enter the date the claimant first knew (or ought reasonably to have known) about the claim. This is the discovery date under the discoverability principle.
- 4
Read your deadline
The calculator displays the exact limitation period deadline and a 90-day advance warning date. For Quebec, the prescription period under the Civil Code is shown separately.
Limitation periods by province
Canada has no single federal limitation period for most civil claims — each province has its own legislation. The table below summarizes the basic limitation period for general civil claims.
| Province / Territory | Basic Limitation | Ultimate Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 2 years (Limitations Act, 2002) | 15 years |
| British Columbia | 2 years (Limitation Act, SBC 2012) | 15 years |
| Alberta | 2 years (Limitations Act, RSA 2000) | 10 years |
| Manitoba | 2 years (The Limitations of Actions Act) | 15 years |
| Saskatchewan | 2 years (The Limitations Act, SS 2004) | 15 years |
| New Brunswick | 2 years (Limitation of Actions Act, SNB 2009) | 15 years |
| Nova Scotia | 2 years (Limitation of Actions Act, SNS 2014) | 15 years |
| Quebec | 3 years (CCQ art. 2925 — prescription) | N/A (different regime) |
| Federal (Crown) | 2 years (Crown Liability and Proceedings Act) | — |
* This table is for general reference only. Specific causes of action, discovery dates, and tolling rules may alter these periods. Consult the applicable legislation and case law for your matter.
Frequently asked questions
What is a limitation period in Canada?
A limitation period is the window of time within which a claimant must commence a legal proceeding. In Ontario it is generally 2 years from the date of discovery (Limitations Act, 2002). Missing the deadline typically bars the claim permanently.
What is the basic limitation period in Ontario?
Ontario's basic limitation period is 2 years from the date the claim was discovered (Limitations Act, 2002, s. 4). There is also an ultimate limitation period of 15 years from the date the act or omission occurred, regardless of discovery.
How does Quebec's prescription period differ from common law provinces?
Quebec uses the Civil Code of Québec rather than common law. The standard prescription period is 3 years (CCQ art. 2925), not 2 years. Certain actions (e.g., personal injury) have different prescription periods. The discoverability principle applies differently under civil law.
What is the limitation period in British Columbia?
British Columbia's Limitation Act (SBC 2012, c. 13) provides a 2-year basic limitation period from the date of discovery, and a 15-year ultimate limitation period. The Act replaced the former 6-year general limitation and simplified the framework.
Can a limitation period be suspended or extended in Canada?
Yes. Most provinces allow tolling (suspension) during the claimant's minority, incapacity, or fraudulent concealment by the defendant. Parties can also agree in writing to extend a limitation period. Court orders can sometimes extend time.
What happens if I miss a limitation period?
The defendant can plead the expiry of the limitation period as a complete defence to the claim. The court will generally dismiss the action. This is one of the most serious malpractice risks for lawyers — limitation period tracking is a non-negotiable part of file management.
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