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Limitations Act, 2002

S.O. 2002, chapter 24
Schedule B

Consolidation Period: From December 6, 2023 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 2023, c. 23, Sched. 1, s. 115.

Legislative History: 2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 50; 2004, c. 16, Sched. D, Table; 2004, c. 31, Sched. 22; 2006, c. 21, Sched. D; 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 29; 2007, c. 13, s. 44; 2008, c. 19, Sched. L; 2008, c. 19, Sched. V, s. 4; 2009, c. 13, s. 12; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 21, s. 5; 2010, c. 1, Sched. 14; 2010, c. 16, Sched. 4, s. 27; 2015, c. 20, Sched. 39, s. 5; 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2; CTS 18 AU 10 - 1; 2017, c. 2, Sched. 3, s. 6; 2017, c. 2, Sched. 5, s. 14; 2017, c. 2, Sched. 8, s. 5; 2017, c. 10, Sched. 4, s. 7; 2017, c. 24, s. 77; 2017, c. 34, Sched. 12, s. 11; 2019, c. 15, Sched. 22, s. 98; 2019, c. 17, Sched. 2, s. 15; 2020, c. 11, Sched. 16; 2020, c. 36, Sched. 25; 2021, c. 34, Sched. 9, s. 10; 2023, c. 21, Sched. 9, s. 14; 2023, c. 23, Sched. 1, s. 115.

CONTENTS

Definitions and Application

1.

Definitions

2.

Application

3.

Crown

Basic Limitation Period

4.

Basic limitation period

5.

Discovery

6.

Minors

7.

Incapable persons

8.

Litigation guardians

9.

Appointment of litigation guardian on application or motion by potential defendant

11.

Attempted resolution

12.

Successors

13.

Acknowledgments

14.

Notice of possible claim

Ultimate Limitation Periods

15.

Ultimate limitation periods

No Limitation Period

16.

No limitation period

17.

Undiscovered environmental claims

General Rules

18.

Contribution and indemnity

19.

Other Acts, etc.

20.

Statutory variation of time limits

21.

Adding party

22.

Limitation periods apply despite agreements

23.

Conflict of laws

24.

Transition

Schedule

(section 19)

 

Definitions and Application

Definitions

1 In this Act,

“adverse effect” has the same meaning as in the Environmental Protection Act; (“conséquence préjudiciable”)

“assault” includes a battery; (“voies de fait”)

“claim” means a claim to remedy an injury, loss or damage that occurred as a result of an act or omission;  (“réclamation”)

“contaminant” has the same meaning as in the Environmental Protection Act; (“contaminant”)

“discharge” has the same meaning as in the Environmental Protection Act; (“rejet”, “rejeter”)

“environmental claim” means a claim based on an act or omission that caused, contributed to, or permitted the discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment that has caused or is likely to cause an adverse effect; (“réclamation relative à l’environnement”)

“natural environment” has the same meaning as in the Environmental Protection Act. (“environnement naturel”)  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 1.

Application

2 (1) This Act applies to claims pursued in court proceedings other than,

(a) proceedings to which the Real Property Limitations Act applies;

(b) proceedings in the nature of an appeal, if the time for commencing them is governed by an Act or rule of court;

(c) proceedings under the Judicial Review Procedure Act;

(d) proceedings to which the Provincial Offences Act applies;

(e) proceedings based on the existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada which are recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;

(f) proceedings based on equitable claims by aboriginal peoples against the Crown; and

(g) proceedings to which the Limitation Convention or the Amended Limitation Convention, as defined in the International Sales Conventions Act, applies. 2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 2 (1); 2017, c. 2, Sched. 8, s. 5.

Exception, aboriginal rights

(2) Proceedings referred to in clause (1) (e) and (f) are governed by the law that would have been in force with respect to limitation of actions if this Act had not been passed.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 2 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2017, c. 2, Sched. 8, s. 5 - 22/03/2017

Crown

3 This Act binds the Crown.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 3.

Basic Limitation Period

Basic limitation period

4 Unless this Act provides otherwise, a proceeding shall not be commenced in respect of a claim after the second anniversary of the day on which the claim was discovered.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 4.

Discovery

5 (1) A claim is discovered on the earlier of,

(a) the day on which the person with the claim first knew,

(i) that the injury, loss or damage had occurred,

(ii) that the injury, loss or damage was caused by or contributed to by an act or omission,

(iii) that the act or omission was that of the person against whom the claim is made, and

(iv) that, having regard to the nature of the injury, loss or damage, a proceeding would be an appropriate means to seek to remedy it; and

(b) the day on which a reasonable person with the abilities and in the circumstances of the person with the claim first ought to have known of the matters referred to in clause (a).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 5 (1).

Presumption

(2) A person with a claim shall be presumed to have known of the matters referred to in clause (1) (a) on the day the act or omission on which the claim is based took place, unless the contrary is proved.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 5 (2).

Demand obligations

(3) For the purposes of subclause (1) (a) (i), the day on which injury, loss or damage occurs in relation to a demand obligation is the first day on which there is a failure to perform the obligation, once a demand for the performance is made.  2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 1.

Same

(4) Subsection (3) applies in respect of every demand obligation created on or after January 1, 2004.  2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 1.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 1 - 27/11/2008

Minors

6 The limitation period established by section 4 does not run during any time in which the person with the claim,

(a) is a minor; and

(b) is not represented by a litigation guardian in relation to the claim.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 6.

Incapable persons

7 (1) The limitation period established by section 4 does not run during any time in which the person with the claim,

(a) is incapable of commencing a proceeding in respect of the claim because of his or her physical, mental or psychological condition; and

(b) is not represented by a litigation guardian in relation to the claim.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 7 (1).

Presumption

(2) A person shall be presumed to have been capable of commencing a proceeding in respect of a claim at all times unless the contrary is proved.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 7 (2).

Extension

(3) If the running of a limitation period is postponed or suspended under this section and the period has less than six months to run when the postponement or suspension ends, the period is extended to include the day that is six months after the day on which the postponement or suspension ends.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 7 (3).

(4) Repealed: 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 1.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 1 - 08/03/2016

Litigation guardians

8 If a person is represented by a litigation guardian in relation to the claim, section 5 applies as if the litigation guardian were the person with the claim.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 8.

Appointment of litigation guardian on application or motion by potential defendant

Definitions

9 (1) In this section,

“potential defendant” means a person against whom another person may have a claim but against whom the other person has not commenced a proceeding in respect of the claim;  (“défendeur éventuel”)

“potential plaintiff” means a person who may have a claim against another person but has not commenced a proceeding against that person in respect of the claim.  (“demandeur éventuel”)  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 9 (1).

Appointment of litigation guardian on application or motion by potential defendant

(2) If the running of a limitation period in relation to a claim is postponed or suspended under section 6 or 7, a potential defendant may make an application or a motion to have a litigation guardian appointed for a potential plaintiff.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 9 (2).

Effect of appointment

(3) Subject to subsection (4), the appointment of a litigation guardian ends the postponement or suspension of the running of the limitation period if the following conditions are met:

1. The appointment is made by a judge on the application or motion of a potential defendant.

2. The judge is satisfied that the litigation guardian,

i. has been served with the motion,

ii. has consented to the appointment in writing, or in person before the judge,

iii. in connection with the claim, knows of the matters referred to in clause 5 (1) (a),

iv. does not have an interest adverse to that of the potential plaintiff, and

v. agrees to attend to the potential plaintiff’s interests diligently and to take all necessary steps for their protection, including the commencement of a claim if appropriate.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 9 (3).

Non-expiry

(4) The limitation period shall be deemed not to expire against the potential plaintiff until the later of,

(a) the date that is six months after the potential defendant files, with proof of service on the litigation guardian,

(i) a notice that complies with subsection (5), and

(ii) a declaration that, on the filing date, the potential defendant is not aware of any proceeding by the litigation guardian against the potential defendant in respect of the claim; and

(b) the date on which the limitation period would otherwise expire after it resumes running under subsection (3).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 9 (4).

Notice

(5) The notice,

(a) shall not be served before the first anniversary of the appointment;

(b) shall identify the potential plaintiff, the potential defendant and the claim; and

(c) shall indicate that the claim could be extinguished if a proceeding is not promptly commenced.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 9 (5).

10 Repealed: 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 2.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 2 - 08/03/2016

Attempted resolution

11 (1) If a person with a claim and a person against whom the claim is made have agreed to have an independent third party resolve the claim or assist them in resolving it, the limitation periods established by sections 4 and 15 do not run from the date the agreement is made until,

(a) the date the claim is resolved;

(b) the date the attempted resolution process is terminated; or

(c) the date a party terminates or withdraws from the agreement.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 11.

Same

(2) For greater certainty, a person or entity that provides resolution of claims or assistance in resolving claims, on an impartial basis, is an independent third party no matter how it is funded.  2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 1.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 1 - 19/10/2006

Successors

12 (1) For the purpose of clause 5 (1) (a), in the case of a proceeding commenced by a person claiming through a predecessor in right, title or interest, the person shall be deemed to have knowledge of the matters referred to in that clause on the earlier of the following:

1. The day the predecessor first knew or ought to have known of those matters.

2. The day the person claiming first knew or ought to have known of them.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 12 (1).

Principals and agents

(2) For the purpose of clause 5 (1) (a), in the case of a proceeding commenced by a principal, if the agent had a duty to communicate knowledge of the matters referred to in that clause to the principal, the principal shall be deemed to have knowledge of the matters referred to in that clause on the earlier of the following:

1. The day the agent first knew or ought to have known of those matters.

2. The day the principal first knew or ought to have known of them.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 12 (2).

Same

(3) The day on which a predecessor or agent first ought to have known of the matters referred to in clause 5 (1) (a) is the day on which a reasonable person in the predecessor’s or agent’s circumstances and with the predecessor’s or agent’s abilities first ought to have known of them.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 12 (3).

Acknowledgments

13 (1) If a person acknowledges liability in respect of a claim for payment of a liquidated sum, the recovery of personal property, the enforcement of a charge on personal property or relief from enforcement of a charge on personal property, the act or omission on which the claim is based shall be deemed to have taken place on the day on which the acknowledgment was made.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (1).

Interest

(2) An acknowledgment of liability in respect of a claim for interest is an acknowledgment of liability in respect of a claim for the principal and for interest falling due after the acknowledgment is made.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (2).

Collateral

(3) An acknowledgment of liability in respect of a claim to realize on or redeem collateral under a security agreement or to recover money in respect of the collateral is an acknowledgment by any other person who later comes into possession of it.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (3).

Realization

(4) A debtor’s performance of an obligation under or in respect of a security agreement is an acknowledgment by the debtor of liability in respect of a claim by the creditor for realization on the collateral under the agreement.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (4).

Redemption

(5) A creditor’s acceptance of a debtor’s payment or performance of an obligation under or in respect of a security agreement is an acknowledgment by the creditor of liability in respect of a claim by the debtor for redemption of the collateral under the agreement.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (5).

Trustees

(6) An acknowledgment by a trustee is an acknowledgment by any other person who is or who later becomes a trustee of the same trust.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (6).

Personal property

(7) An acknowledgment of liability in respect of a claim to recover or enforce an equitable interest in personal property by a person in possession of it is an acknowledgment by any other person who later comes into possession of it.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (7).

Liquidated sum

(8) Subject to subsections (9) and (10), this section applies to an acknowledgment of liability in respect of a claim for payment of a liquidated sum even though the person making the acknowledgment refuses or does not promise to pay the sum or the balance of the sum still owing.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (8).

Restricted application

(9) This section does not apply unless the acknowledgment is made to the person with the claim, the person’s agent or an official receiver or trustee acting under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) before the expiry of the limitation period applicable to the claim.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (9).

Same

(10) Subsections (1), (2), (3), (6) and (7) do not apply unless the acknowledgment is in writing and signed by the person making it or the person’s agent.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (10).

Same

(11) In the case of a claim for payment of a liquidated sum, part payment of the sum by the person against whom the claim is made or by the person’s agent has the same effect as the acknowledgment referred to in subsection (10).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 13 (11).

Notice of possible claim

14 (1) A person against whom another person may have a claim may serve a notice of possible claim on the other person.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 14 (1).

Contents

(2) A notice of possible claim shall be in writing and signed by the person issuing it or that person’s lawyer, and shall,

(a) describe the injury, loss or damage that the issuing person suspects may have occurred;

(b) identify the act or omission giving rise to the injury, loss or damage;

(c) indicate the extent to which the issuing person suspects that the injury, loss or damage may have been caused by the issuing person;

(d) state that any claim that the other person has could be extinguished because of the expiry of a limitation period; and

(e) state the issuing person’s name and address for service.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 14 (2).

Effect

(3) The fact that a notice of possible claim has been served on a person may be considered by a court in determining when the limitation period in respect of the person’s claim began to run.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 14 (3).

Exception

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a person who is not represented by a litigation guardian in relation to the claim and who, when served with the notice,

(a) is a minor; or

(b) is incapable of commencing a proceeding because of his or her physical, mental or psychological condition.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 14 (4).

Acknowledgment

(5) A notice of possible claim is not an acknowledgment for the purpose of section 13.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 14 (5).

Admission

(6) A notice of possible claim is not an admission of the validity of the claim.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 14 (6).

Ultimate Limitation Periods

Ultimate limitation periods

15 (1) Even if the limitation period established by any other section of this Act in respect of a claim has not expired, no proceeding shall be commenced in respect of the claim after the expiry of a limitation period established by this section.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 15 (1).

General

(2) No proceeding shall be commenced in respect of any claim after the 15th anniversary of the day on which the act or omission on which the claim is based took place.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 15 (2).

Exception, purchasers for value

(3) Despite subsection (2), no proceeding against a purchaser of personal property for value acting in good faith shall be commenced in respect of conversion of the property after the second anniversary of the day on which the property was converted.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 15 (3).

Period not to run

(4) The limitation period established by subsection (2) does not run during any time in which,

(a) the person with the claim,

(i) is incapable of commencing a proceeding in respect of the claim because of his or her physical, mental or psychological condition, and

(ii) is not represented by a litigation guardian in relation to the claim;

(b) the person with the claim is a minor and is not represented by a litigation guardian in relation to the claim; or

(c) the person against whom the claim is made,

(i) wilfully conceals from the person with the claim the fact that injury, loss or damage has occurred, that it was caused by or contributed to by an act or omission or that the act or omission was that of the person against whom the claim is made, or

(ii) wilfully misleads the person with the claim as to the appropriateness of a proceeding as a means of remedying the injury, loss or damage.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 15 (4).

Burden

(5) The burden of proving that subsection (4) applies is on the person with the claim.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 15 (5); 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 3.

Day of occurrence

(6) For the purposes of this section, the day an act or omission on which a claim is based takes place is,

(a) in the case of a continuous act or omission, the day on which the act or omission ceases;

(b) in the case of a series of acts or omissions in respect of the same obligation, the day on which the last act or omission in the series occurs;

(c) in the case of an act or omission in respect of a demand obligation, the first day on which there is a failure to perform the obligation, once a demand for the performance is made.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 15 (6); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 2 (1).

Application, demand obligations

(7) Clause (6) (c) applies in respect of every demand obligation created on or after January 1, 2004.  2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 2 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 2 (1, 2) - 27/11/2008

2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 3 - 08/03/2016

No Limitation Period

No limitation period

16 (1) There is no limitation period in respect of,

(a) a proceeding for a declaration if no consequential relief is sought;

(b) a proceeding to enforce an order of a court, or any other order that may be enforced in the same way as an order of a court;

(c) a proceeding to obtain support under the Family Law Act or to enforce a provision for support or maintenance contained in a contract or agreement that could be filed under section 35 of that Act;

(d) Revoked: 2017, c. 2, Sched. 5, s. 14 (1);

(e) a proceeding under section 8 or 11.2 of the Civil Remedies Act, 2001;

(f) a proceeding by a debtor in possession of collateral to redeem it;

(g) a proceeding by a creditor in possession of collateral to realize on it;

(h) a proceeding based on a sexual assault;

(h.1) a proceeding based on any other misconduct of a sexual nature if, at the time of the misconduct, the person with the claim was a minor or any of the following applied with respect to the relationship between the person with the claim and the person who committed the misconduct:

(i) the other person had charge of the person with the claim,

(ii) the other person was in a position of trust or authority in relation to the person with the claim,

(iii) the person with the claim was financially, emotionally, physically or otherwise dependent on the other person;

(h.2) a proceeding based on an assault if, at the time of the assault, the person with the claim was a minor or any of the following applied with respect to the relationship between the person with the claim and the person who committed the assault:

(i) they had an intimate relationship,

(ii) the person with the claim was financially, emotionally, physically or otherwise dependent on the other person;

(i) a proceeding to recover money owing to the Crown in respect of,

(i) fines, taxes and penalties, or

(ii) interest that may be added to a tax or penalty under an Act;

(j) a proceeding described in subsection (2) that is brought by,

(i) the Crown, or

(ii) a delivery agent under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997 or the Ontario Works Act, 1997; or

(k) a proceeding to recover money owing in respect of student loans, medical resident loans, awards or grants made under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act or the Canada Student Loans Act.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 16 (1); 2007, c. 13, s. 44 (1); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 14, s. 1; 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 4 (1); 2017, c. 2, Sched. 5, s. 14 (1).

Same

(1.1) Clauses (1) (h), (h.1) and (h.2) apply to a proceeding whenever the act on which the claim is based occurred and regardless of the expiry of any previously applicable limitation period, subject to subsection (1.2). 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 4 (2).

Same

(1.2) Subsection (1.1) applies to a proceeding that was commenced before March 8, 2016, unless the proceeding,

(a) was dismissed by a court and no further appeal is available; or

(b) was settled by the parties and the settlement is legally binding. 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 4 (2); 2020, c. 11, Sched. 16, s. 1.

Same

(1.3) For greater certainty, clauses (1) (h), (h.1) and (h.2) are not limited in any way with respect to the claims that may be made in the proceeding in relation to the applicable act, which may include claims for negligence, for breach of fiduciary or any other duty or for vicarious liability. 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 4 (2).

Same

(2) Clause (1) (j) applies to proceedings in respect of claims relating to,

(a) the administration of social, health or economic programs; or

(b) the provision of direct or indirect support to members of the public in connection with social, health or economic policy.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 16 (2).

Same

(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), clause (1) (j) applies to proceedings in respect of claims for,

(a) the recovery of social assistance payments, student loans, awards, grants, contributions and economic development loans; and

(b) the reimbursement of money paid in connection with social, health or economic programs or policies as a result of fraud, misrepresentation, error or inadvertence.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 16 (3).

Conflict with s. 15

(4) This section and section 17 prevail over anything in section 15.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 16 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2007, c. 13, s. 44 (1) - 04/06/2007

2010, c. 1, Sched. 14, s. 1 - 18/05/2010

2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 4 (1, 2) - 08/03/2016

2017, c. 2, Sched. 5, s. 14 (1) - 22/03/2017

2020, c. 11, Sched. 16, s. 1 - 08/07/2020

Undiscovered environmental claims

17 There is no limitation period in respect of an environmental claim that has not been discovered.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 17.

General Rules

Contribution and indemnity

18 (1) For the purposes of subsection 5 (2) and section 15, in the case of a claim by one alleged wrongdoer against another for contribution and indemnity, the day on which the first alleged wrongdoer was served with the claim in respect of which contribution and indemnity is sought shall be deemed to be the day the act or omission on which that alleged wrongdoer’s claim is based took place.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 18 (1).

Application

(2) Subsection (1) applies whether the right to contribution and indemnity arises in respect of a tort or otherwise.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 18 (2).

Other Acts, etc.

19 (1) A limitation period set out in or under another Act that applies to a claim to which this Act applies is of no effect unless,

(a) the provision establishing it is listed in the Schedule to this Act; or

(b) the provision establishing it,

(i) is in existence on January 1, 2004, and

(ii) incorporates by reference a provision listed in the Schedule to this Act.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 19 (1); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 3.

Act prevails

(2) Subsection (1) applies despite any other Act.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 19 (2).

Interpretation

(3) The fact that a provision is listed in the Schedule shall not be construed as a statement that the limitation period established by the provision would otherwise apply to a claim as defined in this Act.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 19 (3).

Same

(4) If there is a conflict between a limitation period established by a provision referred to in subsection (1) and one established by any other provision of this Act, the limitation period established by the provision referred to in subsection (1) prevails.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 19 (4).

Period not to run

(5) Sections 6, 7 and 11 apply, with necessary modifications, to a limitation period established by a provision referred to in subsection (1).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 19 (5).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 3 - 27/11/2008

Statutory variation of time limits

20 This Act does not affect the extension, suspension or other variation of a limitation period or other time limit by or under another Act.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 20.

Adding party

21 (1) If a limitation period in respect of a claim against a person has expired, the claim shall not be pursued by adding the person as a party to any existing proceeding.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 21 (1).

Misdescription

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the correction of a misnaming or misdescription of a party.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 21 (2).

Limitation periods apply despite agreements

22 (1) A limitation period under this Act applies despite any agreement to vary or exclude it, subject only to the exceptions in subsections (2) to (6).  2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2.

Exception

(2) A limitation period under this Act may be varied or excluded by an agreement made before January 1, 2004.  2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2.

Same

(3) A limitation period under this Act, other than one established by section 15, may be suspended or extended by an agreement made on or after October 19, 2006.  2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2; 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 4 (1).

Same

(4) A limitation period established by section 15 may be suspended or extended by an agreement made on or after October 19, 2006, but only if the relevant claim has been discovered.  2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2; 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 4 (1).

Same

(5) The following exceptions apply only in respect of business agreements:

1. A limitation period under this Act, other than one established by section 15, may be varied or excluded by an agreement made on or after October 19, 2006.

2. A limitation period established by section 15 may be varied by an agreement made on or after October 19, 2006, except that it may be suspended or extended only in accordance with subsection (4).  2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2; 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 4 (1).

Definitions

(6) In this section,

“business agreement” means an agreement made by parties none of whom is a consumer as defined in the Consumer Protection Act, 2002; (“accord commercial”)

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the definition of “business agreement” in subsection 22 (6) of the Act is amended by striking out “Consumer Protection Act, 2002” and substituting “Consumer Protection Act, 2023”. (See: 2023, c. 23, Sched. 1, s. 115)

“vary” includes extend, shorten and suspend. (“modifier”)  2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2; 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 4 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2 - 19/10/2006

2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 4 (1, 2) - 27/11/2008

2023, c. 23, Sched. 1, s. 115 - not in force

Conflict of laws

23 For the purpose of applying the rules regarding conflict of laws, the limitations law of Ontario or any other jurisdiction is substantive law.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 23.

Transition

Definition

24 (1) In this section,

“former limitation period” means the limitation period that applied in respect of the claim before January 1, 2004.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 24 (1); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (1, 2).

Application

(2) Subject to subsection (2.1), this section applies to claims based on acts or omissions that took place before January 1, 2004 and in respect of which no proceeding has been commenced before that date.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 24 (2); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (4); 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 5 (1).

Exception

(2.1) This section does not apply to a claim in respect of which clause 16 (1) (h), (h.1) or (h.2) applies. 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 5 (2).

Former limitation period expired

(3) If the former limitation period expired before January 1, 2004, no proceeding shall be commenced in respect of the claim.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 24 (3); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (3).

Former limitation period unexpired

(4) If the former limitation period did not expire before January 1, 2004 and if no limitation period under this Act would apply were the claim based on an act or omission that took place on or after that date, there is no limitation period.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 24 (4); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (5).

Same

(5) If the former limitation period did not expire before January 1, 2004 and if a limitation period under this Act would apply were the claim based on an act or omission that took place on or after that date, the following rules apply:

1. If the claim was not discovered before January 1, 2004, this Act applies as if the act or omission had taken place on that date.

2. If the claim was discovered before January 1, 2004, the former limitation period applies.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 24 (5); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (3, 6, 7).

No former limitation period

(6) If there was no former limitation period and if a limitation period under this Act would apply were the claim based on an act or omission that took place on or after January 1, 2004, the following rules apply:

1. If the claim was not discovered before January 1, 2004, this Act applies as if the act or omission had taken place on that date.

2. If the claim was discovered before January 1, 2004, there is no limitation period.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 24 (6); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (3, 8).

(7) Repealed: 2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 5 (3).

Claims re payments alleged to be ultra vires

(7.1) For the purposes of this section, clause 45 (1) (g) of the Limitations Act, as it read immediately before its repeal, applies to a claim respecting amounts paid to the Crown or to another public authority for which it is alleged that no valid legal authority existed at the time of payment.  2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (9).

Agreements

(8) This section is subject to any agreement to vary or exclude a limitation period that was made before January 1, 2004.  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 24 (8); 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (10).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (1-8, 10) - 27/11/2008; 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 5 (9) - 22/10/2008

2016, c. 2, Sched. 2, s. 5 (1-3) - 08/03/2016

25-49 Omitted (amends or repeals other Acts).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, ss. 25-49.

50 Omitted (amends the schedule to this Act).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 50.

51 Omitted (provides for coming into force of provisions of this Act).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 51.

52 Omitted (enacts short title of this Act).  2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 52.

Schedule
(Section 19)

Act

Provision

Arbitration Act, 1991

subsection 52 (3)

Assignments and Preferences Act

subsections 26 (2) and 27 (2)

Business Corporations Act

subsections 157 (2), 185 (18) and (19), 188 (9), (13) and (14), and 189 (5)

City of Toronto Act, 2006

subsections 214 (4), 250 (2), 270 (4) and 351 (5)

Civil Remedies Act, 2001

subsections 3 (5) and 13 (7)

Commodity Futures Act

section 60.4

Construction Act

subsections 13.18 (2) and 13.20 (2) and sections 31 and 36

Corporations Act

subsection 37 (2)

Creditors’ Relief Act, 2010

subsection 12 (1)

Drainage Act

section 111

Education Act

subsection 218 (2) and subsection 11 (3) of Schedule 1

Election Act

subsection 99 (4)

Electricity Act, 1998

section 36.1.1

Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993

section 102

Estates Act

subsections 44 (2) and 45 (2) and section 47

Estates Administration Act

subsection 17 (5)

Expropriations Act

section 43

Family Law Act

subsection 7 (3)

Fines and Forfeitures Act

subsection 6 (2)

Forestry Workers Lien for Wages Act

subsections 8 (1) and 26 (1)

Fuel Tax Act

subsection 8 (13)

Gasoline Tax Act

subsection 5 (13)

Income Tax Act

section 38

Insurance Act

section 148, statutory condition 14 and section 259.1

International Commercial Arbitration Act, 2017

section 10

Libel and Slander Act

section 6

Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019

subsection 59 (4)

Mortgages Act

subsections 21 (2) and 54 (2)

Municipal Act, 2001

subsections 273 (5), 380 (5) and 415 (2)

Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

subsections 8 (2) and (6)

Municipal Elections Act, 1996

subsections 58 (2), 63 (1) and 83 (2)

Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010

subsections 98 (3) and 187 (14) and (15)

Ontario Home Ownership Savings Plan Act

section 18

Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, 2019

subsections 6 (1) and (1.1)

Personal Property Security Act

subsections 44 (13) and (14)

Prohibiting Profiting from Recounting Crimes Act, 2002

subsections 4 (5) and 6 (6)

Public Lands Act

subsection 34 (3)

Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act

subsection 2 (1)

Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments (U.K.) Act

paragraph 1 of article iii of the Schedule

Securities Act

section 129.1, subsection 136 (6) and sections 138 and 138.14

Succession Law Reform Act

section 61

Taxation Act, 2007

section 139

Tile Drainage Act

subsection 2 (3)

Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, 2009

subsection 6 (1)

Tobacco Tax Act

subsections 6 (10) and 24 (5)

Trustee Act

subsection 38 (3)

2002, c. 24, Sched. B, Sched.; 2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 50; 2004, c. 16, Sched. D, Table; 2004, c. 31, Sched. 22, s. 1; 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 29; 2007, c. 13, s. 44 (2); 2008, c. 19, Sched. V, s. 4; 2009, c. 13, s. 12; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 21, s. 5; 2010, c. 16, Sched. 4, s. 27; 2015, c. 20, Sched. 39, s. 5; 2017, c. 2, Sched. 3, s. 6; 2017, c. 2, Sched. 5, s. 14 (2); 2017, c. 10, Sched. 4, s. 7; 2017, c. 24, s. 77; 2017, c. 34, Sched. 12, s. 11; 2019, c. 15, Sched. 22, s. 98; 2019, c. 17, Sched. 2, s 15; 2020, c. 11, Sched. 16, s. 2; 2020, c. 36, Sched. 25, s. 1; 2021, c. 34, Sched. 9, s. 10; 2023, c. 21, Sched. 9, s. 14.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 50 (1-3) - 01/01/2004

2004, c. 16, Sched. D, Table - 01/01/2004; 2004, c. 31, Sched. 22, s. 1 - 16/12/2004

2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 29 - 01/01/2007

2007, c. 13, s. 44 (2) - 04/06/2007

2008, c. 19, Sched. V, s. 4 - 01/01/2009

2009, c. 13, s. 12 - 14/05/2009; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 21, s. 5 - 25/01/2010

2010, c. 16, Sched. 4, s. 27 - 25/10/2010

CTS 18 AU 10 - 1

2015, c. 20, Sched. 39, s. 5 - 04/06/2015

2017, c. 2, Sched. 3, s. 6 - 22/03/2017; 2017, c. 2, Sched. 5, s. 14 (2) - 22/03/2017; 2017, c. 10, Sched. 4, s. 7 - 01/03/2019; 2017, c. 24, s. 77 (1) - 01/07/2018; 2017, c. 24, s. 77 (2) - 01/10/2019; 2017, c. 34, Sched. 12, s. 11 - 14/12/2017

2019, c. 15, Sched. 22, s. 98 - 29/11/2021; 2019, c. 17, Sched. 2, s. 15 - 12/12/2019

2020, c. 11, Sched. 16, s. 2 - 08/07/2020; 2020, c. 36, Sched. 25, s. 1 - 19/10/2021

2021, c. 34, Sched. 9, s. 10 - 01/01/2022

2023, c. 21, Sched. 9, s. 14 - 04/12/2023

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