Government of Ontario Suspends Limitations Periods and Procedural Time Periods

The Government of Ontario today made an order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to suspend any limitations period and procedural time limit prescribed by an Ontario statute, regulation, rule, by-law, or order. The suspension of procedural time limits will remain subject to the discretion of the court, tribunal, or decision-maker responsible for the proceeding. The order is retroactive to March 16, 2020.

This order will apply to limitations periods and procedural time limits under statutes and regulations in Ontario including the:

• Limitations Act, 2002;
• Rules of Civil Procedure;
• Employment Standards Act, 2000;
• Labour Relations Act, 1995;
• Human Rights Code; and
• Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The suspension will continue for the duration of the state of emergency that was declared by the Government of Ontario on March 17, 2020.

Please contact your regular lawyer at the Firm if you are concerned about how this suspension may impact any ongoing or potential litigation. We will continue to monitor developments related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workplace and will post further updates as information becomes available.