On March 26, 2020, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General made Ministerial Order M086 pursuant to the Emergency Program Act, titled the Limitation Periods (COVID-19) Order. This Ministerial Order reflects the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all aspects of society, including legal proceedings. This Order acknowledges that it may not be possible for a person involved in legal or administrative proceedings to take steps within the timeframe required by legislation. As such, commencing March 26, 2020 and continuing until the provincial state of emergency expires or is cancelled, every mandatory limitation period and any other mandatory time period for the commencement of a “civil or family action, proceeding, claim or appeal” in the Provincial Court, Supreme Court or Court of Appeal is suspended. Additionally, any decisions required to be made within a statutorily defined timeframe by a person, tribunal, or other body may be waived, suspended, or extended by that decision maker.
Of note, the suspension of limitation periods does not appear to apply to deadlines for filing with tribunals or other administrative bodies.
A party wishing to nonetheless file a claim with the BC Supreme Court during this suspension, may do so electronically or in accordance with this court announcement.
