A statute of limitations sets the time within which a creditor can sue to collect a debt. In Canada these periods are set by provincial and territorial law, and they vary by jurisdiction and type of debt.
| Province/Territory | Limitation period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Ontario |
| British Columbia | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of British Columbia |
| Alberta | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Alberta |
| Saskatchewan | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Saskatchewan |
| Manitoba | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Manitoba |
| Quebec | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Quebec |
| New Brunswick | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of New Brunswick |
| Nova Scotia | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Nova Scotia |
| Prince Edward Island | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Prince Edward Island |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Yukon | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Yukon |
| Northwest Territories | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of the Northwest Territories |
| Nunavut | See the regulator's current published figure | Government of Nunavut |
A statute of limitations sets the time within which a creditor can sue to collect a debt. In Canada, limitation periods are set by provincial and territorial law rather than by a single federal rule, so the period depends on where you live and on the type of debt. Because these periods are legal deadlines that change over time, this page does not print a number for any province. Instead, it explains how limitation periods generally work, why a figure from a non-official source is risky, and where to confirm the current rule.
What a limitation period is
A limitation period is a deadline for starting a legal claim. If a creditor waits too long, the claim may be barred, which means a court may not allow the creditor to enforce the debt. The period usually starts running from a defined event, such as when the debt became due or when the creditor knew or ought to have known about the claim. The exact trigger depends on the province's legislation.
Limitation periods are not the same as credit-reporting periods. A debt can drop off your credit report at one point and still be legally enforceable for longer, or the reverse, depending on the rules. That is one reason why advice that treats the two as identical can be misleading. The Office of Consumer Affairs publishes national consumer information, and provincial regulators and legal-aid organisations publish jurisdiction-specific guidance.
Why the period varies by province
Each province and territory has its own limitations legislation, and the periods differ. Some distinguish between different kinds of debt, such as debts under a contract, debts on a judgment, or debts owed to the government, and set different deadlines for each. Some allow the period to be extended or restarted in certain circumstances, and some have special rules for acknowledgement of a debt or for part payment.
Because the rules are jurisdiction-specific and can be amended, a general national number is not reliable. A period quoted in an old article or on a commercial website may no longer be correct, or may apply to a different kind of debt. The only dependable approach is to check the current legislation or guidance for your province or territory, or to get advice about your specific situation.
Where to confirm the period
The table on this page points to the official government source for each province and territory. Because we cannot attribute a current limitation period to an official source in this format, each row directs you to the regulator or government where the rule can be confirmed. Use the link, then search for limitations or the relevant consumer or civil legislation.
What can restart or pause the clock
- Making a payment toward the debt, which may be treated as acknowledging it.
- Acknowledging the debt in writing, which may restart the period.
- A court judgment, which generally creates a new and longer enforcement period.
- Certain legal disabilities or absences, which may pause the clock in some jurisdictions.
- Fraud or concealment, which may affect when the period begins.
- Agreeing to a new payment arrangement, which may create a fresh obligation.
How to use this information
If you are contacted about an old debt, do not assume it is unenforceable simply because it is old. Equally, do not assume you must pay without checking. Confirm the current limitation period for your province and the type of debt, and consider getting advice from a legal-aid clinic, a licensed credit counsellor, or a lawyer. Keep a record of all communications, and be careful about making payments or written acknowledgements before you understand the effect they may have.
- Do not rely on a limitation period from a non-official source.
- Do not assume a debt is gone because it left your credit report.
- Do not acknowledge or pay an old debt before checking the effect.
- Do confirm the current rule for your province and type of debt.
- Do keep copies of everything a collector sends you.
Limitation periods are technical, and the details matter. The start date can depend on when the debt became due, when the creditor discovered the claim, or when a demand was made. Some debts, such as those arising from fraud or from certain statutory obligations, may have different rules. Because the analysis is fact-specific, a general summary cannot tell you whether a particular debt is enforceable in your case.
It is also important not to confuse a limitation period with a credit-reporting period or with a collector's internal file. A debt may be reported for one period, enforceable for another, and sold between collection agencies regardless. A collector contacting you about an old debt is not proof that the debt is still enforceable, and the expiry of a limitation period does not automatically stop collection calls in every jurisdiction.
If you receive a demand about an old debt, avoid making payments or written acknowledgements until you understand the effect. In some provinces, acknowledging a debt or making a partial payment can restart the limitation period. If you are unsure, get advice before you respond. Legal-aid clinics, provincial consumer offices, and licensed credit counsellors can help you understand your options, and some offer free initial information.
Keep a written record of every communication, including dates, names, and what was said. If a claim is started, the limitation period may be a defence that you or your representative need to raise, so the timeline matters. Good records also make it easier to show that a debt has been paid or settled, which is a common source of disputes with collectors.