When Can An Electronic Message Extend A Limitation Period In Alberta?

Limitation periods are a tenet of modern legal systems. At a high level, these imposed requirements provide a specific period of time within which action must be taken with respect to commencing a legal claim, failing which the claim will be permanently barred.

Alberta, like all Canadian jurisdictions, has a legislated framework in place with respect to limitation periods. This framework is set out in the Limitations Act.¹

In addition to setting out the two-year limitation period for most types of legal claims, the Limitations Act also expressly provides that the running of a limitation period can be altered in the following circumstances:

1. where there is an agreement between the parties to extend the limitation period;² or,