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Time periods for legal action on hold

Legal limitation periods to start B.C. court proceedings have been suspended, and statutory decision-makers have given discretion to waive, suspend or extend time periods related to their powers, the provincial government said Friday.

Legal limitation periods to start B.C. court proceedings have been suspended, and statutory decision-makers have given discretion to waive, suspend or extend time periods related to their powers, the provincial government said Friday.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth made the order at the request of the Attorney General David Eby. The aim is to protect public health and to recognize British Columbians involved in legal or administrative proceedings may be unable to take steps required by legislation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said.

Any mandatory time periods for starting a legal action under family or civil law in the provincial court, Supreme Court or Court of Appeal are now on hold.

The order applies during the current state of emergency, including any extension of the state of emergency. A state of emergency was declared March 18.

— Times Colonist