What Nova Scotia requires
- A claim may not be brought after the earlier of two years from the day it is discovered and fifteen years from the day of the act or omission it is based on; it is discovered when the claimant first knew or reasonably ought to have known of the loss, its cause, who caused it and that it is serious enough to warrant a proceedingLimitation of Actions Act, s. 8 (1), (2)
- The Small Claims Court hears claims for money arising under a contract or a tort of up to 25,000 dollars, including general damages but not counting interestSmall Claims Court Act, s. 9 (a)
- For a demand obligation, the first day there is a failure to perform it, once a demand for performance has been made, is the day the loss occurs and the day of the act or omissionLimitation of Actions Act, s. 14
- A limitation period under the Act may be extended, but not shortened, by agreementLimitation of Actions Act, s. 21 (1)
- An acknowledgement of liability for a liquidated sum, made to the claimant before the limitation period expires, starts the period again; it must be in writing and signed, and a part payment has the same effectLimitation of Actions Act, s. 20 (1), (9), (10), (11)
- In a proceeding in the Supreme Court to recover a debt, the Court includes interest at a rate it thinks fit from the date the cause of action arose to the date of judgment, and may decline or reduce it where interest is already payable under an agreement or by law, or where the claimant caused undue delayJudicature Act, s. 41 (i), (k)
Two years from discovery
You have 2 years from the day you knew, or reasonably ought to have known, that you were not paid, and 15 years at most. For a demand obligation, the clock starts on the first day it is not paid once you have demanded payment.
Acknowledgements and part payments
A signed written acknowledgement of the sum owed, or a part payment, made to you before the period expires starts it again.
Small Claims Court
Contract and tort claims for money up to 25,000 dollars, general damages included, interest not counted.
Common mistakes
- Writing a shorter deadline to sue into a contract: it cannot shorten the Act's period.
- Letting a demand loan go unpaid for years without a written demand.
- Relying on an unsigned acknowledgement.
Sources
- Limitation of Actions Act, s. 8 (1), (2), checked November 3, 2026
- Small Claims Court Act, s. 9 (a), checked November 3, 2026
- Limitation of Actions Act, s. 14, checked November 3, 2026
- Limitation of Actions Act, s. 21 (1), checked November 3, 2026
- Limitation of Actions Act, s. 20 (1), (9), (10), (11), checked November 3, 2026
- Judicature Act, s. 41 (i), (k), checked November 3, 2026
Last reviewed November 3, 2026. Next review due February 3, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs.