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)
Time to sue
Two years from discovery, 15 years at most. On a demand note, the first day of non-payment after a demand is the start.
Payments and acknowledgements
A part payment, or a signed written acknowledgement of the sum, made before the period ends restarts it.
Small Claims Court
Notes up to 25,000 dollars, interest not counted.
Common mistakes
- Writing a shorter time to sue into the note.
- Stating only a monthly rate.
- Taking 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.