News release

Amendments to the Limitation of Actions Act

Justice

Amendments to the Limitation of Actions Act introduced today, March 27, further strengthen protections for victims of sexual assault.

The new amendments allow victims of sexual assault and individuals in an intimate or dependent relationship to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser regardless of when the assault took place.

"When this legislation was strengthened in the fall, we heard from Nova Scotians that they wanted to see the issue of historic sexual assaults addressed," said Justice Minister Lena Diab. "At that time, I committed to reviewing what was in place in other provinces. We've done that work and I'm pleased to be able to make changes that will further improve this legislation."

The amendments also confirm that the new act does not apply in relation to equitable claims made by aboriginal people against the Crown.

In October 2014, government introduced amendments to the act that eliminated time limits for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to file lawsuits and set standard time limits for filing other civil lawsuits.