Encyclopedia of Canadian Laws

Time Computation

Time Computation in Canada

Time Computation in accordance with the Interpretation Act

Time limits and holidays

Where the time limited for the doing of a thing expires or falls on a holiday, as stated by the Canada´s Interpretation law, the thing may be done on the day next following that is not a holiday.

Clear days

Where there is a reference to a number of clear days or “at least” a number of days between two events, in calculating that number of days the days on which the events happen are excluded.

Not clear days

Where there is a reference to a number of days, not expressed to be clear days, between two events, in calculating that number of days the day on which the first event happens is excluded and the day on which the second event happens is included.

Beginning and ending of prescribed periods

Where a time is expressed to begin or end at, on or with a specified day, or to continue to or until a specified day, the time includes that day.

After specified day

Where a time is expressed to begin after or to be from a specified day, the time does not include that day.

Within a time

Where anything is to be done within a time after, from, of or before a specified day, the time does not include that day.

Calculation of a period of months after or before a specified day

Where there is a reference to a period of time consisting of a number of months after or before a specified day, the rules for the interpretation of legislation stated that the period is calculated by:

Time of the day

Where there is a reference to time expressed as a specified time of the day, the time is taken to mean standard time.

Time when specified age attained

A person is deemed not to have attained a specified number of years of age until the commencement of the anniversary, of the same number, of the day of that person’s birth.

See Also