Release
Department of Justice and Public Safety
March 18, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has introduced legislation that, if passed, would improve access to the civil justice system for people who have experienced intimate partner violence or similar misconduct in a relationship of dependence.
Since 2010, there has been no limitation period to file claims for damages for trespass to the person, assault or battery for acts of a sexual nature. The proposed amendments would expand this to include non-sexual harm that occurred in an intimate personal relationship or in a situation where a person was financially, physically or emotionally dependent on the person who harmed them.
“These relationships can involve fear, control and power imbalances that make it extremely difficult for survivors to come forward within standard limitation periods,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Robert McKee. “This legislation recognizes those realities.”
The bill would also remove limitation periods to file claims for recent or historic misconduct. People who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence or similar harm in a relationship of dependence would be able to file claims regardless of when the misconduct took place, unless they had already settled their claim or it had been decided by the courts.
The changes would align New Brunswick’s laws on these matters more closely with those in other Canadian jurisdictions.
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Media Contact(s)
Jade Emmanuel, communications, Department of Justice and Public Safety, [email protected].