If the time for doing an act expires on a holiday, what should be done?

When a deadline for completing an act falls on a holiday, the appropriate course of action is to allow the act to be performed on the next calendar day that is not a holiday. This principle is grounded in the understanding of how legal deadlines operate in relation to recognized holidays, ensuring that individuals are not penalized for failing to act on a day when legal offices and courthouses are closed.

This rule is designed to promote fairness and accessibility in legal proceedings, ensuring that all parties have the opportunity to meet their obligations without the hindrance of holidays. In many jurisdictions, including New Brunswick, the law provides this standard practice, giving individuals the next business day to fulfill their responsibilities when a deadline lands on a holiday.

Other options do not align with this principle. Completing the act before the holiday may not always be feasible or necessary, and imposing a 24-hour extension or maintaining the deadline on a holiday does not consider the legal protections typically in place for such situations. By allowing the next business day for completion, the legal system fosters a more equitable process for all involved.