CIRB Directive on the Suspension of Time Limits in the Regulations During the Holiday Season (2025–2026)

Pursuant to section 46 of the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012 (the Regulations), the Canada Industrial Relations Board (the CIRB or the Board) has issued the following directive in respect of the calculation of regulatory time limits during the 2025–2026 holiday period.

The Board will suspend all time limits set out in the Regulations for matters before it under the Canada Labour Code and those set out in the Rules of Procedure for matters under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act during the period beginning on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and ending on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, inclusively. The calculation of time limits will resume on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

In other words, the days included in this period will not be counted in the calculation of time limits provided for in the Regulations or in the CIRB's rules of procedure.

For example, if a response must be filed within a time limit of fifteen days beginning on December 17, 2025, it must be received no later than January 18, 2026.

The suspension of the time limits set out in the Regulations or in the CIRB's Rules of Procedure does not apply to the time limits established by the Code for filing a complaint or application. The time limits set out in the Code remain in full force and effect and are not suspended.

For example, a complaint under section 37 of the Code alleging a breach of the duty of fair representation, for which the 90-day time limit set out in section 97(2) of the Code for filing with the Board would expire on Monday, December 29, must be received no later than December 29 through the Board's portal.

Also, this suspension does not apply to the following matters, which are considered priority cases and will continue to be processed during this period, in accordance with the time limits set out in the Regulations:

• Applications for interim orders (section 19.1);
• Requests to file an order with the Court (sections 23 and 23.1);
• Applications for certification (sections 24, 24.1, and 32);
• Referrals made by the Minister (sections 80, 87.4(5), 107, and 108.1);
• Applications relating to the continuation of activities (sections 87.4(4), (5) and (6));
• Applications for declaration that a strike or lockout vote is invalid (sections 87.3(4) and (5));
• Applications for declaration that a strike or lockout is unlawful (sections 91 and 92); and
• Complaints relating to replacement workers (sections 94(4) and (6)).

Unless otherwise specified, the suspension of regulatory time limits does not apply to filing deadlines set by the Board in an order or directive.

For example, when an order to produce documents requires certain documents to be filed by December 29, those documents must be filed on that date, despite the suspension period.

If you have any questions on this matter, please contact us at 1-800-575-9696 or by email at info@cirb-ccri.gc.ca.