Quasi-estoppel
Quasi-estoppel is a US doctrine that is not part of BC law. The nearest real concept is estoppel, which in Canada can prevent a party from going back on a representation, promise or shared assumption that another party relied on to its detriment.
How BC law treats it
BC recognizes estoppel by representation, promissory estoppel, estoppel by convention (Ryan v Moore, 2005 SCC 38), proprietary estoppel (Cowper-Smith v Morgan, 2017 SCC 61) and issue estoppel. Estoppel generally cannot prevent a public authority from performing its statutory duties.
What it means for your business
Informal assurances, such as agreeing not to enforce a deadline, can sometimes bind your business if the other side relies on them.
Risks and common mistakes
Relaxing contract terms by conduct without a written reservation of rights may prevent you from enforcing them later.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Estoppel.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
