A two-year limitation for filing a civil lawsuit will come into effect on June 1, 2013, the provincial government said this week.

The period will apply to most civil actions, such as personal injury claims, although there will also be a 15-year limit for legal matters that were not discovered right away.

The reforms, to be enacted through the Limitation Act passed this spring, will bring B.C.'s law into alignment with those in other provinces, officials said.

"The modernization of these laws has been long advocated by many lawyers, professionals and members of the public, so the setting of this implementation date is pivotal for justice in our province," Justice Minister Shirley Bond said in a statement.

Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of B.C. president Steve Fleck endorsed the changes.

"The new limitation periods will help to provide certainty for our profession, as they allow more capacity for long-term planning and provide increased opportunities for B.C. businesses to remain competitive," Fleck said.

Similarly, Law Society of B.C. president Bruce LeRose expressed support, saying it "remedies a number of issues that have arisen with the 37-year-old legislation."

The start date was chosen to give those interested time to familiarize themselves with the changes.