Legal obligation
A legal obligation is a duty the law will enforce, arising from a contract, a statute or regulation, or the common law, such as a duty of care. Failing to meet a legal obligation can lead to damages, fines, penalties or court orders. Moral or social duties are not legal obligations unless the law recognizes them.
How BC law treats it
In BC, legal obligations arise from contracts, provincial and federal legislation, and common law duties. Contractual obligations are enforced through actions for damages, specific performance or injunctions.
What it means for your business
A BC business should track the obligations it takes on in contracts and those imposed by regulation.
Risks and common mistakes
Overlooking a contractual notice or renewal deadline can mean losing rights or breaching the contract.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Contract.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
