In Canada, if you have a legal problem and you feel that you have been wronged by another party, you will may want to sue them in civil court. Going to court in Canada can be quite expensive, can be filled with complicated rules, and can become a long drawn-out process.

What is Small Claims Court?

Thankfully, all 13 of Canada’s provinces and territories have their version of small claims court, which is a court where people can resolve their relatively minor legal problems in a quick and efficient manner.

Small claims court is a “real” court that may be a standalone court or a branch of a higher court in your province or territory. If the parties are unable to resolve their dispute, there is a trial/adjudication that results in a binding judgment against the losing party.

Characteristics of Small Claims Courts

The general characteristics of small claims court across Canada include:

1. Less expensive – many parties represent themselves in small claims court without the help of a lawyer or paralegal. There are less fees to start a court case. Costs and interests awarded to the winning party are usually limited.
2. Simplified rules and procedures – there are standard forms to fill out and usually less rules to follow.
3. More efficient process – the process is often more informal. The “normal” court process is usually compressed and made faster.
4. Limited types of cases heard – not all cases can be heard in small claims court. For example, many small claims courts across Canada don’t hear cases about defamation (libel and slander). Common cases heard include personal injury and breach of contract.
5. Monetary limits – all small claims courts are limited in the amount of monetary damages (i.e. money) that can be claimed.

Of the characteristics discussed above, how much someone can sue for is, by far, the most important characteristic to be considered. racteristic to help you decide whether you want to sue in small claims court is how much you can sue for. Let’s take a look below at the monetary limits of how much you can sue for in each province or territory’s small claims court:

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Alberta

The Civil Division of the Provincial Court of Alberta hears claims up to $50,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in British Columbia

The Civil Resolution Tribunal hears claims up to $5,000. The Provincial Court of British Columbia’s Small Claims Court hears claims from $5,001 to $35,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Manitoba

The Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench’s Small Claims Court hears claims up to $15,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in New Brunswick

The Small Claims Court of New Brunswick hears claims up to $20,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Newfoundland & Labrador

The Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Small Claims Court hears claims up to $25,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Northwest Territories

The Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories hears claims up to $35,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Small Claims Court hears claims up to $25,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Nunavut

The Nunavut Court of Justice’s Small Claims Court hears claims up to $20,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Ontario

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s Small Claims Court hears claims up to $35,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Prince Edward Island

The Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island’s Small Claims Court hears claims up to $16,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Québec

The Small Claims Division at the Court of Québec hears claims up to $15,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Saskatchewan

The Provincial Court of Saskatchewan’s Small Claims Court hears claims up to $30,000.

Monetary Limit of Small Claims Court in Yukon

Yukon’s Small Claims Court hears claims up to $25,000.

Do you need legal help with your small claims court? Consider using our free Legal Referral Service to talk to a lawyer or paralegal near you.

DISCLAIMER: articles posted in this blog are for informational purposes only. It may not be up-to-date, is not intended to serve as a comprehensive treatment of the topic, and may not be accurate. It shall not be construed as legal advice. No solicitor-client relationship is established from accessing this website and/or webpage. Nothing replaces retaining a qualified, competent lawyer or other legal professional, well versed in this area of the law to provide you legal advice.