There are two main types of small claims courts:
Provincial and territorial small claims courts: These courts are established and operated by the provincial and territorial governments. They have jurisdiction to hear small claims cases involving up to a certain amount of money. The amount of money that can be claimed in small claims court varies from province to province, but it is generally between $5,000 and $35,000.
Online small claims courts: Online small claims courts are a relatively new development in Canada. They allow people to file and argue their small claims cases online. Online small claims courts are currently available in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario.
In addition to these two main types of small claims courts, there are also a number of specialized small claims courts in Canada. These specialized courts have jurisdiction to hear specific types of small claims cases, such as landlord-tenant disputes or consumer protection claims.
Here is a list of the provincial and territorial small claims courts in Canada:
- British Columbia: Small Claims Tribunal
- Alberta: Small Claims Court
- Saskatchewan: Small Claims Court
- Manitoba: Small Claims Court
- Ontario: Small Claims Court
- Quebec: Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
- New Brunswick: Provincial Court of New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island: Provincial Court of Prince Edward Island
- Nova Scotia: Small Claims Tribunal
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories: Small Claims Court
- Yukon: Small Claims Court
- Nunavut: Small Claims Court
If you are considering filing a small claims case, you should contact the court clerk in the province or territory where you are filing your claim to find out more about the specific rules and procedures that apply.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the different types of small claims courts in Canada:
- Provincial and territorial small claims courts: Provincial and territorial small claims courts are generally more formal than online small claims courts. You will need to file a paper claim form and attend a hearing in person.
- Online small claims courts: Online small claims courts are less formal than provincial and territorial small claims courts. You can file your claim form and argue your case online. However, you may still need to attend a hearing in person if the judge requests it.
- Specialized small claims courts: Specialized small claims courts have jurisdiction to hear specific types of small claims cases. For example, the landlord-tenant small claims court in Ontario has jurisdiction to hear disputes between landlords and tenants.
If you are unsure which type of small claims court is right for your case, you should contact the court clerk in the province or territory where you are filing your claim.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.