Small Claims Court in Canada
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Small claims court is the part of the justice system designed for people without lawyers. The procedural rules are stripped down, the filing fees are low, and judges are used to walking self-represented parties through it.
Where small claims gets confusing is the monetary limit — it varies dramatically by province:
- Alberta: up to $100,000
- Ontario: up to $50,000 (raised in October 2025)
- British Columbia: Civil Resolution Tribunal up to $5,000; Small Claims Court up to $35,000
- Quebec: up to $15,000 — and unusually, lawyers are not allowed to represent you in court
The mechanics are the same everywhere: file the claim, serve the other party, attend the hearing, get a judgment. Then the harder part — collecting on it.
When does it apply?
- Civil disputes — unpaid invoices, property damage, breach of contract, consumer complaints, deposit disputes.
- Your claim has to fit under the provincial monetary limit.
What to Do If You Need to Sue Someone for Money in Canada
- Confirm the right court and limit in your province before doing anything else.
- Pull together the evidence — receipts, contracts, photos, emails, text messages, in date order.
- File the claim and pay the fee (usually well under $200).
- Serve the other party using the method the court requires — improper service kills cases on technicalities.
- Show up prepared. Organised documents, a one-page chronology, and a calm tone go further than you'd expect.
- Bring witnesses who can speak to what they personally saw.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't miss the limitation period. Most provinces give you 2 years from the date you knew (or should have known) about the loss.
- Don't try to squeeze a claim above the limit into small claims. It'll be dismissed or transferred up — and the costs follow.
- Don't ignore a claim filed against you. Default judgment means you've lost without ever speaking.
- Don't get emotional in court. Stick to facts and dates — the bench has heard everything else.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your province — you'll see how provincial law differs from Canadian federal law.
6 provinces available
Common Questions
When does small claims court apply?
Civil disputes — unpaid invoices, property damage, breach of contract, consumer complaints, deposit disputes.Your claim has to fit under the provincial monetary limit.
What should I do if someone in Canada owes me money and refuses to pay?
Confirm the right court and limit in your province before doing anything else.Pull together the evidence — receipts, contracts, photos, emails, text messages, in date order.File the claim and pay the fee (usually well under $200).Serve the other party using the method the court requires — improper service kills cases on technicalities.Show up prepared. Organised documents, a one-page chronology, and a calm tone go further than you'd expect.Bring witnesses who can speak to what they personally saw.
What mistakes should I avoid with small claims court?
Don't miss the limitation period. Most provinces give you 2 years from the date you knew (or should have known) about the loss.Don't try to squeeze a claim above the limit into small claims. It'll be dismissed or transferred up — and the costs follow.Don't ignore a claim filed against you. Default judgment means you've lost without ever speaking.Don't get emotional in court. Stick to facts and dates — the bench has heard everything else.
Small Claims Court in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.