Why is the monetary limit of the Small Claims Court increasing to $35,000?
Ontario Attorney General, Doug Downey, announced on October 23, 2019, that the monetary claims limit for Small Claims Court will increase from $25,000 to $35,000. The changed will be in effect on January 1, 2020.
The claims limit will continue to exclude interests and costs, such as court fees. Examples of claims that can be filed in the Small Claim Courts include unpaid loans, unpaid rent, property damage and personal injuries, among others.
In making these changes, many civil cases that would have been brought to the Superior Court of Justice will now be brought in Small Claims Court.
Read more on the Attorney General’s Website here.
Comment
A commendable result in improving justice for Ontarians. Small Claims Court offers a more effective procedure than the Ontario Superior Court.
It also allows Paralegals to assist their clients in Small Claims matters when large sums of money are at steak.