Ontario Small Claims Court Monetary Limit Increased to $25,000

The monetary limit of the Small Claims Court (SCC) has increased from $10,000 to $25,000 since January 1^st, 2010.

The goal of the Ontario government is to improve access to Justice for all Ontarians.  In deed, the SCC offers a more streamlined procedure for hearing claims than the Ontario Superior Court. This is a laudable goal, but plaintiffs and defendants in SCC case should seek the advice of a lawyer when considerable sums of money are at risk.

The Ministry of the Attorney General has prepared an information pamphlet explaining the impact of the monetary limit increase. This is a must read for anyone considering a SCC action or being sued in SCC.