Monetary Jurisdiction: The Maximum Limits for Claims Within Small Claims Court

Question: What are the current and upcoming claim limits for Ontario's Small Claims Court?

Answer: The current claim limit in Ontario's Small Claims Court is $35,000, which will increase to $50,000 per Plaintiff effective October 1, 2025. Understanding these limits ensures you file properly, avoiding potential penalties while maximizing your legal options for recovery under the Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.43.

Understanding the Maximum Claim Sums Allowable Within Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court is empowered to hear cases capped at a maximum value, referred to in law as the monetary jurisdiction.  The Small Claims Court limit, and streamlined rules of procedure, are designed to provide dispute resolution for claims of modest value, thereby allowing parties to pursue legal remedies in a more efficient and cost-effective setting when compared to higher courts.  Understanding the parameters is essential before commencing a claim, as exceeding the permitted thresholds may require proceeding in a different court or adjusting the claim to comply with the applicable limit.  Inversely, using the Small Claims Court process where cases warrant can help to avoid costs sanctions or other penalties that may be imposed if a case befitting of the Small Claims Court is unnecessarily brought in the court system intended for higher claims.  The current $35,000 limit per Plaintiff increases to $50,000 per Plaintiff effective October 1 2025.  The specifics are prescribed by regulations to the Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.  C.43, as follows:

This introductory overview provides a foundation for exploring related issues, with further details available in linked articles addressing specific aspects of Small Claims Court jurisdiction.