For the first time in nearly a decade, the government of Alberta has increased the limit for civil claims court, or small claims court, from $50,000 to $100,000.
The government stated in an announcement made on April 5 that raising the cap on civil claims would save Albertans “time and money on legal costs.”
The change signifies “more Albertans will actually want to record claims in the Alberta Courtroom,” said the declaration. As indicated by the public authority, the common court “uses streamlined and practical methodology, making it an appealing choice contrasted with different courts.”
In a press release, Justice Minister Tyler Shandro stated, “The government’s decision to increase the civil claims limit for the Alberta Court of Justice will give more people the option to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently.”
“This is especially valuable for organizations, as convenient debate goal empowers them to zero in their assets on their center tasks and drive development. We perceive the significance of furnishing organizations and people with an equity framework that is both open and effective, and this action is a stage towards accomplishing that objective.”
There are 72 courts located throughout the province.
Self-Represented Litigants
The Alberta Court of Justice’s Civil Division is a cost-effective, user-friendly option for resolving private disputes, such as those involving landlords and tenants.
Recording a legitimate activity in the court doesn’t need an attorney, however a legal advisor or specialist can be employed to address petitioners in the event that they wish, on their own. The common court is set up for situations where one party chooses to sue another party. The Court of King’s Bench is where the claim must be filed if it exceeds the limit.
On the off chance that the case ultimately depends on and including $7,500, the case causes a documenting expense of $100. The filing fee for claims over $7,500 and up to $50,000 is $200. The party protecting the case should pay $75 to $125 to record a debate note and counterclaim, contingent upon the worth of the lawful activity.
The fee for defending against the claim without a counterclaim is $25 for a party who only files a dispute note.
Shauna Feth, president of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, stated in the press release that raising the amount from $50,000 to $100,000 “will help level the playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises, which will be able to seek justice through more cost-effective means.”
The increment formally produces results on Aug. 1 and was made conceivable by changes the territory made to the Equity Rules Revision Act in the fall of 2022. The claims limit was last increased in 2014, when it was raised to $50,000 from $25,000.
After consulting with all three of Alberta’s courts, the Law Society of Alberta, the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers, and Legal Aid, the province claimed that it settled on the $100,000 cap.
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