Ontario Small Claims Court Practice features comprehensive commentary pertaining to the Rules and Forms of Small Claims Court in Ontario.

This year's edition has been rewritten, reorganized, and streamlined to emphasize user-friendliness. A new chapter on Small Claims Court jurisdiction replaces the chapter covering the entire Courts of Justice Act, to better focus on Small Claims Court practice. The chapter on appeals has been updated with a new section on common grounds of appeal based on trial fairness, which consolidates and reduces the review of caselaw on appellate issues from previous editions to emphasize the most relevant issues. New and updated chapters on jurisdiction, motions, court forms & fees, interest and appeals have been included. Case citations have been shortened.

Legislation is current to Ont Gaz Vol 158:13 (March 29, 2025)

Rules of the Small Claims Court current to O. Re. 3/25

Hot topics

monetary jurisdiction increases to $50,000 effective October 1, 2025
minimum appealable limit increases to $5,000 effective October 1, 2025
new rule 16.01 - Trial Management Conferences
new rule 17.02 - Adjournments
costs for preparation of pleadings increased to $200
costs for self-represented party under rule 14.07(3) increased to $1,500

Notable recent decisions include:

Review of the effect of incorrect garnishee statements, and the narrow scope of reconsideration: Benzacar v. Terk, 2024 ONCA 679,
Restriction(s) on appeals to the Court of Appeal from the Divisional Court, decisions coming before the Divisional Court in its appellate capacity are intended to be final: see CJA, s.6(1) and West Whitby, 2024 ONCA 910
Court of Appeal reaffirms evidentiary onus on self-represented parties to prove opportunity cost supports award of more than modest lump sum costs award: Furney v. Hazan, 2025 ONCA 165
Divisional Court reaffirms prerequisites for punitive damages awards in Small Claims Court: Abdou v. Governing Council UOT, 2023 ONSC 6868 (Div. Ct.)
motion dismissal of negligence claim where no duty of care applied upheld on appeal: Xia v. Ontario, 2024 ONSC 5122 (Div. Ct.)

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Ontario Small Claims Court Practice, 2026 Edition

Ontario Small Claims Court Practice, 2026 Edition