Province increases the amount than can be claimed in small courts

As expected, the province has announced an increase in the amount allowed to be claimed in small courts.

The limit moves from $25,000 to $50,000 dollars effective August 1st.

Justice Minister Jonathan Denis made the announcement Monday morning outside the Calgary Courthouse.

As it stands, civil matters over $25.000 are heard in Court of Queen’s Bench where Alberta is currently short on judges.

Raising the limit means more cases can be heard in provincial court, freeing up the higher court for more serious matters.

Denis said it will also mean improved access for lower and middle income Albertans as provincial civil matters are typically litigated without the help of a lawyer.

“What Albertans want is better access to small claims court and a simplified user friendly process that ensures timely and cost effective civil claims resolution,” Denis said.

Along with the limit hike, Denis says a pilot project is coming in the fall that will direct civil claims into appropriate resolution tracks.

The aim is to cut down on the time and cost associated with pursuing such claims under the current system.

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