Choosing the Proper Forum for Small Claims (20:IV)

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 4, 2021.

There are several options for resolving most civil disputes in British Columbia: Alternative Dispute Resolution, specialised tribunals, Small Claims Court, the Civil Resolution Tribunal and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Certain claims must be made through administrative tribunals instead of the courts. See, for example, Section IV.C: Civil Resolution Tribunal for small claims matters under $5,000, “roommate disputes”, certain motor vehicle injury disputes, and strata matters, Chapter 6: Human Rights for human rights claims proceeding through the Human Rights Tribunal, Chapter 7: Workers’ Compensation for workers’ compensation claims proceeding through the Workers’ Compensation Board, Chapter 8: Employment Insurance for EI matters proceeding through the Social Security Tribunal, Chapter 9: Employment Law for employment law related matters proceeding through the Employment Standards Branch, and Chapter 19: Landlord and Tenant Law for tenancy matters proceeding through the Residential Tenancy Branch.

In order to bring a claim in British Columbia, the court or tribunal must have territorial jurisdiction. If either the subject matter of the claim (e.g., the contract or wrongful act) occurred in British Columbia or the Defendant resides or does business in British Columbia, this may be a sufficient connection for a court or tribunal to assert jurisdiction. It is sometimes unclear whether British Columbia has a sufficient connection to the claim and is the most appropriate forum. If the court’s jurisdiction is not clear, a claimant should obtain legal advice and review applicable case law; see DreamBank Online Gifting v BeneFACT Consulting, 2011 BCPC 459 [DreamBank]; Teck Cominco Metals v Lloyds Underwriters, 1 SCR 321;Purple Echo Productions Inc. v KCTS Television, 2008 BCCA 85; Jordan v Schatz, 2000 BCCA 409; Tolofson v Jensen, 3 SCR 1022.

Where the dispute is contractual, the existence of a “forum selection clause” may provide further jurisdictional difficulties. Forum selection clauses require the adjudication of claims in the named jurisdiction. Such clauses will generally be upheld absent a finding of “strong cause” to hear the matter in the jurisdiction of another court; see Borgstrom v Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd., 2007 BCCA 263; Procon Mining & Tunnelling Ltd. v McNeil, 2007 BCCA 438). However, where a “forum selection clause” requires arbitration that would be practically inaccessible for reasons of cost or geography, a court may declare the clause invalid and adjudicate the claim (Uber Technologies Inc v Heller, 2020 SCC 16).

A. Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court is the civil division of the British Columbia Provincial Court and is designed to accommodate unrepresented parties who do not have legal training. The overriding purpose of the Small Claims Court is to resolve disputes in a “just, speedy, inexpensive, and simple manner” (SCA, s 2). The Court uses simplified forms, procedures, and rules and encourages settlement.

Small Claims Court is a formal court that applies the law. Although the procedures and rules of evidence are slightly relaxed in order to make it more accessible to the public, it is significantly more formal and principled than the courts portrayed in television programs.

There are three primary considerations when choosing Small Claims Court: the amount claimed, the court’s jurisdiction, and costs.

1. Amount Claimed

As of June 1, 2017, Small Claims Court can award a judgment of up to $35,000. A person whose claim exceeds $35,000 may still choose Small Claims Court but must expressly state in the notice of claim or counterclaim that they will abandon the amount necessary to bring their claim or counterclaim within the court’s jurisdiction (SCR, Rules 1(4) and 1(5)). Interest and costs are not included in calculating the $35,000 limit.

A claimant must sue all responsible parties for damages arising from a single event in one claim; the claimant cannot split claims for damages arising out of a single event into multiple claims in an attempt to circumvent the $35,000 limit. If, however, there are multiple events giving rise to a claim, even if closely related, they may be brought in separate actions (Wah Loong Ltd v Fortune Garden Restaurant Ltd., 2000 BCPC 163). For example, if a contractor issues an invoice for $20,000 at the end of January for work done in January and issues another invoice for $20,000 at the end of February for work done in February and both invoices go unpaid, the contractor may sue on each invoice in a separate claim. Rule 7.1(4) permits certain related claims to be heard together.

Where a defendant has pleaded a set-off (the plaintiff owes the defendant money that should be deducted from their award), contributory negligence (the plaintiff’s negligence also contributed to their loss), or shared liability (there is another party who is also liable for the same action), the court may consider these defences against the full amount of the claimant’s claim provided that the net judgment does not exceed $35,000. This also applies when a set-off forms the basis for a standalone counterclaim. For example, if the claimant proves a $50,000 claim and the defendant establishes a $35,000 set-off, the claimant will have a net judgment of $15,000.

Section 21(2) of the Small Claims Act permits the monetary limit to be set by regulation at any amount up to $50,000. Claimants should confirm the current monetary limit prior to filing a claim.

2. Jurisdiction

The Small Claims Court derives its authority from the SCA, the Small Claims Rules, BC Reg 261/93 [SCR], and other acts that expressly confer jurisdiction upon the Provincial Court.

The court has express jurisdiction in claims for:

debt or damages;
recovery of personal property;
specific performance of an agreement relating to personal property or services; or
relief from opposing claims to personal property(SCA, s 3(1)).

The Small Claims Court does not have jurisdiction in claims for libel, slander, or malicious prosecution, according to s 3(2) of the SCA, unless such authority is expressly granted in limited circumstances by another statute (e.g., s 171(3) of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act allows for contraventions of this Act to be heard in Provincial Court even if they involve claims for libel or slander).

The court cannot resolve disputes involving residential tenancy agreements nor can it grant remedies created by statute if there is another dispute resolution mechanism prescribed in the statute. For example, claims for overtime must be claimed through the Employment Standards Branch and not in Small Claims Court. The court has very limited jurisdiction in residential tenancy (Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78.), human rights (Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996, c 210), and strata property matters. See Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c 43; Frechette v Crosby Property et al, 2007 BCPC 174; Stettner v Strata Plan PG 56, 2011 BCPC 82; Valana v Law et al., 2005 BCPC 587; Heliker et al v Strata Plan VR 1395, 2005 BCPC 500; David v Vancouver Condominium Services Ltd., [1999] BCJ No 1869; McNeill v Strata Plan – KAS1099, [1996] BCJ No. 2553; Strata Plan LMS2064 v Biamonte, [1999] BCJ No. 1267; Seller v Singla Bros. Holdings Ltd., [1995] BCJ No. 2826; Beck v Andrews Realty Ltd. (cob RE/Max Real Estate Services), [1994] BCJ No 2796. Regarding employment law, the Small Claims Court has jurisdiction over contractual and common law rights. See Employment Standards Act, RSBC 1996, c 113; Macaraeg v E. Care Contact Centers Ltd., [2008] BCCA 182; UBC v Moore, 2009 BCPC 186. As such, a significant number of wrongful dismissals claims take place in this court.

Other noteworthy areas of law often falling outside the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Division are trusts, wills (i.e., probate), prerogative writs, bankruptcy, and some family law matters. However, the court may have jurisdiction over cases where these areas of law are involved only circumstantially – where the pith and substance of the case do fall within the court’s jurisdiction (AMEX Bank of Canada v Golovatcheva, 2007 BCPC 369, at para 12). In AMEX Bank of Canada v Golovatcheva, the claimant alleged that the defendant had committed fraud by running up a debt that she knew she would escape by declaring bankruptcy. The Small Claims court exerted jurisdiction over this case as in pith and substance, the case at bar was a claim in debt, not bankruptcy.

The Small Claims Court has no inherent jurisdiction. It cannot grant injunctions or declaratory relief; however, subject to the Small Claims Act and Small Claims Rules, the court may make any order or give any direction necessary to achieve the purpose of these statutes. One should review the Small Claims Act and Small Claims Rules thoroughly. See LLC v PG, sub nom. Craig v Gidyk, [1994] BCJ No. 1591 (Prov. Ct.); RK v McBride, [1994] BCJ No. 2791; and Joey Beenz Coffee Bar Ltd. v Di Stasio (cob Neon Sign Writers), 2011 BCPC 375.

3. Fees

The fee to file a claim depends on the amount being claimed. The filing fee is $100 for claims of $3,000 or less and $156 for claims over $3,000. All Small Claims Court fees are listed in Schedule A of the Small Claims Rules. See Appendix H: Small Claim Fees.

If a person is unable to afford the court’s fees, they can file an Application to the Registrar (Form 16) together with a Statement of Finances. If accepted, the party will be exempted under Rule 20(1) from paying fees with respect to that court file.

An unsuccessful litigant must, unless a judge or registrar orders otherwise, pay to the successful party:

any fees the successful party paid for filing any documents;
reasonable amounts the party paid for serving any documents; and
any other reasonable charges or expenses that the judge or registrar considers directly related to the conduct of the proceeding (Gaudet v Mair, [1996] BCJ. No. 2547 (QL) (Prov Ct); Faulkner v. Sellars (1998), 9 CCLI (3d) 247 (BC Prov Ct); Johnston v. Morris, 2004 BCPC 511).

Under no circumstances can any party recover any fees paid to a lawyer with respect to the proceeding: s 19(4) of the Small Claims Act; however, reasonable disbursements charged by a lawyer with respect to the proceeding may be awarded to the successful party.

B. Supreme Court of British Columbia

The Supreme Court has broad jurisdiction. It is not bound by any monetary limits and there are few restrictions on the types of claims that it can hear. The Supreme Court can grant injunctions, conduct judicial reviews, and make new laws. The Supreme Court is not designed for lay litigants. Parties without legal training or legal advice may find it much more difficult to navigate than Small Claims Court. There are, however, a number of resources ( II.4. Other Resources) to help lay litigants bring and defend claims in Supreme Court. The court fees in Supreme Court are higher than in Small Claims Court; they can be waived, however, for those who cannot afford them. In Supreme Court, the losing party will often be ordered to pay to the successful party a portion of that party’s reasonable legal costs. Costs are awarded using a tariff system and generally on a party and party basis that usually amounts to about twenty percent of the successful party’s costs. While it is possible for the successful party to be fully indemnified through an award of special costs, also known as solicitor-client costs, this is rare and should not be expected.

C. Civil Resolution Tribunal

The role of the Civil Resolution Tribunal is to encourage the resolution of disputes by agreement between the parties, and if resolution by agreement is not reached, then to resolve the dispute by deciding the claims brought to the tribunal by the parties. The Civil Resolution Tribunal Act sets out the general process and jurisdiction. For up-to-date information on the Civil Resolution Tribunal, associated legislative changes, and the official rules please visit their website at https://www.civilresolutionbc.ca/.

1. Jurisdiction

The CRT has jurisdiction over small claims disputes up to $5,000, strata property matters, certain disputes about motor vehicle accidents and injuries, and disputes involving societies and co-operative associations. The tribunal will not determine if they have jurisdiction over disputes until an application for dispute resolution is submitted and the required fee paid. While jurisdictional issues are screened at the intake stage, a tribunal member retains discretion to determine whether the dispute is within the tribunal’s jurisdiction. Applicants who want to know if their claim is within the tribunal’s jurisdiction before filing a dispute may try using the CRT’s Solution Explorer or may need to seek legal advice.

Sometimes, disputes may be “hybrids” in that they include strata, co-operative, motor vehicle injury and/or small claims elements. In general, where a dispute has elements of both a small claim or another type of claim (most commonly strata), the CRT will not consider it a small claim. Applicants should consult the CRT to determine whether two separate applications should be made.

a) Small Claims Matters

The tribunal’s small claims jurisdiction is similar to that of the Small Claims Court, however, while the Small Claims Court can resolve claims between $5,001 and $35,000, the CRT is limited in jurisdiction to resolving small claims disputes of $5,000 or under. If a claim is over $5,000 in total value, it may be reduced to $5,000 or less in order to make an application for dispute resolution at the CRT but this requires abandoning the amount that is over $5,000. This means that part of the claim is gone and can no longer be claimed at the CRT or anywhere else.

The Civil Resolution Tribunal has jurisdiction over the following types of small claims matters:

Loans and Debt (e.g. a claim for money loaned to someone and not repaid);
Contract (e.g. A claim for damages caused by the respondent’s failure to properly complete a contract);
Personal Injury;
Personal property (e.g. a claim for damages caused to the applicant’s property or return of personal property);
Consumer transactions (e.g. a claim for damages for faulty merchandise);
Insurance Disputes; and
Some employment.

However, it does not have jurisdiction over claims that

involve slander, defamation or malicious prosecution (CRTA, s 119(a));
are deemed sufficiently complex that they would benefit from being adjudicated by the Court (CRTA, s 11(1)(c));
have already been filed or resolved through another legally binding process or other dispute resolution process;
fall within the jurisdiction of other tribunals (i.e., the Residential Tenancy Branch);
are frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of process;
are against the government, or which the government is a party to the dispute (Note: municipalities do not fall within “government” in this context; CRTA, s 119(b)); or
involve the application of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Note: the CRT does not have jurisdiction over a question of a conflict between the Human Rights Code and another enactment. The CRT also does not have jurisdiction over constitutional questions (CRTA, s 114).

b) Strata Property Matters

The CRT can resolve a wide variety of disputes between owners and tenants of strata properties and strata corporations but can only help with disputes where the event triggering the dispute happened in BC. Unlike the Small Claims and Motor Vehicle Injury jurisdictions of the CRT, the Strata Property jurisdiction of the CRT has no monetary limit. A person may make a request for tribunal resolution of a claim that concerns:

the interpretation or application of the Strata Property Act or regulation, bylaw, or rule under that Act;
the common property or common assets of the strata corporation;
the use or enjoyment of a strata lot (Note: Recent CRT cases have concluded that the CRT does not have jurisdiction under its Strata Property jurisdiction to resolve neighbour disputes, such as an owner claiming against another owner in nuisance or negligence for noise or water leak. If you have a dispute with another resident in a strata you may wish to seek legal advice);
unfair or arbitrary enforcement, or non-enforcement, of strata bylaws, such as noise, pets, parking, rentals, and compliance with the BC Human Rights Code;
money owing, including money owing as a fine, under the Strata Property Act or a regulation, bylaw, or rule under that Act;
financial responsibility for repairs;
an action or threatened action by the strata corporation, including the council, in relation to an owner or tenant;
a decision of the strata corporation, including the council, in relation to an owner or tenant; or
the exercise of voting rights by a person who holds 50% or more of the votes, including proxies, at an annual or special general meeting.

The foregoing list contains a number of limitations. A person considering tribunal resolution of a claim listed above should review s 122 of the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act to ensure that a limitation does not deny jurisdiction to the tribunal.

c) Motor Vehicle Injury Matters

The Motor Vehicle Injury jurisdiction is currently complex and evolving. For accidents between April 1, 2019, and April 30, 2021, the CRTA gives the CRT jurisdiction over disputes about accident benefits, minor injury determinations, and liability and damages claims up to $50,000. The constitutionality of the CRT’s jurisdiction over minor injury determinations and fault and damage claims up to $50,000 are being litigated (Trial Lawyers’ Association of British Columbia v British Columbia (Attorney General), 2021 BCSC 348, at para 414). This is the BCSC case declaring the provisions unconstitutional. There is nothing really to point to regarding the appeal). In the meantime, people can proceed to either the CRT or the court. The court challenge does not affect the CRT’s jurisdiction over entitlement to accident benefits. Seek legal advice to determine which process is best for you. For more information, visit https:// https://civilresolutionbc.ca/resources/where-can-i-file-a-claim-for-a-vehicle-accident-injury/.

For accidents May 1, 2021, and after, the CRT has jurisdiction over entitlement to benefits under the new Enhanced Care model; see https://civilresolutionbc.ca/british-columbias-motor-vehicle-accident-enhanced-care-insurance/.

d) Societies and Cooperative Associations

The CRT can adjudicate disputes about BC societies and cooperative associations. Disputes involving other types of cooperatives, unincorporated societies, societies incorporated outside of BC, and “for-profit” societies are outside of the CRT’s jurisdiction.

The Societies Act governs societies in BC, and the CRT may only take disputes about societies that are incorporated in BC with the BC Corporate Registry (Societies Act, SBC 2015, c 18, s 14). A person may make a request for tribunal resolution of a claim that concerns:

the interpretation or application of the BC Societies Act or a regulation, constitution, or bylaw under that Act, including a request to inspect, or to receive a copy of, a record of a society;
an action or threatened action by the society or its directors in relation to a member; and
a decision of the society or its directors in relation to a member.

The foregoing list contains a number of limitations. A person considering tribunal resolution of a claim listed above should review s 130 of the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act to ensure that a limitation does not deny jurisdiction to the tribunal (Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, SBC 2012, c 25).

The Cooperative Associations Act governs cooperative associations in BC, and the CRT may only take disputes about its provincial housing or community service cooperatives (Cooperative Association Act, SBC 1999, c 28, s 159.5). The Act enables persons to make a request for the tribunal resolution of a claim that concerns:

Interpreting legislation, regulations, memoranda or rules about cooperatives;
Ordering a cooperative to provide access to its records;
Ordering a cooperative to comply with its bylaws or the Cooperative Association Act; and
the person examining, taking extracts from, receiving a copy of or obtaining the record (Cooperative Association Act, SBC 1999, c 28, s 159.5).

As per Societies, the foregoing list contains a number of limitations; see s 126 of the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act. For example, claims cannot be made with respect to any matter relating to terminating membership, expelling members, winding up the cooperative association, or appealing decisions made by the Registrar of Companies.

2. Process

Using the tribunal to resolve a dispute within its jurisdiction is mandatory by default. However, a party may apply for an exemption under the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act. Furthermore, if the tribunal refuses to resolve a dispute, the courts can hear that dispute. The tribunal is designed to be more informal, faster, and less expensive than Small Claims Court, and will be conducted primarily using the internet and email. Unlike Small Claims Court, the tribunal generally requires the parties to be self-represented; lawyers are generally not permitted (CRTA, s 20). There are exceptions to this, including where a party is a minor or has impaired capacity, where the rules permit the party to be represented or where the tribunal permits representation because it is in the interests of justice and fairness. If a party wishes to request a representative, they should contact the CRT directly to obtain a Representation Request Form.

NOTE: Parties may obtain legal assistance and/or advice without submitting a Form, however, their lawyer will not be able to participate directly in the CRT process.

For a tribunal small claim, if a party is unhappy with the tribunal decision, they will be able to file a notice of objection and bring the small claim as a claim in the Provincial Court (CRTA, s 56.1). A party who is dissatisfied with the ruling on any other matter can only seek limited judicial review in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The standard of review is variable because courts have struggled with the interpretation of s 58 of the Administrative Tribunals Act. As such, different standards of review apply to different types of cases. For example, the standard of review for CRT decisions on strata property matters is correctness. Generally speaking, the standard of review is correctness unless the decision relates to:

findings of fact for which the finding must either be unreasonable or made without any evidence to support it;
discretionary decisions for which the decision must be arbitrary, made in bad faith, be based entirely or predominantly on irrelevant factors, or fail to comply with a statute; or
natural justice and procedural fairness which are considered with the tribunal’s mandate in mind (Administrative Tribunals Act, SBC 2004, c 45, s 58(2)).

3. General

The first step in the CRT process is filing your claim. Fill in the online application form and pay the fee. Afterward, the CRT will issue the respondent a Dispute Notice. Parties may not bring or continue a claim in court more than 28 days after one of the following applicable dates:

the date the party receives notice of the decision;
the date of a court order that the CRT not adjudicate a claim; or
the date the CRT certifies that the party has completed the CRT’s process, following the party making a notice of objection under the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, s 56.2.

The CRT orders are enforceable as an order of the court unless a party makes a notice of objection under s 56.1 of the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act.

D. Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution is useful because it is efficient, inexpensive, confidential, informal, and flexible; the parties have control over the outcome. A trial, on the other hand, is formal, less flexible, and can be more expensive. With few exceptions, everything that is said in a courtroom or written in a filed document can be accessed by any member of the public.

Parties who wish to preserve their relationship, avoid the stress of a trial, keep the details of their dispute private, or resolve their dispute in months instead of more than a year should seriously consider alternative dispute resolution.

1. Negotiations

Negotiation is cost and risk-free. Any contact between the parties should be used to attempt to negotiate a settlement. Parties can negotiate a settlement at any point before a judgment is pronounced. Negotiations are without prejudice, which means they are confidential between the parties and cannot be used against a party in court. Any documentation related to negotiation should have the words “WITHOUT PREJUDICE” written across the top.

Ask the other party if they are represented by a lawyer. If so, all communication should be with the lawyer. If the other party is not represented, ask the other party if they are willing to discuss the claim.

Telephone technique should be firm but not argumentative. Try to negotiate the best offer possible.

Make a written plan and keep detailed notes of each conversation as it occurs. Plan how best to find out the other side’s position and how best to put forward your position.

If a settlement is reached, a letter should be sent to the other party to confirm the agreement. Enclose a duplicate copy for the appropriate party to sign and return to you. Any settlement should include a mutual release agreement in which both parties agree to not bring any further claims against each other and to withdraw any other proceedings that may have been commenced.

NOTE: If there are multiple defendants, a claimant should obtain legal advice to ensure that an agreement with one defendant does not inadvertently release the other defendants from liability.

2. Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process in which an independent, neutral party listens to each party’s position, focuses on the issues in dispute, and assists the parties to come to a settlement agreement. While the mediator plays an active role in ensuring discussion remains productive, the ultimate responsibility for resolving the dispute rests with the parties. The purpose of mediation is not to determine who wins and loses, but to find solutions that meet the needs of the people involved.

Mediation as an alternative to litigation is often a more expedient, less expensive, and more satisfactory route than litigation. In order to mediate outside of the Small Claims Court process, all parties must agree. The parties typically share the cost of mediation.

The Civil Resolution Tribunal’s facilitation process is essentially a mediation. In fulfilling its mandate, the role of the Civil Resolution Tribunal is “to encourage the resolution of disputes by agreement between the parties” (CRTA, s 2(3)) before resolving the dispute by deciding the claims brought to the tribunal. The tribunal’s mandate is to provide dispute resolution services in a manner that is accessible, speedy, economical, informal, and flexible (CRTA, s 2(2)).

The Small Claims Court requires that parties participate in either a settlement conference or mediation. Both processes are highly successful in resolving disputes and there is no additional cost to either party. For information on these processes, see the Small Claims Procedural Guides.

Parties who choose to mediate outside of the Small Claims Court process can choose their mediator (Mediate BC website), resolve the dispute sooner and on a more convenient timeline, and spend more time resolving the dispute than the approximately 2.5 hours allocated by the court. Also, since both parties would have agreed to mediate, settlement is more likely than if mediation is compulsory.

3. Arbitration

Arbitration is a voluntary process in which an independent, neutral party will listen to each party’s position and resolve the conflict by choosing one of the party’s positions. If the arbitrator’s decision is binding, the dispute is settled. If the arbitrator’s decision is non-binding, the parties may accept it or proceed to litigation. Arbitration can offer a very quick resolution to disputes and encourages both parties to present reasonable offers in order to increase the likelihood that their proposal will be selected. In order to arbitrate, all parties must agree. The parties typically share the cost of arbitration. The Small Claims Court does not require or provide arbitration; parties who wish to arbitrate must do so on their own (the British Columbia Arbitration and Mediation Institute website).