November 26, 2015
Province Proposes Higher Limit In Small Claims Court To Give Greater Access To Justice
– – –Manitobans Asked for Input on Appropriate Limit: Minister Mackintosh
To better reflect the needs of Manitobans dealing with financial or property disputes, the Manitoba government has introduced legislation today that would increase the maximum value of cases heard by small claims court, Attorney General Gord Mackintosh announced.
“Manitoba’s small claims court provides timely, effective and fair decisions on a broad range of disputes,” said Minister Mackintosh. “As part of a broader strategy to increase access to justice, we’re going to ask Manitobans for their views on a new suitable maximum value for claims.”
Currently, all small claims court matters must be under $10,000. The minister invited Manitobans to share their views on the new maximum limit by participating in a brief online survey at www.gov.mb.ca/justice. Feedback is requested by Friday, Jan. 1, 2016.
In 2014, the Manitoba government introduced changes to make the small claims court system more streamlined and accessible with new provisions related to evidence, decision summaries and appeals. The limit in small claims court was last increased in 2006.
Manitoba’s small claims court hears about 4,000 matters every year. For more information about small claims court, visit www.manitobacourts.mb.ca.
- 30 -