Small Claims – Community Legal Education Association

Information about Small Claims Court is available on the Manitoba Courts website.

As of July 1, 2020 there have been amendments to the Small Claims Court legislation.

Highlights include:

The amount of money that may be claimed is now $15,000 (it had been $10,000)
Costs awards are increased from $100 to $500
You cannot sue for wrongful dismissal in Small Claims Court
Defendants must file a defence. If a defence is not filed by the deadline, default may be noted
If default has been noted but a certificate of decision has not yet been obtained, the defendant may apply to request the that default be set aside
If default is set aside, the judge or court officer must set a new deadline for the defendant to file a defence.

These amendments do not apply to claims filed before July 1, 2020. However, the increased costs awards apply as of July 1, 2020, regardless of when the claim was filed.

Community Legal Education Association has produced a Guide for Small Claims Court. If you would like to order a copy contact us. The cost of the guide is $18, $20 if mailed. You can also purchase the guide online: https://www.communitylegal.mb.ca/publications-store/

The following video provides an Overview of Civil Court Cases in Manitoba