In Ontario, the Small Claims Court is suffering from a backlog as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike Superior Court matters for larger claims, many parties have been reluctant to consider mediation or arbitration for smaller claims (less than $35,000) due to the prohibitive costs involved with hiring an arbitrator or mediator. The staff and Deputy Judges of the Small Claims Court are trying diligently to work through the backlog but it will take time.
In an effort to assist with this backlog, Durant Barristers is offering Small Claims Arbitrations at a cost of $999 per party plus HST. The arbitration fee includes a preliminary meeting with the arbitrator, a virtual or written hearing (to be determined at the preliminary meeting), an award within 10 business days of the hearing, and an award on costs. A mediation-arbitration hearing is also possible for an additional $250 plus HST per party.
Stop letting your files languish while waiting for your Small Claims Court hearings and book your hearing date. Given the low cost of this service, we are only offering a limited number of hearing dates monthly. Please speak with all parties to the dispute to ensure their agreement to arbitrate prior to booking. A draft arbitration agreement has been prepared and is subject to negotiation between the parties.
If you have any questions prior to booking, please contact me at EDurant@DurantBarristers.com.
We look forward to assisting with getting justice moving forward for Small Claims Court litigants and their counsel.
Erin Durant