By rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial Politics

Higher civil claims limit now in effect

Aug 4, 2023 | 1:09 PM

As of August 1, Albertans can now represent themselves more effectively in civil claims court matters and save time and money on legal costs.

To make the civil claims process simpler and more cost effective, Albertans can now file civil claims of up to $100,000 in the Alberta Court of Justice. Government officials say this change is an increase from the previous limit of $50,000 and the first time in nine years that Alberta’s government has increased the civil claims limit. Officials add, however, that Albertans will continue to have the option to pursue their civil claim at the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.

This is expected to make the civil claims process easier for Albertans to navigate compared to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Provincial officials say the Alberta Court of Justice currently handles about 10,000 civil claims annually, adding it is highly accessible to Albertans, with 72 locations across the province.

“This increase to the civil claims limit will make the justice system more affordable and accessible for Albertans. Our government is committed to a more effective justice system in Alberta and this is another positive step in that direction,” says Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

According to the government, the higher civil claims limit will free up time in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, as it means more matters can be heard in the Alberta Court of Justice.

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“The Alberta Court of Justice has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of Albertans. This increase reflects that evolution and our increased capacity as a forum for resolving civil disputes. This change empowers the court to handle a broader range of civil cases, easing the burden on higher courts and reducing delays in the judicial process,” notes Derek G. Redman, chief justice, Alberta Court of Justice.

Alberta government quick facts

• Changes included in the Justice Statutes Amendment Act in fall 2022 enabled the government to increase the civil claims limit in the Alberta Court of Justice to $200,000.
• Alberta’s government chose the $100,000 limit after engaging with Alberta’s three courts and sending a survey to the Law Society of Alberta, Canadian Bar Association – Alberta Branch, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association, Legal Aid Alberta and organizations that provide free legal advice to low-income Albertans.
• Before the August 1 increase to $100,000, the civil claims limit was last increased to $50,000 from $25,000 in 2014.