Applications that can and cannot be brought before the Small Claims Division

Only certain types of applications can be heard at the Small Claims Division at the Court of Québec.

Eligible applications

The Small Claims Division at the Court of Québec hears applications where the amount in dispute is $15,000 or less (not including interest).

The claim may involve:

• an amount of money you are owed;
• damage to your person or property;
• the resolution, resiliation or cancellation of a verbal or written contract;
• proceedings against the Québec government and the government of Canada;
• a summary appeal respecting a fiscal matter.

Dispute with a merchant

If you are in a dispute with a merchant, contact the Office de la protection du consommateur to find out if you can use its free on-line mediation service, PARLe: plateforme d’aide au règlement des litiges en ligne . (In French)

Ineligible applications

The Small Claims Division cannot hear an application involving:

• a residential lease , which falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tribunal administratif du logement;
• a support payment, which falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Superior Court;
• an allegation of defamation;
• a class action, which falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Superior Court;
• a proceeding filed by a person, partnership or association to which another person’s claim has been assigned;
• a claim of of $15,000 that has been divided into several claims of less than $15,000 to make it eligible for the Small Claims Division.