More Applicants Can Access Ontario Small Claims Court to Seek Enforcement of HRTO decisions as Monetary Jurisdiction Increases to $50,000
More Ontarians will now be able to take advantage of more efficient, lower-cost Small Claims Court as its monetary jurisdiction has recently been increased from $35,000 to $50,000, effective as of October 1, 2025. This change will also benefit individuals seeking to enforce Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) orders.
The Small Claims Court is a branch of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and is designed to provide an efficient and cost-effective forum for individuals that is easier to navigate, particularly for those who are self-represented. Claims for over $50,000 must go to the Superior Court of Justice, which is a more costly and complicated system of enforcement matters.
Where a respondent does not comply with an HRTO order, such as for the payment of compensation for a breach of the Human Rights Code, an applicant may enforce that order in the civil courts. The increased monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court means that many applicants seeking to enforce an HRTO decision will now have access to the Small Claims Court instead of having to proceed to the Superior Court of Justice.
For more information on enforcement of HRTO decisions and settlements, see the HRLSC Guide Enforcing Your Tribunal Order or Settlement