Can I appeal a small claims judgment in Canada?
In most provinces, yes, but the route and threshold differ. In Ontario, final orders over $3,500 are appealed to the Divisional Court. In BC, Provincial Court small claims decisions go to the Supreme Court of BC. In Quebec, small claims division judgments are final and cannot be appealed.
How much does it cost to appeal a small claims decision?
Costs include the appeal filing fee (roughly $150 to $210), the cost of a certified trial transcript (often several hundred to over a thousand dollars), and any legal fees. Transcripts are frequently the largest single expense because appeals proceed on the record.
What is the deadline to appeal?
Deadlines are short and strict — commonly 30 days from the date of the judgment or order in provinces that allow appeals. Missing the deadline usually ends your right to appeal, so confirm the exact period for your province and file promptly.
Is it worth appealing a small claims judgment?
Weigh the total cost (fee, transcript, legal fees) against the amount at stake multiplied by your realistic chance of success. Appeals generally succeed only on errors of law or serious procedural unfairness, not simply because you disagree with the result, so success rates are often modest.