Canada - British Columbia Debt Collection Guide
Filing fees, claim limits, demand letter requirements, court process, service rules, and enforcement options for collecting money in Canada - British Columbia. Verify local court rules before filing.
Court
Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) / Small Claims Court
Filing Fee
C$75-C$175 (~$55-$130 USD)
Claim Limit
C$5,000 CRT / C$35,000 Small Claims (approx $40,000 USD)
Timeline
2-4 months (CRT), 4-8 months (Provincial Court)
Filing Instructions
- 1For claims up to C$5,000, file online at Civil Resolution Tribunal
- 2For claims C$5,001-$35,000, file Notice of Claim (Form 1) at Provincial Court
- 3Pay filing fee
- 4Serve defendant within 14 days of filing
- 5CRT process is entirely online; Provincial Court sets a hearing
Required Forms
- - CRT Application (online) or Form 1 - Notice of Claim
Service Rules
Personal service, registered mail, or email (CRT). Provincial Court requires personal service or registered mail.
Legal Basis
Small Claims Act [RSBC 1996] Chapter 430; Civil Resolution Tribunal Act
Enforcement Options
- - Payment hearing
- - Garnishment
- - Seizure and sale of assets
Online Filing Portal
https://civilresolutionbc.caImportant Notes
BC's Civil Resolution Tribunal handles disputes up to C$5,000 entirely online. It's one of the most modern systems in Canada.
Start with a demand letter
Document the claim before escalating to a court or tribunal.
Start Your Case