CRT vs Small Claims Court in BC: Where Does Your Dispute Go?
British Columbia splits its small-dollar justice system in two: the online Civil Resolution Tribunal for claims up to $5,000 (and most strata disputes at any amount), and the Small Claims division of the Provincial Court for claims from $5,001 to $35,000. Filing in the wrong forum costs months. The strategy — and the advocacy — differs sharply between the two.
The Civil Resolution Tribunal: online, written, and winnable
The CRT runs almost entirely online through written submissions. That design favours parties whose evidence is organized and whose arguments are precisely drafted — which is exactly what professional preparation delivers. It handles small claims up to $5,000, most strata property disputes, and certain motor vehicle matters.
Provincial Court small claims: $5,001 to $35,000
Larger claims proceed in Provincial Court with a settlement conference and, if needed, trial. Claims above $35,000 must either waive the excess to stay in small claims or proceed in Supreme Court — a genuine strategic decision that turns on cost, speed, and the strength of your case.
Strategic amount decisions
If your claim is worth $5,800, is it worth waiving $800 to use the CRT? If it is worth $38,000, should you waive $3,000 to stay out of Supreme Court? These threshold decisions affect timeline, cost, and recoverability — we run the numbers with you before anything is filed.
How We Help With This
Common Questions
Can a paralegal represent me at the CRT?
The CRT is designed for self-representation, and representation requires permission in many cases — but professionally prepared submissions and evidence organization do not. Most of the value is in the drafting, and that is exactly the help we provide.
My BC strata dispute is worth $20,000. CRT or Provincial Court?
Most strata property disputes go to the CRT regardless of amount — the $5,000 cap applies to ordinary small claims, not strata matters. Forum analysis is step one of every BC file we take.
How do I appeal or challenge a CRT decision?
CRT small claims decisions can be challenged through a Notice of Objection (leading to a Provincial Court hearing), within strict deadlines. Strata decisions follow a judicial-review path. Deadlines here are short and unforgiving — act immediately.
Where We Handle These Disputes
Representation across Ontario and British Columbia — virtually and in person.
All service areasOther Dispute Guides
More common small claims scenarios, explained.