Small Claims Court Jurisdiction to Increase

(January 2009)

As part of its efforts to increase access to civil justice in Ontario, the Ministry of the Attorney General recently announced that the monetary limit of Small Claims Court will increase from $10,000 to $25,000, effective January 1, 2010.
The change is designed to provide a faster and more affordable option to those who are unable to resolve their own disputes. The initiative is one of several civil justice reforms aimed at speeding up the process and lowering the costs of dispute resolution. The last change to the monetary limit of the Small Claims Court took place in 2001, when it increased from $6,000 to $10,000.

The Small Claims Court hears disputes on a wide range of matters, such as contracts for goods and services, debt collection, negligence and consumer issues.

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Traffic tickets

On March 11,2009, the Ontario Legislature’s respective committees were considering Projects Numbers 118 and 126 that would affect ALL drivers in Ontario with respect to use of cell phones while driving.
April 2- Bills awaiting Third reading

BILL 126- Road Safety Act provides for Drivers suspension of Novice Drivers if alcohol above zero present while driving. Amends penalties for driving with alcohol level above zero for drivers under 22 years old. The Bill adds new section 48.2.1, which provides for an administrative driver's licence suspension if a young driver, upon being stopped by a police officer and asked to provide a sample of breath, provides a sample that indicates the presence of alcohol in his or her body or fails or refuses to provide a sample. If the analysis registers "Presence of Alcohol" or otherwise indicates the presence of alcohol in his or her body, the young driver's licence is suspended for 24 hours; if it registers "Warn" or "Alert" or otherwise indicates the presence of alcohol in his or her body, the young driver's licence is suspended for three days for a first suspension, seven days for a second suspension and 30 days for a subsequent suspension. The suspension under this section runs concurrently with a suspension, if any, under section 48, 48.1 or 48.3.

Amends certain definitions under the Highway Traffic Act.
Proposes Administrative Drivers License Suspension and Vehicle Impoundment for drivers charged under the new law. Increase Penalties

The fine for not complying with the Act or regulations respecting seat belts under section 106 is increased from $60 to $500 (the general penalty under section 214 of the Act) to $200 to $1,000.
The fine for careless driving under section 130 is increased from $200 to $1,000 to $400 to $2,000.
The fine for not stopping on a red light under sections 144 and 146 is increased from $150 to $500 to $200 to $1,000.
The fine for not complying with section 200 (remain or return to scene of accident, provide assistance) is increased from $200 to $1,000 to $400 to $2,000.
Current Status of Bill: Reffered to Standing Committee on December 10,2008