How long does a small claims case take in Canada?
An undefended claim resolved by default judgment can conclude in one to two months. A defended claim usually takes 6 to 12 months to reach trial because most provinces require a settlement conference first, and busy courts have long waits for trial dates.
What is a settlement conference and when does it happen?
A settlement conference is a mandatory pre-trial meeting before a judge or referee, usually held a few months after the defence is filed. The parties try to settle; if they cannot, the case is scheduled for trial. It is the main procedural step between filing and trial in most provinces.
How long does the defendant have to respond?
Most provinces give 20 days after service to file a defence in Small Claims Court (British Columbia's Provincial Court uses 14 days for a reply). If no defence is filed by the deadline, you can move for default judgment, which is much faster than a defended trial.
What makes a small claims case take longer?
Court backlog, contested facts, multiple defendants, adjournments, and the need for expert evidence all extend the timeline. Choosing to settle at the settlement conference, rather than proceeding to trial, is usually the fastest way to resolve a defended claim.