Can a corporation sue or be sued in Ontario Small Claims Court?

Yes, corporations can both sue and be sued in Ontario Small Claims Court, as long as the claim does not exceed the $35,000 monetary limit. A corporation is treated as a legal person and has standing to bring or defend a civil claim just as an individual does.

The practical difference is in how a corporation participates. An individual can represent themselves directly, but a corporation generally cannot appear through a non-lawyer employee unless the court grants permission. In practice, corporations in Small Claims Court are commonly represented by a licensed paralegal, which is often more cost-effective than retaining a lawyer for a sub-$35,000 dispute. A corporate officer may also appear with the court's permission in certain circumstances.

When suing a corporation, you must use the correct legal name — the full registered corporate name, not a trade name or nickname. If you are unsure of the legal name, you can search the Ontario Business Registry. Serving a corporation requires delivering the claim to a person at the corporation's registered office or using another method permitted by the Rules. Getting the name and service method right at the start avoids delays or having the claim dismissed for improper service.