What happens at a Small Claims Court settlement conference in Ontario?

A Settlement Conference is a mandatory step in most contested Small Claims Court cases in Ontario. It is an informal meeting held before a deputy judge where both the plaintiff and defendant (and any representatives) appear to discuss the dispute. The goal is to explore whether the parties can resolve the matter — fully or partially — without a full trial.

At the conference, the deputy judge may ask questions about the evidence, point out weaknesses in each side's position, and suggest possible compromises. The deputy judge cannot force a settlement, but their observations often help parties see the realistic range of outcomes and motivate agreement. The conference also serves to identify which issues remain in dispute and to give directions about what documents and witnesses each side should prepare for trial.

If the case does not settle, the deputy judge will give directions and set the matter down for trial. Parties who arrive at a Settlement Conference unprepared — without key documents or a clear summary of their position — risk making a poor impression and missing a real opportunity to resolve the case efficiently.