Nunavut's Court of Justice — Canada's only single-level trial court — handles small claims up to $20,000. This guide covers filing in the territory, circuit hearings, enforcement, and the deadline to sue.
Nunavut does justice unlike anywhere else in Canada. It has the country's only single-level trial court — one court for everything — and because the territory is reached mainly by air, much of that court's work happens on fly-in circuits to communities across the Arctic. Recovering an unpaid loan of up to $20,000 here follows that distinctive system. Here's how it works.
Nunavut is genuinely one of a kind: it has Canada's only single-level trial court. The Nunavut Court of Justice hears everything — small claims included, up to $20,000 — and, because the territory is reached mainly by air, much of its work happens through fly-in circuit court.
One court for everything
Everywhere else in Canada, trial work is split between a provincial or territorial court and a superior court. Nunavut merged them in 1999: the Nunavut Court of Justice is a single trial court, staffed by superior-court judges, that handles the full range — from a modest unpaid loan to the most complex case. For you, that means your small claims matter is heard in the same court that does everything else, under a process adapted to keep it accessible.
The $20,000 small claims process
Nunavut's small claims process covers claims up to $20,000 (filing fee $75) — enough for most personal loans. Above the limit, the same court hears the matter under its fuller civil procedure.
Justice by circuit
The defining reality of Nunavut justice is geography. Communities are separated by vast distances and connected by air, so the court travels — flying to communities to hold sittings on a circuit schedule. Your loan claim may be heard when the court next reaches your community, and timelines can reflect that rhythm. Patience and good preparation go a long way.
Filing and evidence
You file your claim with the Nunavut Court of Justice, setting out the borrower, the amount, and the facts, with your supporting documents. Check with the court registry for current filing options. As everywhere, the core question is whether you can show the money was a loan that was meant to be repaid.
Enforcement
A judgment can be enforced through the territory's collection processes. In a fly-in territory, reaching a debtor and their assets can take time, so documenting the loan thoroughly at the outset — and keeping records of every transfer — is especially valuable here.
In a fly-in territory, proof is everything
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Create my loan agreement →Common questions
Which court handles small claims in Nunavut?
The Nunavut Court of Justice — and here's what's unique: it's Canada's only single-level trial court. One court, staffed by superior-court judges, handles everything from small claims to the most serious cases, instead of splitting work between a territorial and a superior court.
How much can I sue for in Nunavut?
Up to $20,000 through the Nunavut Court of Justice's small claims process, and the filing fee is $75. That covers most personal loans. Above $20,000, the same court hears the claim under its fuller civil procedure.
How are hearings held across Nunavut?
Largely by circuit. With communities spread across the Arctic and accessible mainly by air, the court flies to settlements to hold sittings, so your matter may be heard when the circuit reaches your community.
How long do I have to sue in Nunavut?
Nunavut hasn't adopted the two-year discovery rule most provinces use. Under its Limitation of Actions Act, you generally have six years from when the loan became due to sue for the debt, and a signed written acknowledgement or a part payment starts a fresh six years. If you're close to the deadline, get advice.
General information for Nunavut, not legal advice; LendRight is not a law firm. Territorial court limits, fees and limitation rules differ from the provinces and can change — confirm current details with the Nunavut Court of Justice before filing.
We write plain-language guides on lending between family and friends in Canada, reviewed against current provincial and CRA rules. LendRight is not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice.