New rules aim to cut court delays in Gatineau, Pontiac

Tashi Farmilo

Mandatory mediation and automatic arbitration are now required for small claims under $5,000 in Quebec’s Gatineau and Pontiac judicial districts, part of a broader effort to make the justice system faster, more accessible, and less burdensome for residents.

The policy, in effect since November 3, applies to all contested claims filed in the Small Claims Division of the Court of Quebec in these regions. Under the new process, parties must first attempt to resolve their dispute through mediation. If no agreement is reached, the case moves directly to arbitration, eliminating the need for a court hearing.

“This is about making the justice system more efficient, more accessible, and more human,” said Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette. “It gives residents a greater role in resolving their own disputes, while reducing wait times.”

In 2024, the median time to obtain a judgment in small claims court was roughly 24 months in Gatineau and 16 months in Pontiac. The government estimates the new system will resolve disputes in three to nine months, depending on the outcome of mediation and arbitration.

The reform is part of Quebec’s Act to Improve the Efficiency and Accessibility of Justice, which encourages alternative dispute resolution and simplifies civil court procedures. For claims exceeding $5,000, mediation and arbitration remain voluntary, but residents who choose mediation early may have their files processed more quickly.

Regional leaders welcomed the initiative, noting the heavy caseloads in local courthouses. “The courthouses in our region are some of the busiest in Quebec,” said Mathieu Lacombe, minister responsible for the Outaouais. “This will significantly reduce the number of cases that reach a judge.”

For many residents, small claims court may be their only interaction with the legal system. Officials hope this shift will result in a more collaborative, less stressful process.

“Having a legal case can be a source of stress, especially when the outcome takes a long time,” said Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull. “Mandatory mediation and arbitration will help residents of Gatineau move on more quickly by reducing delays, while offering a more human experience that encourages dialogue. This approach will ease the emotional burden many people face.”