New Alberta Streamlined Trial Rules And Wrongful Dismissals: Regular Trial Is Still The Default Process

Litigation takes time and money. Effective legal counsel use various processes available to help clients achieve the best outcome in each case.

Summary trials are an important procedural option in litigation. In many cases, they can provide an efficient and quicker means to obtain a judgment. In January 2024, Alberta's old summary trial process was replaced with a "streamlined trial" process. The new rules introduce two key changes:

1. Parties are no longer required to argue both suitability and the merits of the underlying litigation at the application. Instead, the Court will decide up front on the suitability of a streamlined trial. If the Court grants a streamlined trial, the matter will proceed on its merits with a judgment at the conclusion of the streamlined trial. This introduces significant cost savings for parties wishing to apply for a streamlined trial.