The Alberta Rules of Court were recently
amended. The most significant amendments are with respect to
Schedule C, increasing the amounts for costs awards and adding
litigation steps that warrant costs, as well as enhanced disclosure
requirements for privileged records disclosed in an Affidavit of
Records ("AOR"). Other minor amendments
include changes to the rules governing case management, trial
dates, lawyer's charges, service of documents and appeals.
Costs
Effective May 1, 2020, existing Schedule C costs will be
increased by approximately 35% to account for inflation.
Additionally, the applicable monetary amounts under each column has
been increased. For example, "Column 1" now applies where
the amount claimed in a matter is up to and including $75,000, as
compared to the previous limit of $50,000. This increase is likely
in anticipation of an increase in the limits to which the
Provincial Court will have jurisdiction over (i.e. from $50,000 to
$75,000).
