Yellowknife (Aug 13/03) - The small claims court process in the territorial court has gone through some much needed changes, collection companies say, but they would still like to see more.

Jim Wilson, owner of Aurora Collections, is pleased that Territorial Court has increased the dollar amout for small claims. The limit has been increased to $10,000. He would still like to see some improvements to the system.

The GNWT Department of Justice has changed the limit for small claims in territorial court. The limit has been increased to $10,000 from $5,000.

Jim Wilson, owner of Aurora Collections, said he was pleased to see the limit increased, but it's only a start to make the system better.

"It's good that they have addressed this issue," he said. "They have made a good first step but that's it. They still have a ways to go."

Under the old system small claims could only be made for a maximum of $5,000. Anything above that would have to be taken to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.

"This is a lot better than what it was," he added.

Wilson said the new changes will help everyone who goes through small claims court.

Wilson added that he would now like to see the government make some more changes to small claims court.

One of the biggest problems for Wilson is garnisheeing wages. Under the Territorial Court Act, Wilson has to issue garnishee notices every 10 days.

"We have accounts all over the territories and we can't keep serving someone every 10 days," he said.

Wilson explained that he would like to see a system more like Alberta where a garnishee notice is good for an entire year or until the bill is paid.

"It costs a lot of money every time I have to garnishee wages," he said.

"It's not fair to the people being served because they have to cover those extra costs," he added.

Glen Rutland, policy advisor for the territorial Justice Department, said increasing the limit was definitely a priority for the government.

By increasing the small claims limit, people are able to resolve their problems in the territorial courts.

"Going through territorial courts is cheaper and faster for everyone involved," said Rutland.

Rutland couldn't comment on whether changes would be made to the garnisheeing regulations.