Yes, I thought it had to be Superior Court because the limit in Small Claims was only $10,000 before Jan., 2010, and your case was from Nov., 2009.
I forgot to include the link below. Please read it first so my previous post will make more sense.
http://www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/the_fixer/2009/11/30/407_bills_can_hound_drivers_for_15_years.html
As you can see, the 407 ETR is trying to circumvent the Ontario Limitations Act which became effective on Jan. 1, 2004. This Act created a 2 year limitation period for launching legal actions on business debts. It also allows the 2 year limitation period to be set aside if both sides agree to it on the business contract. However, the way the Highway 407 works is that a contract is created or renewed each time a driver trips the transponder or toll video camera. The contract, they maintain, is written on the the back of each invoice where it clearly states the consumer of their services is liable for collection activity for 15 years, not 2 years. The reason for that is there is an ultimate limitation period of 15 years under Section 15(2).
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SECTION 15: The following exceptions apply only in respect of business agreements:
1. A limitation period under this Act, other than one established by section 15, may be varied or excluded by an agreement made on or after October 19, 2006.
2. A limitation period established by section 15 may be varied by an agreement made on or after October 19, 2006, except that it may be suspended or extended only in accordance with subsection (4). 2006, c. 21, Sched. D, s. 2; 2008, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 4 (1).
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The start date of Oct. 19, 2006 may be of interest to you if your usage stopped before that time.
The problem is that motorists do not sign an agreement in any true sense of the word when they drive onto the highway. The 407 utilizes a negative option which is forbidden in all other contracts in Ontario, and tries to get away with it. I've seen write ups by other lawyers on this issue with regard to the 407 ETR bills, and even they are unsure what the courts will decide. It definitely needs a precedent setting case to determine whether it will be allowed. Since it's quite probable the courts will reject it, the 407 ETR is in no hurry to press the matter if they can avoid doing so. Better to get their collection agents and lawyers to bluff people like you and work the numbers that way.
That's likely why the lawyer was willing to accept a paltry $25 a month.
Another point: It was entirely likely that Christensen sneaked through a default judgment banking on the fact you wouldn't appear and offer the the 2 year limitation period as a defense.. and he was right. You still can get the judgment overturned if you present evidence the limitation period would have been a perfect defense had you been there. That would be a very interesting case indeed, but you have to do it as soon as possible after you learn of it. You just can't wait 5 years. REMEMBER, the clock will start ticking on this period as soon as they notified you of the lien, and certainly after you make your first payment. So don't make any payments until you find out your options. Anyhow, the $25 a month will be pointless almost since the post judgment interest, if awarded, will come to over $6210 a year or $520 per month. Things will soon be out of control, if you don't act.
Therefore you need to get a copy of the judgment as soon as possible so you can see what dates and limitation periods apply. It should be free.You'll also need an explanation why you didn't show up in court the first time. Try to make it sound good.
After that, you should contact a lawyer who will need a copy of the judgment. You can possibly do it yourself, but it will require a good bit of reading. I mentioned Mark Silverthorn because he is excellent, however, if you get someone else, make sure they are very familiar with consumer laws.