Deputy judges preside over Small Claims Court proceedings. They may also serve as referees in lien actions under the Construction Act

Deputy judges are appointed by Regional Senior Judges with approval of the Attorney General of Ontario. To qualify as a deputy judge, candidates must be a lawyer with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in legal practice. A deputy judge serves a term of three years, which can be renewed for further three-year terms until they reach 65 years of age. At that point, similar to associate judges, their terms are reviewed annually and may be renewed for a further one-year by the Regional Senior Judge. A deputy judge may not hold office once they reach 75 years of age.