Small Claims Court

Hi, does anyone know if it’s possible or how I’d go about it. To take someone who lives in The USA when I live in Ontario, Canada to a small claims court?

To cut a long story short, I agree to manage certain social media of theirs for a % of monthly cut.

As they are my friend I had no idea they would screw me over so I never signed a contract prior as I fell for the typical “who needs to do that for friends”

Anyway, I do have text agree I will manage them for a certain % of their earnings for the month.

They have paid once in the 9 months. I have managed them. Even then they did not pay did not pay the full amount last time.

They owed me 4.7k USD and they only paid me 3K at the time claiming that’s all they can afford.

Right now including the 1.7K USD owed they accumulated to 5K USD being owed.

They always gave me excuses of how they’re struggling etc. I gave them the benefit of the doubt because I was their friend. Now it is obvious they are taking advantage of me. They didn’t give me any warnings prior to starting, that they are struggling and I’d be so delayed to be paid.

I have proof on texts we agreed to % of earnings. I have proof of them paying in the past so shows I’m being paid for service.

I know it’s stupid on my behalf for not making them sign a contract first but I genuinely believed a friend wouldn’t do this.

When I have texted saying I need the remaining balance to pay a tax bill, and it’s not something I cannot be lenient with as the government is involved now. They got defensive saying it’s not like I don’t pay you (I have been paid once in 9 months and didn’t even get the full amount payed).

Then said they will pay me $1000 weekly until the balance is paid. But since then they keep dodging my texts and questions about it.

But I’ve waiting 4 months since I last got paid and I did not even get paid the full amount. But they are going to all these vacations In the year.

I just want to be prepared. Any advice will help thanks.

Location: Toronto, Ontario