Learn more about consumer rights and debt

the consumer rights are protected by many different acts. These acts are enforced by the Ministry of Government of Canada, by provinces, by Consumer Services and some by other organizations.
In Canada, majority of consumer rights are set by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and other consumer protection legislation that cover the most common consumer transactions.
What your debt collectors can no do

    • charge you any fees
    • pressure or harass you
    • contact you on a statutory holiday
    • use threatening, profane, intimidating or coercive language
    • contact you more than 3 times in a 7-day period without your consent
    • give false or misleading information to any person, including your family, friends or employer
      recommend that a creditor take legal action against you without notifying you of their intention to make this recommendation

When it comes to debt, you have certain rights and measures that the federal and your provinces provide, before we take a look at them lets first check what should be your first step

Review your debt payments

Check the interest rates of your debt payment. Before taking a loan no matter how small always compare all the companies interest rates and then select what suits you the most. Also check if the company you are dealing with have lower interest rate offers. Example, If you’re paying 15% interest rates on a credit card, check and see if your credit card company offers lower interest rate card or you may be able to find a better interest rate elsewhere. If you have a mortgage, check with a mortgage broker and make sure they are offering the best rate possible.
If you’re struggling to make payments on your debts, you can get help from non-profit Credit Counsellors, ask them to review your financial situation and let them help you get your finances back on track. If you’re really have a tough time making ends meet, you may be able to qualify for interest relief.
If you need help paying the debt, consider contacting a credit counselling service, such as:

  • Credit Counselling Canada
  • The Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP)