Are There Federal Government Debt Relief Programs?

One of the first questions that those struggling with debt ask is, “are there government debt relief programs”? 

The short answer to that question is no. However, that’s not the whole story. This article will explain the reasons why. It will also cover the various alternative options for those currently struggling with debt.

Key Takeaways

• The Canadian federal government does not provide direct debt relief programs for consumers, but there are two debt forgiveness programs regulated by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA): consumer proposals and bankruptcies.
• Some provinces offer student loan forgiveness programs, such as the BC Loan Forgiveness Program, the Quebec Loan Remission Program and the PEI Debt Reduction Program.

Are There Federal Government Debt Relief Programs In Canada?

The Canadian federal government doesn’t directly give money to consumers to help them repay their debt. However, there are debt forgiveness programs that are regulated by the federal government’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA). This includes consumer proposals and bankruptcies.

You may also seek some level of debt relief by speaking directly with your creditor. However, they’ll likely only offer you a deferral in payments or interest charges for a limited time. 

Types Of Government Debt Relief Programs

Both consumer proposals and bankruptcies are last-resort options when dealing with unresolved debt. These options are typically considered by consumers who are unable to keep up with their bill payments and their debt continues to mount. 

Consumer Proposal

A consumer proposal is a legal agreement between you and your creditors to pay back a portion of your debt. This government-regulated program is facilitated by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT). It typically results in a significant reduction in overall debt. This is done by making debt payments more affordable or by reducing interest costs. The new payment amount that your trustee negotiates on your behalf is based largely on your income and assets. 

This option is available to you if your debts — excluding your mortgage — do not exceed $250,000. A consumer proposal will provide you with protection from creditors and debt collectors. It will also stop any wage garnishments and accumulation of interest on your debt as soon as you file.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding that provides debt relief to those with no feasible way to get out of debt. Like a consumer proposal, bankruptcy is facilitated by a LIT, who will review your financial situation. They may take over your assets, and ensure you carry through with your bankruptcy duties.   

As part of your obligations, you’ll be required to attend two crediting counselling sessions. You’ll also need to file monthly income and expense reports. Depending on your situation, you can be discharged from bankruptcy in as little as 9 months.

Bankruptcy is better suited for those with very high debt over $250,000, not including mortgages.

Risks Of Bankruptcy

Sure, bankruptcy will rid you of your debts, but there are some serious side effects.

• Some of your assets such as jewellery, real estate, and other possessions might be lost
• All credit accounts will be frozen while you are in the bankruptcy process.
• Bankruptcies stay on your credit report for at least 6 years

Government Debt Relief Programs For Student Loans In Canada

Paying for post-secondary education can be extremely expensive. While the cost of tuition varies quite a bit across the provinces, the national average for full-time undergraduate studies is $6,834 for the 2022/2023 year, and for full-time graduate students, the average is $7,437 per year. Given the high cost of attending college or university, many Canadian students choose to take out student loans to pay for their studies. 

Over a few years, the total cost of tuition can be very high and require several years to repay. To help offset these financial hurdles, many provinces offer some form of debt relief for student loans. 

Student Loan Forgiveness For Doctors And Nurses In Canada

Medical students enrolled in studies to become nurses, doctors, and other types of medical professionals may be eligible for student loan forgiveness from the Canadian government. Loan forgiveness is only offered to cover outstanding Canada Student Loans balances. It cannot be applied to private student loans, Canada Student Loans that have been converted to lines of credit, or Ontario Medical Resident Loans. Further, Canada Student Loan forgiveness is only applicable to the federal portion of a student loan, not the provincial or territorial portion.

Family physicians can receive up to $40,000 in Canada Student Loan forgiveness over a maximum period of 5 years. Nurses or nurse practitioners can receive up to $20,000 over a maximum period of 5 years ($4,000 per year).

Provincial Government Debt Relief Programs For Student Loans

Various provinces in Canada offer provincial student loan forgiveness programs, including the following: 

BC Loan Forgiveness Program

Graduates in specific high-demand jobs may be eligible for provincial student loan forgiveness if they work at publicly-backed organizations in underserved areas in BC, or with children in jobs that need workers.

Those who qualify for the BC Loan Forgiveness Program will have the outstanding provincial portion of their federal-provincial integrated student loan debt forgiven up to 20% a year for a maximum of 5 years. All or a portion of your BC student loan debt will be forgiven if you complete 5 years of work. While in the loan forgiveness program, the province will also cover the outstanding interest that accrued during every year you’re registered in the program. 

Quebec Loan Remission Program

The Quebec Loan Remission Program forgives 15% of provincial student loan debt. Eligibility for the program requires the completion of studies within a specific period and after receipt of a bursary under the Loans and Bursaries Program for each year of study. The specified periods vary from anywhere between 16 to 32 months, depending on the area of study. 

You must apply for loan remission within 3 years of finishing your program. 

PEI Debt Reduction Program

The PEI Debt Reduction Grant program provides graduates with some financial relief from their student loan debt. To qualify for this program, you must be a resident of PEI and have lived in the province for at least 6 months before applying. You must also have graduated from a post-secondary institution over the last 3 years.

The Debt Reduction Grant is only applicable to the provincial portion of your student loan. If eligible, you may receive up to $3,500 per year, as long as it does not exceed the amount borrowed. 

Nova Scotia Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Students who graduate from a non-professional undergraduate program in Nova Scotia may be able to have the provincial portion of their student loans forgiven through the province’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program. Eligible graduates can receive up to $20,400 over 5 years of study.

Other Debt Relief Options

Here are some better debt relief options you can consider before you file for bankruptcy. All of these options may affect your credit report and credit score in different ways and for different amounts of time. But all are viable options to get out of debt, depending on your situation and goals.

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation is perfect for those who have multiple debts. It can be extremely hard to manage several debts of different origins. Essentially, debt consolidation involves getting a large loan such as a personal loan or line of credit to help roll your smaller debts into one large loan. 

This is particularly useful if you have several small high-interest debts. By consolidating all these loans into one low-interest debt consolidation loan, you’ll save money on interest. Moreover, managing your debts will become much easier as you only have one to pay. 

Debt Management Programs (DMP)

If you can’t qualify for a debt consolidation loan due to a low income or poor credit, a DMP may be a better option. Here, you’ll work with a credit counsellor to consolidate your debts. They work with your creditors to create a new payment plan, lasting between 3 to 5 years. However, with this program, your debts won’t be reduced, you’ll have to repay everything. Though they may be able to stop your creditors from charging you more interest. 

Debt Settlement

If you have a large amount of debt and don’t have a high enough income to get out of it but have some savings to put towards the debt, settling your debt could be an option. In a debt settlement, you will work closely with your creditors to try to reduce the amount you owe

Generally, creditors expect a lump sum payment in these situations, though some may agree to an alternative payment plan.  While that sounds amazing, a debt settlement isn’t often a great idea. Future creditors will know you only managed to pay a portion of the debt you owed, which might keep them from lending to you.

What Out For False Advertising

You may have seen terms like “government of Canada debt relief grants” or “free Canadian government grants to pay off debt”. While these look appealing and might seem like a way to “get a deal”, sadly, this is not the case.

Any company, individual, service, or program that claims they are “government approved” is often embellishing its reputation or simply misleading you.

Additional Reading

Do You Have Too Much Credit Card Debt?

Want to Get Out of Debt? Consider These Options Instead of a Loan

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Debt In Canada?

Final Thoughts

The government does not provide any debt relief for citizens who are struggling. However, each province across the country has various debt relief options, which can be highly effective in helping you get out of debt.

Remember, just because something says it’s “government approved” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than no-fee or non-profit credit counselling services in your area. As always, it is important to research the various options you come across and see which best fits your unique situation.

Government Debt Relief Programs FAQs