Debtor Success Stories
We were created to ensure that nobody in Canada faces financial hardship without a dedicated voice to champion their individual needs. The Canadian Debtors Association empowers financially vulnerable Canadians through education, advocacy and fair practices. We support a community of Debtor Advocates, trained and certified to help Canadians find financial security. We collaborate with debt and credit industry stakeholders to advance ethical standards and build a network of trusted professionals.
Hear From Happy Canadians
Success Stories
For years, I worked two jobs, kept up with my bills, and tried to save for emergencies. Then my wife fell ill. Expenses started piling up. Before I knew it, I was drowning in debt.
Daily creditor calls were relentless. I stopped answering my phone. I didn’t know where to turn – until I found the Canadian Debtors Association.
The CDA connected me with an advocate who helped me understand my options. I learned to communicate with creditors and consolidate debts into manageable payments. For the first time, I wasn’t alone.
Bill S.
PEMBROKE, ON
Success Stories
We thought we were doing everything right. We were working hard, saving, and investing wisely. But when the 2008 financial crisis hit, everything changed. The real estate market collapsed. With it, went out our financial security.
At first, we did everything we could to stay afloat. We were selling assets, taking on more debt, trying to manage the mounting pressure. But the losses outpaced us. Soon enough we found ourselves buried under a financial weight we never expected. The stress was overwhelming, and the constant calls from collectors only made it worse.
Everything shifted when we realized we needed more than just quick fixes. We needed a plan. Learning about our rights, understanding the financial system, and having a clear strategy put us back in control. With the right guidance, we rebuilt – not just our finances, but our confidence.
Debt wasn’t the end of our story. Taking that first step toward financial literacy made all the difference.
David
CDA Resources
Debtor advocacy programs.
Success Stories
Bankruptcy felt like failure, and I refused to accept that as my only option. I wanted to pay back what I could, rebuild my credit, and move forward. I didn’t have a clue how to do that though. I had over $60,000 in credit card debt and the interest was piling up. Just remembering it puts a lump in my throat. It felt impossible.
The calls from creditors never stopped. My voicemail filled with messages. Each one made me feel like a criminal. To say it kept me up at night is an understatement. The fear of losing everything – my home, my dignity – it was overwhelming.
The moment an advisor helped me unlock financial literacy, the path became clear. Understanding my options gave me back my confidence. I learned how to manage negotiations, set realistic repayment plans, and start rebuilding my credit the right way.
Debt doesn’t control my life anymore. With the right knowledge and support, I was able to take control. That has made all the difference.
Brandon
Debtors Rights
As a debtor you have rights.
Success Stories
Starting a business was my dream, but financing it became my biggest challenge. I used personal lines of credit, department store cards, and bank loans. At every turn, I was convinced that success was just around the corner. But the business didn’t take off . . . and the debt kept growing. Before I knew it, I owed over $120,000.
I was living on a disability income. My hope had been that retirement wasn’t far off. I felt absolutely stuck. Finding work was difficult, and the stress of mounting debt felt impossible to escape.
What changed everything was shifting my focus from the problem to the solution. Learning how to manage debt, understanding my financial options, and seeking expert advice gave me the clarity I needed.
The road to financial stability wasn’t easy, but it was possible. Taking control of my finances meant taking control of my future. And that was a step worth taking.
Diane
Success Stories
As a self-employed worker with no viable credit, I was stuck in a cycle I couldn’t escape. Debt was a constant weight on my shoulders. Collection agencies called relentlessly, demanding payment for debts they had bought – profiting off my struggle. It felt impossible to keep up.
Between recovering from an accident, supporting my family, and navigating an unstable economy, I had no idea how to regain control. But when I finally found the right guidance, everything changed.
Understanding my financial rights gave me the confidence to push back where needed and make informed choices. I learned how to restructure my finances in a way that actually worked for me.
Now, I’m rebuilding not just my credit, but my peace of mind. Financial literacy gave me the tools I needed to move forward, and I finally feel like I’m on solid ground again.
Petra
Success Stories
I’m still not sure how we ended up in such a difficult financial situation. Maybe it was mismanagement, maybe overspending. Whatever the cause was, the reality was undeniable. We owed over $100,000, and the stress was overwhelming.
Bankruptcy felt like a last resort, but without a clear path forward, we didn’t know what else to do. The pressure was constant, and every decision felt impossible.
One decision – to learn – not just to worry, changed everything. We learned how to take control of our finances in a way that made sense for us. Step by step, we built a plan; one that allowed us to manage our debt without losing everything we had worked for.
Now, instead of feeling trapped, we feel empowered. Learning the system and gaining insight gave us the confidence to move forward.
Miranda
