Every Albertan Dealing With Debt Should Know About This Free New Program
It's no secret that when a crisis hits, Albertans come together. The response to the 2013 Calgary floods and the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires come to mind as examples. And there is no question Alberta is in a crisis right now. The financial (among other) impacts the coronavirus pandemic and the pre-existing economic woes in the oil and gas sector have had on our province are devastating for many people. And again, fellow Albertans are pitching in to help.
Support Is Available
There already exist in Alberta many programs designed to help people that are in a financial crisis, such as government support programs, not-for-profit support services, and the debt resolution options available through Licensed Insolvency Trustees. However, a new program has been created that may be particularly relevant to Albertans right now: the Alberta Debtor Support Project.
A Volunteer-Led Project
The Alberta Debtor Support Project (ADSP) is a temporary program that has been launched by volunteers to address an anticipated increase in court applications related to mortgage defaults and consumer debts related to the coronavirus pandemic. The volunteers include current practicing and retired lawyers assisted by the Legal Education Society of Alberta, the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta, Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary Legal Guidance, the University of Calgary Public Interest Law Clinic, the Law Society of Alberta, the Justice Sector Constellation and the ADR Institute of Alberta.
According to the ADSP website: "with income supports and temporary mortgage deferrals tapering off and expiring", it is anticipated that "the economic fallout of Covid-19 will create an enormous wave of secured and unsecured consumer debt defaults and foreclosures". Therefore, "stakeholders across the legal community have worked together to expand legal services and increase the number of trained lawyers available to help".
Volunteers trained in consumer debt and foreclosure law will support existing pro bono legal resources, as well as offer two new resources to assist Albertans struggling with personal debt, including mortgage debt:
- Help with Debt Alberta offers individuals struggling with debt a guided pathway to available services and provides information about their available options. The goal of the site is to be an online resource to help Albertans dealing with debt find the help they need.
- The Consumer Debt Negotiation Project, operated by the Public Interest Law Clinic, is an online pro bono service staffed by volunteer lawyers assisted by students. It provides individuals behind on their mortgages or one or two debts with advice and assistance negotiating with their creditors, however is not intended to assist individuals who want to declare bankruptcy or deal with Maintenance Enforcement payments. To apply for assistance, visit the project's website.
REACH OUT FOR HELP
The Alberta Debtor Support Project is a great, free, resource for anyone dealing with defaults on mortgage or other secured debt, or who has one or two creditors who have served them with a legal notice, who needs legal advice.
That being said, if you have a lot of creditors or are overwhelmed by unsecured debt like credit cards, you may find you need the advice of a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to learn about options for dealing with all of your debt in a wholistic manner. In that case, reach out to us for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, however, we wanted to provide information to individuals who may find the program helpful. As a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, we are always happy to refer individuals to programs which might supplement the assistance we can provide.
The hyperlinks included in Every Albertan Dealing With Debt Should Know About This Free New Program will direct you to the project website or the specific services you are interested in. Alternatively, visit http://albertadebtorsupport.ca/index.html
The Alberta Debtor Support Project may not be relevant for all Albertans facing overwhelming debt. The Help with Debt Alberta site is designed to direct you to the appropriate resources. However, if you are unsure which is the right path, feel free to reach out to us for a conversation about your debt.
- Typically, LITs focus on either consumer solutions or corporate solutions.
- Consumer solutions include Consumer Proposals and bankruptcy.
- Corporate solutions include Division I Proposals, bankruptcy, receivership, and plans under the CCAA (Companies Creditors Arrangement Act).
Charla Smith has experience delivering all of these options, so if you would like information on any of them, please contact us to find out more.
Reach out to us. You can make an inquiry directly from our website by clicking here, or you can call or text us at 1-403-899-3890. We will respond quickly, and work with you to find a good time for the meeting.
YOUR TRUSTED CHOICE FOR DEBT RELIEF
With our experience and our caring approach, we will help you find the best option for debt relief based on your unique situation - from advice on talking to your creditors to a consumer proposal or bankruptcy, and everything in between. We are here to lift the burden caused by overwhelming debt.
Contact us today at 1-403-899-3890 for a FREE, no-commitment meeting, and let us guide you to regaining your financial footing.
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