--- title: Debt relief in British Columbia date: 2025-04-16T12:21:00-04:00 canonical_url: "https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/debt-relief-in-british-columbia" section: Pages --- # **Debt relief** in British Columbia Explore your debt relief options in British Columbia, Canada. [Find an office near you.](#service-section) [ Book your free consultation! ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/get-in-touch/contact-us) ![Graphic featuring photos of downtown Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/_imageLarge/British-Columbia.png) ![Mean appearing on the screen of a laptop screen explaining the benefits of filing a consumer proposal](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Additional-imagery/_imageLarge/women-virtual-meeting.png) ## Doane Grant Thornton offers British Columbians **judgment-free solutions** to their debt. As Licensed Insolvency Trustees and debt solutions professionals in BC, we’re regulated by the federal government, meaning we’re the only professionals authorized to offer debt repayment solutions, like consumer proposals and bankruptcy. We provide free, no obligation consultations to help get you back on track with your finances. [Book yours today!](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/get-in-touch/contact-us) ## **Consumer proposals** in BC. Consumer proposals are becoming one of the most popular debt management solutions for British Columbians struggling with debt. As an alternative to bankruptcy, a consumer proposal is a legally binding repayment agreement between you and your creditors. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee will negotiate on your behalf to settle your unsecured debt (credit cards, income tax debt, payday loans, etc.) into a single, interest-free payment. [ Learn more about consumer proposals. ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/consumer-proposal/what-is-a-consumer-proposal) ![A man smiling and looking at his cell phone.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Additional-imagery/_imageLarge/Media_2023-10-19-164222_slho.png) ![Image of a middle aged woman sitting on a couch with her laptop. She is researching how to file a bankruptcy in Canada. Around her image, illustrations of a calculator, numbers, a cheque and a lightbulb float.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/_imageLarge/How-do-I-file-a-bankruptcy_2026-06-02-130927_nwno.png) ## **Filing for** **bankruptcy** in BC. Personal bankruptcy is a common debt solution that allows you to clear almost all your debt, including income tax debt, credit card debt, overdue utility bills, lines of credit, and loans. Before you decide to file for bankruptcy, it’s important to consider all other debt repayment options. Your Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) will help you decide if declaring bankruptcy is the best choice for you. [ Learn more about personal bankruptcy. ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/bankruptcy/what-is-bankruptcy) ## **What assets can I keep during bankruptcy in BC?** In all provinces and territories, you can generally keep essential items up to a certain value—like necessary clothing and household goods, most retirement savings, Registered Disability savings plans, and most life insurance policies and pension plans. [Learn more detailed information about what assets you can keep in your province. ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/debt-help-resources/articles/article-what-assets-can-i-keep-in-bankruptcy) **Exemptions specific to British Columbia include:** - The equity in your principal residence (between $9,000-$12,000 depending on where you're located). - One motor vehicle, up to a value of $5,000. - $2,000 if under Maintenance Enforcement. - Medical and dental aids required by you and your dependents. - Personal property or tools of the trade (i.e., tools, equipment, books, computer) needed for your occupation up to a value of $10,000. - DPSPs (Deferred Profit-Sharing Plans), except contributions made within 12 months of filing. ## **Other debt relief options** in British Columbia. *Please note these services are not offered by Licensed Insolvency Trustees.* - **Credit counselling**: Credit counselling is a nonprofit service that helps British Columbians who are struggling with their finances. Your credit counsellor can help you with budgeting, financial literacy or managing debt payments through a debt management or settlement plan. - Debt consolidation**: Debt [consolidation loans](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/debt-help-resources/articles/consolidation-loan-vs-consumer-proposal-whats-the-difference) are offered by lenders like banks and combine some or all your debt into a single monthly payment. Aside from reducing your number of bills, debt consolidation loans can also offer a lower interest rate. ## **Your local BC** Licensed Insolvency Trustees Trusted, regulated, and knowledgeable debt solutions professionals in your neighbourhood. ### Karl Michael CPA, CIRP, LIT - [1 (250) 940-0679](tel:12509400679) - ![Portrait image of LIT Karl Michael](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/Karl-Michael.png) [ About Karl ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/about-us/our-team/karl-michael-about-me) ### Braden Burritt CIRP, LIT - [1 (403) 260-2538](tel:14032602538) - ![Portrait image of LIT Braden Burritt](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/Braden-Burritt.png) [ About Braden ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/about-us/our-team/braden-burritt-about-me) ### Susan Methuen CIRP, LIT - [1 (780) 442-1984](tel:17804421984) - ![Portrait image of LIT Susan Methuen](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/Susan-Methuen.png) [ About Susan ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/about-us/our-team/susan-methuen-about-me) ## **We’re proud** to be in the following British Columbia communities: We're able to service all of British Columbia via phone or video call. If you don't see your city below, we may still be able to help. [Book your free consultation to learn more.](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/get-in-touch/contact-us) ### **Abbotsford** - [1 (778) 777-2088 ](tel:17787772088) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YRwpNA3rQBdcT1Mx8) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CVrpjoLwm3dKEAE/review) 2752 Allwood Street, Suite 201 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/abbotsford-british-columbia) ### **Castlegar** - [1 (250) 687-2044 ](tel:12506872044) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1od8xPGxVCAC9DXk9) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CQSRgb_Pthw6EAI/review) 615 Columbia Avenue, Suite 4 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/castlegar-british-columbia) ### **Courtenay** - [1 (250) 220-3169 ](tel:12502203169) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vgbf5L2iGQojaAYe8) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CcmRrEVvkF3fEAI/review) 100-951 Fitzgerald Avenue [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/courtenay-british-columbia) ### **Duncan** - [1 (250) 748-0386 ](tel:12507480386) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jzgQnWjxGjKH1PLy7) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CZx6CMAGKoK8EAI/review) 225 Canada Avenue, Suite 201 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/duncan-british-columbia) ### **Kamloops** - [1 (250) 434-0658 ](tel:12504340658) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WUJvGEGBzfE1nRXa7) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CQFpXq9viX_6EAI/review) 206 Seymour Street, Suite 200 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/kamloops-british-columbia) ### **Kelowna** - [1 (250) 712-4194 ](tel:12507124194) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xRBb5dQe8zZfjwqw8) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CchO2AJ36xkpEAI/review) 1633 Ellis Street, Suite 200 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/kelowna-british-columbia) ### **Langley** - [1 (778) 777-2087](tel:17787772087) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8zwC8ZQz46frHV6F6) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CfjGh-nJxQUmEAI/review) 8700 200th Street, Suite 320 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/langley-british-columbia) ### **Nanaimo** - [1 (250) 754-9551 ](tel:12507549551) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpzE8QidD3We6gEs9) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CRljMMzP9x1GEAI/review) 201-1825 Bowen Road [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/nanaimo-british-columbia) ### **Nelson** - [1 (780) 270-9477 ](tel:17802709477) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wuM46FPhKGWDtX738) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CZyJNbT_RiFJEAI/review) 513 Victoria Street [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/nelson-british-columbia) ### **Penticton** - [1 (250) 276-5897 ](tel:12502765897) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eU51TuDEuNjwAvjQA) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CdpRIcDQszkREAI/review) 99 Padmore Avenue East, Suite 201 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/penticton-british-columbia) ### **Prince George** - We’re pleased to offer virtual services to residents of Prince George. - Please call [1 (250) 563-4635](tel:12505634635) for appointment availability. - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CXlO6cSwUvnCEAI/review) [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/prince-george-british-columbia) ### **Salmon Arm** - [1 (844) 448-3328 ](tel:18444483328) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z5qPLihMU8RGgUHAA) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CUTqghCesS2DEAI/review) 541 6th Street [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/salmon-arm-british-columbia) ### **Vancouver** - [1 (604) 689-4255 ](tel:16046894255) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wq1MS97DUe8f8T8A8) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CVVeHrwFzbzvEAI/review) 2000-733 Seymour Street [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/vancouver-british-columbia) ### **Victoria** - [1 (250) 940-0687 ](tel:12509400687) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y5mZ6k4GLwUTQ1jW6) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CYUko4l5ikD4EAI/review) 1675 Douglas Street, Suite 650 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/victoria-british-columbia) ## Hear from people **we’ve helped:** ### **Their insights and advice are so valuable.** If you’re in debt and feel like you’re drowning, I fully recommend at least having a free consultation with these folks. They have helped me to avoid bankruptcy and made the process so easy. If you are on the fence or trying to weigh all your options, please do yourself a favour and talk to these folks even if you choose not to proceed, their insights and advice are so valuable and worth the free consult. — Jenni C. (Vancouver) ### **Reaching out was the best choice I ever made.** After 1 year of struggling with indecision reaching out to Doane Grant Thornton was the best choice I could have made. Their staff are so professional, knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend them! — Colleen L. (Langley) ### **A fresh start.** I am in the process of a consumer proposal and thanks to this company, I can slowly take a breath of fresh air. A fresh start - being able to eliminate my debts and finally get ahold of my financial freedom, as well as being able to manage my finances the right way. — Ree (Langley) ### **I feel like I can breathe a little easier.** Carla is so friendly and helpful. She answered all my questions promptly. She explained everything to me from day one and made it easy to understand the process. She gave me as much time as I needed to decide, once I made the decisions to move forward, she gave me step by step on what I needed to do to proceed. I feel like I can breathe a little easier. Karl Michael was so professional and looked over the proposal and made me feel at ease. I highly recommend using Grant Thornton. — Lisa W. (Vancouver) ### **The stress that is gone has literally changed my mental and physical health.** Thank you so much for your help. The amount of stress that is gone has literally changed my mental and physical health. Debt is really horrible, to the point it nearly becomes all-consuming, but your whole process just made it all easy. From my first phone call to answering my emails for what I think are too many questions, your service and support are amazing. — Jody F. (Langley) ## **Take the first step** to debt freedom Speak to one of our debt solutions professionals during a free, no-obligation consultation. [ Book a free consultation ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/get-in-touch/contact-us)