--- title: Debt relief in Ontario date: 2025-04-16T12:22:00-04:00 canonical_url: "https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/debt-relief-in-ontario" section: Pages --- # **Debt relief** in Ontario Explore your debt relief options in Ontario, Canada. [Find an office near you.](#service-section) [ Book your free consultation! ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/get-in-touch/contact-us) ![A graphic that includes an image of a lake and forest during fall in Ontario, and an image of downtown Toronto featuring the CN tower at night.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/_imageLarge/Ontario.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 Ontarians **judgment-free solutions** to their debt. As Licensed Insolvency Trustees and debt solutions professionals in Ontario, 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 Ontario. Consumer proposals are becoming one of the most popular debt management solutions for Ontarians 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 holding his cell phone and smiling](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/_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 Ontario. 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 Ontario?** 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 Ontario include:** - The equity in your principal residence, up to $10,783 in value (Some exceptions apply). - One motor vehicle not exceeding a value of $7,117. - Household goods, up to a value of $14,180. - Tools of the trade (i.e., tools, equipment, books, computer) needed for your occupation up to a value of $14,405. - DPSPs (Deferred Profit-Sharing Plans). - Specific exemptions for farmers if your principal source of livelihood is farming. ## **Other debt relief options** available in Ontario. *Please note these services are not offered by Licensed Insolvency Trustees.* - **Credit counselling:** Credit counselling is a nonprofit service that helps Ontarians 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. ## Our Licensed Insolvency Trustees for **Ontario** Trusted, regulated, and knowledgeable debt solutions professionals ready to help. ### **Frank Fabiano** CPA, CIRP, LIT - [1 (905) 323-7166](tel:9053237166) - ![Portrait image of LIT Frank Fabiano](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/Frank-Fabiano.png) [ About Frank ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/about-us/our-team/frank-fabiano-about-me) ### Jeff Penston LIT - [1 (519) 575-7597](tel:15195757597) - ![Portrait image of LIT Jeff Penston](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/Jeff-Penston-Team-Page.png) [ About Jeff ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/about-us/our-team/jeff-penston) ### 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) ### Freida Richer CIRP, LIT - [1 (780) 442-1990](tel:17804421990) - ![Portrait image of LIT Freida Richer](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Content-block-imagery-and-graphics/Freida-Richer.png) [ About Freida ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/about-us/our-team/freida-richer-about-me) ### 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) ## **We’re proud** to be in the following Ontario communities: We're able to service all of Ontario 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) ### **Alliston** - [1 (705) 440-1178](tel:17054401178) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2mxp6h4Yi6XiUmvF7) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CT_07PZWB4CWEAI/review) 22 Paris Street (New Tecumseth) [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/alliston-ontario) ### **Barrie** - [1 (705) 797-3000](tel:17057973000) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3oNwNnwe1JNJeeLN9) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CfmxCjElj5AXEAI/review) 85 Bayfield Street, Suite 400 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/barrie-ontario) ### **Collingwood** - [1 (705) 443-4491](tel:17054434491) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/aPRAtLYHFpGXR53x7) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CTSli8POEv82EAI/review) 108-1 Hume Street [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/collingwood-ontario) ### **Dryden** - We're pleased to offer virtual services to residents of Dryden. - Please call [1 (807) 223-5895](tel:18072235895) for appointment availability. [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/dryden-ontario) ### **Fort Frances** - We're pleased to offer virtual services to residents of Fort Frances. - Please call [1 (807) 274-8321](tel:18072748321) for appointment availability. - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CQhFo37n5lMhEAI/review) [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/fort-frances-ontario) ### **Hamilton** - [1 (905) 577-4930](tel:19055774930) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/abrmsqCtCQ2jyEic7) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CSZuvBtzwY9UEAI/review) 33 Main Street East [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/hamilton-ontario) ### **Kitchener-Waterloo** - [1 (519) 741-3470](tel:15197413470) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/udvqKD9xhdgxU9th6) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CWKvni5rGu8aEAI/review) 60 Bathurst Drive, Suite 6 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/kitchener-waterloo-ontario) ### **London** - [1 (519) 642-5130](tel:15196425130) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ueR79YSqL62VtwmK6) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CdBmtu0CU5vPEAI/review) 171 Queens Avenue, Suite 800 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/london-ontario) ### **Midland** - [1 (705) 797-3002](tel:17057973002) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XZ4KKBKD3DLhExD6) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CcTeJthKaDTTEAI/review) 344 King Street [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/midland-ontario) ### **Mississauga** - [1 (416) 607-8857](tel:14166078857) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xF5pQdwnR4UzznsW9) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CSf0yF1iDOEHEAI/review) 201 City Centre Drive, Suite 800 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/mississauga-ontario) ### **New Liskeard** - [1 (705) 567-8200](tel:17055678200) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Puss6evQqAJ4KHcc6) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CYsL4Sv-aSu3EAI/review) 17 Wellington Street [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/new-liskeard-ontario) ### **North Bay** - [1 (705) 475-6020](tel:17054756020) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZoHmM39GKPx3qjvHA) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CUzcZUncdOjeEAI/review) 222 McIntyre Street West, Suite 400 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/north-bay-ontario) ### **Port Colborne** - [1 (905) 834-2462](tel:19058342462) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eWk99JUCQoGw8igJ7) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CcKCkrqne2ASEAI/review) 222 Catharine Street, Suite B [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/port-colborne-ontario) ### **St. Catharines** - [1 (905) 682-5861](tel:19056825861) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1UwpNg7DUz9ha6rg7) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CWn2R0KpVP-kEAI/review) 80 King Street, Suite 200 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/st-catharines-ontario) ### **Thunder Bay** - [1 (807) 346-7300](tel:18073467300) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/aiACyy2siyeQQKDP6) - [Leave us a Google review](https://g.page/r/CU5w4wBAX-QNEAI/review) 300-979 Alloy Drive [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/thunder-bay-ontario) ### **Toronto** - [1 (416) 369-7071](tel:14163697071) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ctye3GN9vHqgKyRh8) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CWvEq6eLCrsUEAI/review) 200 King Street West, 11th Floor [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/toronto-ontario) ### **Whitby** - [1 (905) 683-8856](tel:19056838856) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/c6Tz6FWYLhS3kaR18) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CULUlkefeMnqEAI/review) 200-75 Woodrow Court [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/whitby-ontario) ### **Windsor** - [1 (519) 967-3970](tel:15199673970) - [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eSo3pHmCVCSBEdYL8) - [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CeD2zJSkN2vqEAI/review) 2555 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 201 [ Learn more ](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/locations/windsor-ontario) ## Hear from people **we've helped:** ### **Can change your life in a matter of days.** It's always scary to make that call, especially when you have no one else to turn to, but the people at Doane Grant Thornton were amazing and can change your life in a matter of days. They are very professional, and they make sure that you make the decision that is in your best interest. I would definitely recommend them if you're struggling. — Pat S. (London) ### **It is evident that we can place our trust in your organization.** I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Carla and Braden for their exceptional support in addressing all our concerns and questions. Their professionalism and willingness to assist have greatly contributed to our comfort and confidence in your company. It is evident that we can place our trust in your organization, thanks to the exemplary service provided by both Carla and Braden! — Anonymous (Thunder Bay) ### **No judgment, no lecture; just support and respect.** Don’t let your pride or fear of embarrassment prevent you from calling Doane Grant Thornton. I was ashamed that my finances got away from me. Right from the start the client representative I was working with put me at ease. There was no judgment, no lecture; just support and respect. The representative took the time to listen to my concerns and issues. At no time was there anything to make me feel embarrassed or ashamed. In addition, there was no pressure to commit to them right on the spot. If you are struggling and need guidance, don’t let pride nor embarrassment prevent you from calling them. I will definitely recommend them to others. — Bill M. (Thunder Bay) ### **Glad that I reached out.** I was struggling with reaching out for help, stressed and worried about being judged for needing financial help but everyone I dealt with at Doane Grant Thornton was super helpful and made me feel at ease and glad that I reached out. They explained options and gave amazing advice. I highly recommend them! — Brittany D. (Thunder Bay) ### **It was a seamless process.** Making the choice to file a consumer proposal was a big decision. I had initial concerns and fears which made me delay on getting it done. But once I spoke with Doane Grant Thornton reps, it was a seamless process, and I felt confident with my decision. They were helpful, thorough and informative throughout the whole purpose. They were responsive to my emails and took the time to explain technical things to me. Everyone I spoke with at Doane Grant Thornton were very professional and friendly. I'm looking forward to getting back on track and feeling empowered again with my finances. If anyone has any hesitations on moving forward with a proposal, I highly recommend you just have a chat with the Doane Grant Thornton team. — K. Lee (Thunder Bay) ## **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)