Consumer Proposal
Understand consumer proposals in Canada — what they are, how they help manage debt, and how they protect assets like homes.

July 11, 2025
What is a Consumer Proposal?
A consumer proposal is a formal, legally binding agreement in Canada between an individual and their creditors to repay a portion of their debt over time, as an alternative to bankruptcy.
Why Consumer Proposals Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate and finance, consumer proposals can help homeowners avoid bankruptcy and retain property while addressing debt.
Key characteristics:
- Filed through a licensed insolvency trustee
- Stops collection actions and legal proceedings
- Allows restructuring of unsecured debt
- Requires creditor and court approval
Understanding consumer proposals helps homeowners, lenders, and buyers assess credit risk and protect assets.
Example of a Consumer Proposal in Action
The homeowner filed a consumer proposal to manage unsecured debt while keeping their home and avoiding bankruptcy.
Key Takeaways
- Alternative to personal bankruptcy
- Allows structured debt repayment
- Stops legal actions and collections
- Protects some assets like homes
- Requires trustee and creditor agreement









Chartwell’s portfolio as of December 31, 2025. (Chartwell Retirement Residences)

Income growth and longer amortizations are blunting mortgage shock/Statistics Canada, TD Economics
Canada's mortgage interest cost index is nearing deflation/Statistics Canada, TD Economics
Canada's mortgage stock is more rate-sensitive today/Bank of Canada, TD Economics
Manuela Preis/Instagram
