Consumer Proposals June 5, 2026 · Updated June 5, 2026

Consumer Proposal Calgary: Costs, Process, and Licensed Trustees (2026)

Q: How much does a consumer proposal cost in Calgary?

No upfront cost. The Licensed Insolvency Trustee is paid from your proposal distributions, regulated by the OSB. On a $30,000 debt settled at 40 cents, total payments including trustee fees run roughly $13,500–$15,000 over 48–60 months.

Q: What assets are exempt in an Alberta consumer proposal?

In a consumer proposal, you keep all your assets — the bankruptcy exemption rules don't apply because you're not going bankrupt. Your home, truck, RRSP, and tools of trade are all fully protected as long as you make your proposal payments.

Q: Can I include CRA tax debt in a consumer proposal in Alberta?

Yes. CRA debt — income tax, GST/HST, payroll source deductions — is unsecured and eligible. CRA votes as a creditor like any other. Once the stay of proceedings is filed, CRA collection and garnishment stops immediately.

Q: How does a consumer proposal affect my credit in Alberta?

It's recorded as an R7 rating on your credit report. It remains for 3 years after your final payment or 6 years from filing, whichever is sooner. Most Calgary residents who complete their proposal begin qualifying for credit again within 18–24 months of finishing.

Q: Will my employer find out I filed a consumer proposal in Calgary?

Consumer proposals are not published in local newspapers and are not listed on public registries accessible to employers. The OSB maintains a searchable database, but employers do not routinely check it. Most people file without their employer knowing.

Q: I work in oil and gas in Calgary. Can I still file a consumer proposal?

Yes. Income from oil sands contracts, hourly field positions, and salaried positions all qualify. A proposal fixes your payment based on your income at the time of filing — if income varies, the trustee can structure the proposal accordingly.

How a consumer proposal works in Calgary, real costs for Alberta residents, and how to find a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Real numbers for 2026.

Marcus Chen · Debt Relief Expert

Key Takeaways

A consumer proposal in Calgary lets you settle unsecured debt for 30–50 cents on the dollar, legally, without losing your home or truck.
Alberta's oil and gas sector slowdown plus US tariff impact in 2025–2026 is driving Calgary insolvencies up 19% year-over-year.
Alberta has among the strongest RRSP exemptions in Canada — a proposal protects all of it.
Filing stops wage garnishment and CRA collection within 48 hours, province-wide.

Consumer Proposal in Calgary: What It Costs in 2026

Calgary is facing a convergence of pressures in 2026: US tariffs on Canadian oil and aluminum, public sector cuts, and mortgage renewals at 2020–2022 purchase prices. Consumer insolvencies in Alberta rose 19% in 2024, and the pace is accelerating.

A consumer proposal is the most widely used formal debt relief tool in Calgary — and it costs far less than most people expect.

What a Consumer Proposal Does

A consumer proposal is a federal legal process, filed through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, that lets you repay a portion of your unsecured debt over up to 60 months. Once creditors representing 50%+ of your debt value accept, the rest is legally erased.

What stops immediately upon filing:

Wage garnishment (even CRA garnishment)
Collection calls and letters
Lawsuits and court judgments
Bank account freezes
All unsecured creditor contact

What stays unchanged:

Your mortgage (keep paying, keep your home)
Your truck or car loan (keep paying, keep your vehicle)
Your RRSP (fully protected in a proposal)

Calgary-Specific Payment Estimates

Calgary residents filing in 2024 carried an average of $37,000 in unsecured debt.

Unsecured Debt	Settlement (40%)	Monthly (60 mo.)
$20,000	$8,000	~$133/mo
$37,000	$14,800	~$247/mo
$55,000	$22,000	~$367/mo
$80,000	$32,000	~$533/mo

Estimates only. Free consultation with a trustee gives you your exact numbers at no cost.

Why Calgary Residents Are Filing in 2026

Oil and gas income volatility — contract workers laid off in Q1 2026 tariff disruption are carrying credit card balances built on $200K+ incomes that have since dropped
Mortgage renewals — Calgary homes purchased in 2020–2022 are renewing at rates $600–$1,000/month higher, pushing credit card payments aside
CRA back taxes — Self-employed contractors who underpaid during high-income years now facing CRA assessments with no cash to respond
Cost of living increases — Utility costs, property taxes, and grocery inflation are pushing working Calgary families past their break-even point

Alberta’s Strong Asset Protections

Alberta has stronger bankruptcy exemptions than most provinces — but in a consumer proposal, these don’t even matter because you don’t go bankrupt:

Your home is protected (as long as mortgage payments continue)
Your truck and tools of trade are protected
All RRSP contributions are protected
Employment income stays with you

How to Find a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in Calgary

Calgary has 15+ licensed insolvency firms, including offices in downtown, NW Calgary, SE Calgary, and surrounding communities like Airdrie and Cochrane.

Stop collections, garnishment, and interest — for free.

Free consultation with licensed debt relief specialists. One call can change everything.

Get help now

Only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can file a consumer proposal. Avoid unlicensed “debt settlement” companies that charge large upfront fees and cannot file legal proceedings.

Initial consultations are free. Use our Find a Licensed Insolvency Trustee directory to find a trustee in Calgary by postal code.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a consumer proposal cost in Calgary?

What assets are exempt in an Alberta consumer proposal?

Can I include CRA tax debt in a consumer proposal in Alberta?

How does a consumer proposal affect my credit in Alberta?

Will my employer find out I filed a consumer proposal in Calgary?

I work in oil and gas in Calgary. Can I still file a consumer proposal?