Working together to improve debt help for Canadians

For Canadians struggling with debt, finding the right help is not always easy. Knowing where to turn, understanding the options available and finding trustworthy support can be difficult, particularly for people living with low and modest incomes.

How can we make debt help easier to access, more effective and better connected across Canada?

That was the focus of Prosper Canada's Debt Help Symposium, held in Ottawa on October 28, 2026.

The event brought together more than 40 participants from government, regulatory bodies, financial services, credit counselling, insolvency, community organizations and research to explore ways to strengthen Canada's debt-help system.

Moving from challenges to solutions

Building on Prosper Canada's earlier Debt Help Policy Roundtable and research, the symposium marked an important step forward: moving beyond identifying problems to exploring practical solutions.

Using a Debt Help Solution Framework organized around the five stages of the consumer debt journey, participants discussed what a better system could look like, what actions could help achieve it and how different sectors could contribute.

The discussions highlighted the importance of bringing together organizations that approach debt from different perspectives but share an interest in helping Canadians achieve greater financial well-being.

Why this work matters

Debt can affect nearly every part of a person's life, from their ability to pay for everyday necessities to their long-term financial security.

For people with limited incomes, the consequences can be particularly serious. Access to timely, trustworthy and affordable debt help can make an important difference, but navigating the available services and options can be challenging.

Improving Canada's debt-help ecosystem means looking at the entire journey people experience, identifying where support may fall short and finding ways for organizations to work together more effectively.

What is next?

The symposium received an overwhelmingly positive response, with all survey respondents reporting that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the event. Participants particularly valued the opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives with people working in other sectors.

Prosper Canada is now reviewing the feedback and insights gathered to strengthen the Debt Help Solution Framework and inform the next phase of this work.

By bringing different sectors together around practical solutions, we can help build a debt-help system that better serves Canadians who need it most.