Your Rights Against Debt Collection Agencies in Quebec (Complete Guide 2026)
When a debt collection agency starts harassing you by phone, mail, or email, the situation can quickly become stressful.
The good news is that in our province, your rights are very well protected. Agents cannot call at any time, they cannot threaten you, and they must follow the strict rules set out in the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
This guide clearly explains what they are allowed to say or do, what is illegal, and how you can react. You will also discover how a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (such as Gobeil Syndic) can immediately stop these unwanted calls.
What Is a Debt Collection Agency?
A debt collection agency is a company hired by a creditor (bank, credit union, car dealership, etc.) to recover an unpaid debt. It is not a court, nor a government agency. Therefore, its legal status only allows it to communicate with you to find a payment solution.
It is important to know that a debt enters the collection process only when it has been overdue for several weeks or months. The creditor then assigns the file to a collection agency, which must comply with the rules of the Consumer Protection Act. These rules protect consumers from abuse and regulate every contact made.
Your Rights Against Debt Collection Agencies in Quebec
Permitted Calling Hours According to the Law
Agents can call you only from Monday to Saturday, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. No calls are allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays. Any call received outside these hours is a violation of the law.
Illegal Practices
Debt collection agencies do not have the right to harass you or create a climate of intimidation. Threats, in any form, are illegal.
They cannot contact your employer, neighbors, or a family member to discuss your debt.
Disclosing personal or financial information to a third party is strictly prohibited.
They cannot call with a blocked number or make an excessive number of calls. If you are called several times a day, this is a case of illegal harassment.
If an agent tells you, “We are going to seize your assets tomorrow,” it is illegal because agencies have no power of seizure.
These examples reflect exactly the type of abuse that the law seeks to prevent.
What Agents Are Actually Allowed to Do
An agent may call you, but only during permitted hours. They can send you an official letter, verify your identity, or propose a payment plan. That is all. A collection agency has no power to seize property, cannot sue you itself, and cannot act as a bailiff or a trustee.
How to React: A 4-Step Guide
If a debt collection agency contacts you:
Document Every Call Note the time, date, phone number, and name of the person (and the agency) who contacted you. This becomes essential evidence.
Request Proof of the Debt If you are unsure about the origin of the debt, you can demand a written letter confirming the amount, the creditor, and the date. For example: “Please send me complete written proof of this debt before contacting me again.”
Negotiate or Dispute the Debt You can negotiate an arrangement or dispute the debt if the amount seems incorrect. The collection agency is obligated to suspend the file while the information is verified.
File a Complaint with the OPC In case of abuse, the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) can sanction the agency. Filing a complaint is simple and free.
How a Trustee Can Legally Stop Debt Collection
A Licensed Insolvency Trustee can legally stop all calls immediately. As soon as a consumer proposal or insolvency proceeding is filed with a trustee’s office (such as Gobeil Syndic), an automatic stay of proceedings comes into effect. This protection is provided by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Collection agencies must then stop all calls, letters, and threats. They no longer have the right to communicate with you. To learn more, you can consult our articles on the consumer proposal and on debt management.
FAQ
Can I go to prison for a debt? No. Consumer debts never lead to prison in Quebec.
Can a collection agency seize my salary? No. Only a bailiff with a court judgment can do so.
What if I don’t recognize the debt being demanded? Request written proof. The collection agency must suspend the file.
Can a collection agency call my employer? Yes, but only to obtain your address or phone number, never to discuss debts.
How do I stop collection calls immediately? By meeting with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, who will implement a legal stay of proceedings as soon as your file is submitted.
Contact Us for Immediate Help
You are never obligated to endure harassment from collection agencies. The law protects you, and several solutions exist to regain control of your debts, including the consumer proposal.
Gobeil Syndic offers a free, confidential, and judgment-free consultation to analyze your situation and stop calls quickly.
Book your appointment for a free consultation by phone, video call, or in person. One of our advisors will evaluate your financial situation, explain your options, and advise you effectively. All of this with no commitment on your part!
We serve all cities in Quebec.
