COVID-19 measures expected to give temporary reprieve from growing insolvency

OTTAWA – Consumer insolvencies are expected to spike in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic despite a reprieve in the number of filings in March

The Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP) says the number of people filing for insolvency will resume its growth even though government relief in the form of income support, along with increased payment flexibility among creditors, landlords and administrators have temporarily allowed many to make ends meet.

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy says the number of Canadians who filed for insolvency in the first quarter of 2020 was down 5.5 per cent compared to the fourth quarter.

In March alone, consumer insolvencies decreased by 8.5 per cent compared to the same time last year.