Viewpoints

Industry insights from Hoyes Michalos co-founders Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos on bankruptcy, debt relief and consumer debt issues that affect Ontarians. Doug and Ted are strong advocates of a fair, equitable and transparent process for those dealing with overwhelming debt problems.

Should Rent Be a Part of a Credit Score?

In a country where owning a home seems like a distant dream for many young Canadians, the federal government is proposing legislation to protect renters’ rights and make housing more attainable for millennial and Gen Z renters. According to Statistics Canada, in 2021,... Read more »

2023 Debt Statistics and What It Means for Consumer Insolvencies

The past year has seen a steady erosion in financial stability for Canadian debtors. The result is that consumer insolvencies are rising rapidly. In my year-end post, I will outline what is behind the average Canadian debtor's re-accumulation of consumer credit and how that will impact consumer insolvency levels in the coming year.

GEM Debt Law Contract Review

This is yet another case of an individual struggling with debt, told to pay exorbitant fees to a debt settlement firm to deal with their debts. This time, the company was GEM Debt Law. We review the terms of the contract and explain why these debt consultants should be avoided.

York Credit Services Contract Review

Struggling with debt? Go directly to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Unlicensed debt consultants like York Credit Services will charge you extra fees just for a referral to an LIT. Here's a real story of someone who was scammed into paying an extra $800 for nothing.

How COVID-19 Affected Household Debt in 2020

Want to learn about the role the pandemic played in altering household debts? Read along as Doug Hoyes explores the unprecedented debt and insolvency trends as a result of Canada’s lockdowns, and his future predications.