Bankruptcy in British Columbia: Licensed Trustees & Debt Relief Help (2025)
If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt in British Columbia, you’re not alone. Thousands of BC residents turn to bankruptcy and other legal debt relief solutions every year. This page explains how bankruptcy works in BC, when it’s the right option, and how to connect with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee near you.
Updated August 2025
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How Bankruptcy Works in British Columbia
Bankruptcy in BC is a legal process regulated by the federal government. If you’re unable to repay your unsecured debts — like credit cards, payday loans, income tax debt, or lines of credit — you can file for bankruptcy through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT). The LIT will help you complete the necessary paperwork, notify creditors, and stop wage garnishments and legal actions.
Alternatives to Bankruptcy in British Columbia
Bankruptcy isn’t your only option. Many BC residents qualify for other government-regulated debt solutions like a Consumer Proposal, which allows you to keep your assets while repaying only part of what you owe. An LIT will help you compare your options, including debt consolidation, informal settlements, and credit counselling.
Will I Lose My Home or Car?
British Columbia has provincial exemptions that allow you to keep essential assets — including a vehicle and home equity up to a certain amount. Your LIT will review your situation and ensure you understand what assets are protected if you file bankruptcy in BC.
Licensed Insolvency Trustees in British Columbia
Only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can administer a bankruptcy or consumer proposal in Canada. Trustees are federally regulated professionals who will review your finances, explain your options, and help you choose the best solution. Consultations are always free and confidential.
Find Bankruptcy Help in British Columbia Cities
We partner with Licensed Insolvency Trustees across British Columbia. Select your city below to request a free consultation.
| City | Telephone/Number | Trustee |
|---|---|---|
| Abbotsford | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Armstrong | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Burnaby | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc |
| Campbell River | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Castlegar | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Chilliwack | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Colwood | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Comox | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Coquitlam | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Courtenay | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Cranbrook | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Cumberland | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Dawson Creek | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Delta | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Duncan | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| East Kootenays | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Esquimalt | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Fernie | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Fort Nelson | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Fort St. John | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Gulf Islands | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Haida Gwaii | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Hope | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Kamloops | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Kelowna | 1-866-369-6331 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Kimberley | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Ladner | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Ladysmith | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Lake Cowichan | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Langford | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Langley | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Lytton | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Maple Ridge | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Merritt | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Metchosin | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Mission | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Nanaimo | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Nelson | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| New Westminster | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Oak Bay | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Osoyoos | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Parksville | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Pemberton | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Penticton | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Pitt Meadows | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Port Alberni | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Port Coquitlam | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Port Hardy | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Port Moody | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Powell River | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Prince George | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Prince Rupert | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Qualicum | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Quesnel | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Revelstoke | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Richmond | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Saanich | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Salmon Arm | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Shawnigan Lake | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Sooke | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Sparwood | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Squamish | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc |
| Surrey | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc |
| Terrace | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Tofino | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Trail | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Tsawwassen | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Ucluelet | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Vancouver (North) | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc |
| Vancouver | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc |
| Vernon | 1-866-369-6331 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Victoria | 1-250-984-8345 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Whistler | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| White Rock | 1-778-800-6420 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
| Williams Lake | 1-855-912-8995 | Smythe Insolvency Inc. |
Whether you’re in Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, Kelowna, or Nanaimo — professional, compassionate help is available near you. Start the process toward becoming debt-free today.
FAQs
You can keep household furnishings, clothing, tools of the trade, and some equity in your vehicle or home. Your LIT will explain the limits based on your city.
Yes. Bankruptcy includes personal income tax, HST/GST, and other government debts in most cases.
First-time bankruptcies last 9 to 21 months depending on your income.
In many cases, yes — proposals let you keep assets and repay only part of your debt without declaring bankruptcy.
Talk to a Bankruptcy Expert in British Columbia
Get a Free & Confidential Consultation Today
Speak with a TrusteeThis page provides general information only. For advice specific to your situation, speak with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in British Columbia.