This website is a testimony to the problems Canadian Student Loan borrowers experienced from approximately 1996 to 2008 and until their loans were paid off.

The privatization of the Student Loans system by the Chretien and Martin Liberal governments broke the system and defaulted thousands of borrowers who were trying to pay their loans. There were even stories of suicide due to the harassment of borrowers.

Read the report that I prepared back in 2007 here. Canada Student Loans-The Need for Change Fortunately the new Conservative government at the time revamped the program and fixed the system for new borrowers, but borrowers under the previous program were left with ruined credit and continued harassment from debt collectors.

I call on the Canadian Government to apologize to the borrowers affected by this fiasco and make amends.

Unfortunately the Liberal government is again clobbering the Education system with their changes to International Student Visas. Yes, there's a problem, but instead of a well thought out plan, they have pulled the emergency brake on the train causing a derailment. This has introduced unprecedented instability for both private and public education institutions who serve both international and local students.

Universities have been forced to cancel programs and layoff hundreds if not thousands of full-time and contract instructors.

Again, the Liberal government has messed up the education environment.


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Rezzolution View Drop Down
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    Posted: 03/August/2004 at 9:34am

Hello all,

I am a new member, and have quickly discovered that I am not alone with Student Loan woes.  I appreciate this site and all the information individuals have shared & the suggested solutions by Johnny.  I’ve just started reading the info on this website.  There’s many situations expressed by so many- I’d like to share my SL trouble.  I’d really appreciate anyone’s helpful feedback.

Here's my situation:  nutshell version (very big nut)

Took a student loan (prov/fed) for undergrad (about $20k). Graduated in 94’. Got a pretty good job. Started paying undergrad loan off. Got married, got house, got dog, got child, got laid off AND marriage got ugly (abusive). 1997 – everything imploded – bad year for me. Separated in 98’ and presently still finalizing the divorce. Continued paying undergrad loan until it got to about $7k.  1999 took out another Student Loan to retrain/rebuild a new life/change career (accelerated computer program) for about $20k.  Graduated in 2000.  Got a new ok paying tech support job. The rocky roads of marriage and job lay off in 97-99 lead to me having to go bankrupt in Sept 2000 after my  computer program graduation – of course I lost everything – except the student loans.  Like many other computer companies had to do during the 2k Nasdaq bubble bursting period – massive layoffs.  I got hit by the lay off bullet (again). My student loan (provincial portion) went to a collection agency (CBV) during my bankruptcy process, as SLs were now exempt from bankruptcy.  Ok, no problem - sigh. Routine procedure.   I made arrangements to make payments despite me being on EI and looking for a job. 

Over the next couple of years as I job searched, I found my student loans being split up, without notice to me, to different collection agencies.  I am now dealing with 3 or 4 collection agencies that I know of – ARC, CBCL, CBV and maybe CLMB.  I found a job, low wage – telemarketing – this is not my expected outcome of a student loan and higher education.  But I am thankful that I have A job, my health, and am able to provide the basics for my daughter as a single mom – simple life.

Concern:

My gut feeling says I may be paying 2 collection agencies (CBCL & CLMB) for the same Federal Loan and that all these collection agencies are quoting me different balances for each student loan than what I have on my own records.

Collectively these collection agencies are telling me my total owing is ~$34000 in prov/fed student loans – approximately $14000 more than I think I should be owing.

Questions:

How do I find out exactly how much I owe?  Who would have this information that tells me where my files have been and their present status (in the eyes of HRDC)?  Because I took out student loans at 2 different times – early 90s and year 2000 – who would have an accurate ‘laundry list’ of my student loans? No one seems to know the original names and account numbers of my student loans - it's all become extremely confusing with my file getting pushed to different collection agencies, then these agencies renaming my file for their company naming- adding to the confusion.

Despite me trying to keep accurate records of my student loans, something feels like its missing.  I don’t want to be surprised by any ‘mystery loans’ that I haven’t accounted for that pop up 5 years from now. I've already experienced my provincial loan splitting off into 2 separate loans without notice.  And by all the administrative ‘mistakes’ made through this whole student loan program (that I’ve heard/read/presently experiencing), I feel like there is a mistake being made here, but i can't put my finger on it.  That's why I just want full, complete, accurate information, so I can pay this off and live my life!

This really came to view for me when I got my Equifax Credit Report this month – ack, what a mess.  (I am beyond numb to all of it – my credit is absolutely shot.)  This is where I began to put together CBCL & CLMB.  CBCL contacted me last April 2004 stating my file was moved to them.  I worked out a 6month payment plan with them.  To my understanding, this is the Federal portion of my loan, but then I see on my credit report under CLMB for about the same amount.  I’ve never been contacted by CLMB by phone – only a letter from them after my bankruptcy stating repayment is still expected. Fine.  Staying proactive about the whole thing, I've tried by phone to get information from HRDC themselves - rude, uncooperative - that was a scary experience - like another collection agency.  I just want the right information and to make sure I'm not OVERPAYING!

Had I known all these major Student Loan changes were happening during this same time (of my divorce,etc.), I probably would have thought twice about taking that Computer Program and tried to rebuild my life some other way.  Although I am grateful that the 2nd student loan enabled me to reestablish myself during a tough time, now it’s becoming a nightmare.  And, through this website, I see that I am not alone and that the Student Loan Program is like one big fur ball that my cat barfed up.  I don't want to be paying more than i have to - i feel like i'm getting double charged on my loans.  Is there something more i should be/ should have doing/done with respect to my bankruptcy.  I'm reading more about this 10yr vs 5yr issue and bancruptcy.  Is this an avenue for me?

Johnny – would you have any insight to my situation?

I presently live with my retired mother, aunt and daughter- trying to live day by day making ends meet.  I continue to look for a 'rezzolution' to this student loan nightmare, as I try to hold it together for my daughter and rebuild.

Thanks everyone for 'listening'.  I appreciate your feedback.

Carpe Diem, Maria
Thank you,
Rezz
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Hi Everyone;

I am new to the forum but I am so glad to have found this website. I have the same student loan story as basically everyone else that I have read about.

In fact I am trying to dedide the best way  to handle my student loans especially the one with NORDON in Ontario. They  wanting a payment in full  or the settlement that  I was given yesterday by tomorrow night. They want me to come  up withh $5950 CAD  which is  $4715 USD. I cannot ocme up with it so the are now saying that they can sell my house and pay off their debt which is untrue as I have found out. They can put lien against my property and recieve their money when I am good and ready to sell. They are also bringing my children into the paying off the loan. I was accused of skipping out of Canada so I would not have to pay my bills. Boy she heard from me on that one.  Considering that I tried on more than several occasions to get in touch with RBC, Western Student Loan Center and others to find my loans and start paying on them. I could not find them and was not contacted so into default they went. I was told I could not qualify for interest free statis because I lived down the states. I am still a Canadian Citizen does that not stand for anything any more?

I read a lot of posts last night about John Le Blanc and Canadian Financial Wellness Group. I called him this morning and told him my story and he said he could me deal with the student loans.  It is not free help but his fee is cheaper then coming up with a ridiculous amount for a settlement when I am unemployed and hubby is temp employed looking for permanent work.

I will post again when I get this mess cleared up a little bit more.  I do believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Becjon33
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Points: 375 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote eshelton Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/October/2004 at 4:53pm
 Rezzolution,

This is a huge problem with the loan business, isn't it?  It's next to impossible to find out about the 'big picture' of your student loans. 

First, the original creditor is supposed to notify you your loan is going to a collection agency.  To have this things split off in so many ways without you knowing is very shady.  Send a letter (forget using the phone, pretend you don't have one) and ask each of these collection agencies to send the proof of the loan (on the letterhead of the original creditor).   Don't accept the "proof" from the collection agency on their letterhead.  That will also buy you some time as the collection agencies scramble to contact the clients. 

I had the same experience with a 'mystery loan' where one day, I get this letter from CollectCorp asking about my Ontario Student Loan for $900.  Yet I never heard of it before.  The Ontario Governement didn't even send me notice it was A) it existed B) it was going to a collection agency.   So basically, I sent CollectCorp a letter stating I wanted to see proof of this loan and I wasn't paying a penny until they came up with the proof.   That was more than 6 months ago and I haven't heard from them since. 

I guess if we are going to have difficulty getting information from the government, so are they. 

Johnny would be best to answer your other questions.  If my advice conflicts with his, go with his as he is the expert here.
"A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof. And when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven." - Jean Chretien
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Points: 3 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rezzolution Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28/November/2004 at 6:40am

Thank you eshelton for your reply and feedback. sorry for a slow response.

I am dealing with 3 different collection agencies - Canadian Bonded Credits Limited, Account Recovery Corp and CBV Collections out here in BC.  Unfortunately I have made arrangements for payment before asking for 'the proof'.  I just wanted the harrassing calls to stop and get 'control' of the situation.  but you've raised a very good, obvious point. are they who they say they are?  At this point in time, I managed to clear my $2000 'loan' with ARC, but the still haven't given me a 'receipt' proof that I have finished paying everything off.  I continue to make minimul monthly payments with CBCL and CBV. CBCL gives me monthly statements - are very diligent and professional. CBV on the other hand is very abusive and neanderthal.  I no longer have verbal conversations with them. I only make my minimal payment online.  They cannot refuse my payment, right?

so this begs a couple more questions:

1) Even though I've already started payments, would I still have the opportunity to ask them for that proof?.... stop payments at this point until they tell me who they are collecting for - they say on their letter head that they represent HRDC blah blah - but as you pointed out, I should make sure by requesting for proof... I don't want to subject my family to harrassing calls starting up again...

2)my gut feeling still looms.... I still feel anxious that there is a double charge here... from what I understand, I should just contact Johnny for advice....

JOHNNY- I WOULD LIKE TO CONNECT WITH YOU!! WITH THE TIME DIFFERENCE (i'm out here in bc) AND ALL THE WORK SHIFTS (to pay off this (these) student loan(s) - WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU?!  I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE! THANK YOU

ESHELTON - I thank you again for your response and advise.  I can't believe how drawn out this has become and so very confusing with all the splitting of my 2 loans - of course this all started with 1 prov and 1 fed loan... I can't believe this has become such a mess.  I would like to know if I am one of the many whose paper work has been sent out to different places - even in error, they may have duplicated my records - this is what i am worried about - hence the reason i feel i'm paying double.  I just want to pay off the proper amount I borrowed and move on with my life.... my eight year old will be going to university very soon at the rate I'm able to pay off my student loan.

Thank you again for your advise.  with the increasing number of people hearing about Johnny, I do hope I can still have an opportunity to get Johnny's assistance as well.  HELP JOHNNY!!

thanks for listening.

rezzolution
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Points: 375 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote eshelton Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28/November/2004 at 7:35am

Rezzolution,

One of my posts was incorrect - the original creditor is not required to contact you when it goes to collections - it sounds ridiculous but that's the sad truth.

On the plus side, the laws state that the collection agencies are REQUIRED to send you a monthly statement.  This was communicated to me by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), so if these guys aren't sending you monthly statements, file a complaint with your province now!

The collections agencies cannot refuse your payments.  Simple as that.

As for your other questions, Johnny would be the best person to talk to.  He is very busy as you can imagine, but hopefully he can get around to your request.  

"A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof. And when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven." - Jean Chretien
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Points: 792 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote momof2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28/November/2004 at 7:43am

rezz

try emailing johnny directly - his addy is on all of his wmails and on the home page of this site as well.

good luck
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Points: 5996 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SolveStudentDebt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28/November/2004 at 11:33am

 

 Rez,

 1. The only one of these agencies that you have mentioned could be collecting your guaranteed Canada student laon, and that is CBCL. CBV and ARC do not colelct guaranteed CSL.

 2. I am concerned about this $2000 that was paid tyo retire one of your debts. Was this an actual loan, or was it the "Cure" program at the agency (ARC) where they say that if you pay X amount of dollars, your loan will be sent back to the bank and placed back in good standing.

 3. You can reach me up until 6 PM (your time) Monday-Thursday. If you get voice mail, just leave a message - anda good time to call, and I will call you back.

 Johnny  
Solve Student Debt specializes in solutions for students and graduates in student loan default, and those at risk of defaulting.

solvestudentdebt.com
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Points: 3 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rezzolution Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28/November/2004 at 12:08pm

Thank you very much Johnny for responding. I will contact you on Monday.  This sounds like I may have myself in a pickle.  I will go over my situation so you have the full information on my situation and have a better plan of action...

'thank youz' go out to momof2 and eshelton for your words of encouragement, advise and good cheer.  I really appreciate it.  and as my situation progresses i will keep this forum updated on my situation as I know this will help others as it is helping me

I also want to send out Applause and recognition to Dave O  our strong representative/activist, for helping so many of us students past and present get through this student loan hair ball by giving us a central place to share ideas, give information and connect with the right people through this web site.  My hats off to you.

thank you again Johnny for being that resource person we all seem to really need- particularly with the state that this Student Loan program is in I appreciate your time and look forward to us connecting.

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Points: 5996 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SolveStudentDebt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28/November/2004 at 12:10pm

 

 You are most welcome.

 
Solve Student Debt specializes in solutions for students and graduates in student loan default, and those at risk of defaulting.

solvestudentdebt.com
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