How to Stop Collection Calls and Wage Garnishments

Dealing with overwhelming debt is stressful enough — but constant collection calls and wage garnishments can make it feel impossible to get ahead. If you’re facing these challenges, you’re not alone. Thousands of Canadians experience creditor pressure every year, and there are legal solutions that can provide immediate relief.

In this article, we’ll explain:

What collection calls and wage garnishments are
Your rights under Canadian law
Proven ways to stop them — including solutions available through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee

What Are Collection Calls and Wage Garnishments?

Collection calls happen when creditors or collection agencies contact you to demand payment on overdue debts. These calls can quickly become overwhelming, especially if they’re happening multiple times a day.

Wage garnishment is a legal action where part of your paycheque is taken directly by a creditor, usually through a court order. In Ontario, this can mean losing up to 20% of your wages before you even see your pay.

Both of these actions can make it difficult to cover your regular living expenses — rent, groceries, utilities — and create ongoing stress.

Your Rights in Ontario

As a debtor in Ontario, you do have rights:

Collection agencies must follow strict rules under Ontario’s Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act. For example, they cannot call you before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on weekdays, or on statutory holidays.
Creditors must obtain a court order before garnishing your wages, unless the debt is owed to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which has broader powers.

You can stop the calls and garnishments by working with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) — the only professionals legally authorized to administer government-regulated debt solutions.

How to Stop Collection Calls Immediately

Here are some effective steps you can take:

Request Written Communication Only
You can ask collection agencies to stop calling and communicate by mail instead. This won’t erase the debt, but it can reduce daily stress.
Understand Your Debt
Verify who you owe, how much, and whether the debt is still legally enforceable (some debts may be past the limitation period).
Contact a Licensed Insolvency Trustee
When you file a Consumer Proposal or Bankruptcy through an LIT, all collection calls must stop immediately by law. This protection is called a “Stay of Proceedings.”

How to Stop Wage Garnishments

If your paycheque is already being garnished, time is critical. Here’s what you can do:

Negotiate with the creditor – Sometimes creditors will agree to voluntary payments instead of a garnishment, but this isn’t always possible.
File a Consumer Proposal – This legally binds your creditors to accept a repayment plan you can afford. Once filed, garnishments stop immediately.
File for Bankruptcy – As with a proposal, bankruptcy puts an immediate stop to garnishments and other legal actions.

Only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you file these options under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act of Canada.

Why Work With a Licensed Insolvency Trustee?

Government-regulated solutions – Proposals and bankruptcies are federally legislated.
Immediate protection – Calls, lawsuits, and garnishments stop right away.
Affordable payments – Your repayment plan is based on what you can realistically afford.
Free consultation – Most trustees, including The Oakman Group, offer no-obligation initial consultations to explore your options.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Collection calls and wage garnishments don’t have to control your life. There are legal ways to stop the pressure and start fresh.

If you’re in Ontario and want to regain peace of mind, contact The Oakman Group Inc. today. As Licensed Insolvency Trustees, we’re here to guide you through your options and help you move forward debt-free.

📞 Call us at 905-232-9355
📧 Email us at [email protected]
💻 Or book your free consultation online