BDO has acquired Fontaine & Associates Inc. to expand the personal debt solutions practice across Ontario. Our newly expanded team takes pride in helping to relieve financial stress and finding solutions to debt problems. Knowing the causes of financial problems and finding the right solution is key. We understand that every situation is different. We will help you find the right debt solution for you.
Many of our clients tell us the hardest part is realizing they have a debt problem and making the decision to reach out for help. Most of them also say they wish they'd reached out for help sooner. Having a plan in place and understanding your options is the best way to relieve the burden of debt stress and generally the earlier you reach out, the more options you'll have available to choose from.
Sometimes all you need is budgeting advice, or guidance on credit counselling & debt consolidation.
If you're struggling, we can renegotiate your debt and lower your monthly payments by up to 80%.
When you're no longer able to repay your debt, we can provide a fresh start and immediate relief.
Our clients say it best. Hear from people we've helped about their financial recovery journey and their experiences with BDO.
I greatly appreciate the service provided by the amazing staff during a very difficult time in my life. I would like to thank you for all the help and financial support over the last few years. You helped my wife and I tremendously to get our lives back in financial order.
Anonymous
Ontario
I want to tell the world about my positive experience with BDO and specifically, Debbie Kenwood. When I went to see her I was very ashamed and embarrassed about my financial situation. She put me at ease right away and gave me hope to get back on track. I kept in touch with her regularly and was even able to pay off the debt before the end of term. It’s been a year since the consumer proposal has been paid off and she is still making herself available to answer my calls when I have questions about rebuilding my credit and staying on top of Equifax and Trans Union. I am very grateful that she showed me empathy, compassion, patience and guidance to make it through such a hard time. I would encourage anyone to go and see her and to not suffer in silence like I did for far too long.
J.S.
Ontario
If you are buried in debt due to interest loans, credit card debit, Income Tax debit. I would highly recommend that you contact BDO Debt Solutions immediately. The service I received was incredible. The advisors are extremely friendly, helpful and nonjudgmental. From the time I made the decision to seek help until the proposal was filled was extremely fast and easy. I now have my life back and can sleep at night. Thank you BDO (and Beth Ann).
John Carbin
Ontario
Would highly recommend BDO We had to file a proposal, which was a hard pill to swallow for us. They made me feel comfortable and not judged for our financial situation. They are quick, efficient, and always willing to help. 10/10 service!
Sabrina Baker
Ontario
I would just like to thank Beth Ann and BDO Debt Solutions for making this experience so convenient, stress-free and just a huge relief. Clear your debts and your mind from worry. Beth Ann is so pleasant to work with. I know I can reach out at anytime if I have any concerns. I am very thankful for her!
Mike Fernandez
Ontario
Approaching debt is a stressful venture and for a first time debtor like myself it can be quite intimidating. I am so grateful and pleased that I contacted Micheal Comrie and his team at BDO. They made the process of handling my debt a far less stressful procedure, and they answered all my (many) questions along the way with quickness and friendliness. Joe Bette, the credit councillor, was very informative and friendly to deal with as well. I am so very impressed with the entire team at BDO and if you have any issue with debt at all, I highly recommend giving this team a call.
J.L.
Ontario
I originally spoke with BDO to see what my options were as at the time I lost about 40% of my income and still had a lot of outstanding debt. I was not delinquent at the time but without doing something quickly I would have been. My BDO Licensed Insolvency Trustee explained to me my options and within one week we filed a consumer proposal. At this point, I thought everything was too good to be true, but in fact I had all my unsecured debt reduced to 60 per cent of my original amount owing. And that's not even the best part. I now have five years interest free to pay it off with equal weekly payments! I would highly recommend anyone who is struggling with debt to not hesitate and call right away to discuss your options. There are options for everyone.
B.M.
Ontario
Being a very private person about my finances, I walked into BDO feeling anxious, scared and embarrassed. I was treated with the utmost respect and a sincere understanding of my financial situation without being judged. I got excellent advice for my current situation, ongoing assistance through the whole bankruptcy process and professional training and advice for a healthy financial recovery. Thanks to the BDO team, less than a year after filing bankruptcy I am in a great financial state, with good credit. Thank you BDO.
Leslie
Ontario
From consultation to resolution, my BDO Licensed Insolvency Trustee was supportive, informative and highly professional. I felt heard and understood with no judgment. Dealing with debt is very stressful. She helped me remain calm and guided me through the process while being available to answer all of my questions. To anyone struggling with debt, I would recommend reaching out to BDO. They will be there for you every step of the way.
Lindsay
Ontario
My Licensed Insolvency Trustee and team were compassionate and understanding of my situation and helped create a solution that worked for me. BDO as a whole offered great resources to understanding my options, and their national reach allowed me to connect with a local office after moving so I didn't have to travel hours for in-person meetings when needed. Overall I'm elated to have chosen to work with BDO.
S.L.
Ontario
Everything changed the day after I input my information into BDO’s confidential portal. I had no idea this help was available. That lack of knowledge and of course humiliation kept me suffering in the blackest of places. You do not need to be there. They can and will help. After consultations and advice, my garnishee and issues were very quickly dealt with by the kindest souls. Caring individuals that showed me there was light. Thank you is not enough for the opportunity they gave me to learn, and to rebuild myself. I am beyond grateful. Don't hide. Get the help these people are trained and happy to offer. Life can be better. Thank you BDO. You gave me something I haven't known in a while. Pride.
Sherri
Ontario
Add up your debt from all sources (including credit cards, lines of credit, loans, etc.) and enter the total amounts below. Click 'Submit' to see how different solutions can affect your monthly payments and the total cost of repayment over the span of 5 years.
“ People always tell me that they wish they had come to see us sooner, that they can breath again. Debt relief services are life changing.
Natalie Faubert
Licensed Insolvency Trustee
email[email protected] Read BioNatalie has been helping people with debt since 1992 and has been working as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee since 2008. She achieved her goal of becoming the first woman partner with the firm in early 2015. Natalie manages the Ottawa West offices as well as the Pembroke office. She has extensive knowledge of consumer proposals and bankruptcies, and has helped countless individuals over the years attain their goals of becoming debt free. Natalie is happily married to her best friend, she has two children and two step children. She enjoys working out in the gym, hiking, cycling and camping.
“ Oftentimes, making the first call is the hardest part. People really need to know that there is help available. You don’t have to face your debt alone.
Francois Gilbert
Licensed Insolvency Trustee
email[email protected] Read BioFrancois obtained his CPA accounting designation in 1995, his CIRP insolvency designation in 1998 and became a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) in 1999. He has been working in the field of insolvency since graduating from University of Ottawa in 1991.
Francois has been helping individuals solve their debt problems now for over 20 years by providing advice on credit counselling, consumer proposals and personal bankruptcies. He also has extensive experience in business restructuring.
When he is not at work, Francois spends most of his time with his wife and kids doing outdoor activities and he also volunteers with local non-for-profit organizations in the Ottawa area from time to time. He is an avid musician and plays the keyboard, mainly for his own enjoyment.
“ Financial difficulties can be one of the most challenging times in someone’s life. We take to the time to listen to your story so we can help come up with a personalized plan. The personal success stories are what make my job so special.
Joel Grisé
Licensed Insolvency Trustee
email[email protected] Read BioJoel Grisé has been helping people with debt and financial issues for almost 20 years. Before becoming a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Joel was a credit counsellor in Ottawa where he ran two offices and managed a number of staff — and helped thousands of people overcome their debt problems. Joel is a proven and dynamic public speaker with experience in live televised round-table discussions, as well as being a regular guest on local radio talk shows and appearing numerous times in credit related articles in the Ottawa Citizen.
“ It’s important for us to know that we are helping people. Licensed Insolvency Trustees provide unbiased, ethical advice for overcoming debt. Our free consultations will give you a clear idea of your available options and a path forward.
Joel Picard
Licensed Insolvency Trustee
email[email protected] Read BioJoel has extensive knowledge of consumer proposals, bankruptcy and restructuring. He truly enjoys helping people solve their debt problems to put them back on course in achieving their financial goals. Joel previously managed a family business in the tourism industry — and, for that reason, truly understands the struggles small and medium sized businesses face. A little known fact about Joel is that he is a former Canadian Junior Track and Field Gold Medalist in the 10,000-metre event.
“ One of the most common things I hear from people who come to see us is that they are finally able to sleep at night, that they feel better about themselves and their future.
Kenn Robbs
Licensed Insolvency Trustee
email[email protected] Read BioKen has worked in the insolvency field since 1992 and started working for Fontaine & Associates in 2002 managing the Kingston and Belleville offices. In 2012, he received his trustee license.
Ken has extensive knowledge of consumer proposals, bankruptcy, credit counselling, budgeting and restructuring. He truly enjoys helping people solve their debt problems to put them back on course to rebuilding their credit.
Ken originally went to school and then worked as a computer engineer before getting a job as a para-legal, where he was introduced to insolvency. In his spare time he loves to read, jog, play video games and watch movies. A little known fact about Ken is that he once worked for the Canadian Hockey League as a statistician with the Kingston Frontenacs.
“ Hearing people’s sigh of relief after meeting me and knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel is so gratifying.
Marsha Saunders
Licensed Insolvency Trustee
email[email protected] Read BioMarsha graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She became a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in 2003 and works in the Sudbury & Elliot Lake Offices.
She is a certified BIA Insolvency Counsellor and has extensive experience in the areas of personal bankruptcy, consumer proposals, credit counselling and budgeting. She gets extreme satisfaction by contributing to making a difference in people’s lives by assisting with their financial needs.
Marsha is married and a proud parent of two children.
“ We are very proud to offer debt relief services with dignity and respect, offering real solutions to people and making a positive difference in their lives.
Nathan Sugeng
Licensed Insolvency Trustee
email[email protected] Read BioNathan has an incredible track record with helping people through debt issues — and it’s not surprising given his background. Nathan’s education and professional designations include a Bachelor of Engineering (Ryerson University) – B. Eng and an MBA from York University. He is also a Qualified Insolvency Counsellor and is also a Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional – CIRP.
Nathan was previously employed with Royal Bank in various positions and levels for 10 years prior to entering the insolvency and restructuring field for over 10 years now. Nathan has since worked in the insolvency and restructuring field for over 10 years now.
An experienced media commentator on debt issues, Nathan is a regular contributor and columnist with CBC Radio.
Talking about debt can be intimidating, so we ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
We take the time to explore all debt relief options, so you can choose the best one for you.
With 120+ offices and 60+ years of experience, we're ready to help in your local community.