TORONTO, Ontario, June 1, 2023: BDO Canada Limited (‘BDO’), one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in Canada, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Fontaine & Associates Inc. (‘Fontaine’) into BDO’s personal debt solutions practice, effective June 1, 2023. The acquisition strengthens BDO’s position in many communities across Northern and Eastern Ontario, including the GTA.
"Our firm is committed to providing Canadian consumers and businesses with localized debt relief solutions when they need them,” stated Nancy Snedden, National Leader of the personal debt solutions practice at BDO. “Having a larger team will help us better respond to the threats facing the Canadian economy. Adding Fontaine’s dynamic team means families and businesses across Ontario will now have greater access to one of the most well-respected names in debt services."
Fontaine has over 40 years of experience providing services such as debt settlement, credit counselling, consumer proposal, bankruptcy solutions, and business solutions. Its team of trusted local advisors is dedicated to helping families and businesses find the solutions they need to address their issues with debt, while ensuring a personalized approach to financial recovery. Their values will strengthen BDO’s commitment to providing localized support to the growing number of communities we serve.
“Our firm takes pride in providing proven debt relief solutions to consumers and businesses across Ontario," stated Nathan Sugeng, President of Fontaine & Associates. “Our services are provided with dignity and respect and delivered by professionals living in the communities that we have been serving for over 40 years. Joining BDO will allow us to expand our services and further solidify our presence in these communities for years to come. We are excited about joining BDO’s personal debt solutions team and look forward to our new firm's future success.”
BDO Canada Limited is an affiliate of BDO Canada LLP. BDO Canada LLP is a leading provider of professional services to clients of all sizes in virtually all business sectors. Our team delivers a comprehensive range of assurance, business services & outsourcing, tax, and advisory services, complemented by a deep industry knowledge gained from over 100 years of working within local communities. As part of the international BDO network, we’re able to provide seamless and consistent cross-border services to clients with global needs. With more than 1,800 offices in 164 countries, our global BDO network positions us to provide consistent cross-border services to clients with global needs.
BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO member Firms.
Tara MacPherson
Consultant, Proof Strategies
Tel: 905-870-1771
Email: [email protected]
“ 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
