For help dealing with debt check out the resources listed under More Help and Information at the end of this section.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada also has a Financial Toolkit to help you manage your finances.

What is a collection agency

Sometimes a creditor (company you owe money to) may use a collection agency to collect a debt if you have fallen behind in your payments.  They might hire the collection agency to collect the debt for them, or they might sell the debt to the collection agency.

A collection agency is a business that arranges for and obtains payment of money owed to another person or organization.  For example, you might hear from a collection agency about a credit card debt, an outstanding loan or a line of credit.

Collection agencies and collectors (person employed by a collection agency) must be licensed to do collection activities in Nova Scotia.  Service Nova Scotia licenses and regulates collection agencies and collectors in Nova Scotia, under the Collection Agencies Act.

Reviewed August 2021