What Happens After a Consumer Proposal

What Happens After a Consumer Proposal

Completing a consumer proposal is a major milestone. Here’s what happens next,
how your credit recovers, and what you can expect as you move forward.

What to Expect After Your Consumer Proposal Is Completed

Finishing a consumer proposal is a major financial reset.

Once your final payment is made, your remaining debt is legally erased, collections stop permanently, and you receive official documents confirming your completion. Most people feel a huge sense of relief as they begin rebuilding credit, planning their future, and enjoying real financial stability for the first time in years.

This page explains everything that happens after your consumer proposal is completed and what your next steps should be.

Your Remaining Debt Is Legally Discharged

Credit Card Debt ReliefWhen your final proposal payment is processed, all included debt is officially discharged. This means you are no longer responsible for:

  • Credit card balances, which are wiped out entirely so you can move forward without revolving debt dragging you down.
  • CRA tax debt, which becomes legally forgiven, including years of compounded interest and penalties.
  • Payday loans, which cannot restart collections or pursue you after the discharge.
  • Personal loans, which are permanently closed and cannot be reopened by the lender.
  • Lines of credit, which show as settled so your credit report becomes cleaner and more stable.

The discharge is permanent. Creditors cannot contact you, reopen accounts, add interest, or take any legal action once the proposal is complete.

Certificate of Full Performance

After completion, your Licensed Insolvency Trustee issues a Certificate of Full Performance. This certificate:

  • Confirms that every payment has been made, showing you successfully completed the proposal.
  • Requires creditors to close their files, preventing any future collection attempts.
  • Serves as legal proof, which protects you if any creditor mistakenly contacts you later.
  • Helps with future credit applications, since some lenders ask to see confirmation that the proposal is fully completed.

You should keep this certificate permanently in both digital and paper form.

Collections and Legal Action End

Once your proposal is completed, all collection activity must stop. Creditors cannot restart:

  • Wage garnishments, because the debt is officially settled and cannot be collected.
  • Collection calls or letters, as they are prohibited from contacting you once the proposal is finalized.
  • Lawsuits or judgments, since the proposal legally resolves the debt.
  • Interest or penalty charges, which cannot be added back at any time in the future.

If a creditor contacts you by mistake, your completion certificate resolves the issue immediately.

Your Credit Report Is Updated

Credit bureaus update your file to show the proposal as completed. This update helps your score because:

  • Your balances drop to zero, improving your credit utilization instantly.
  • The R7 rating becomes less important, giving new positive credit habits more influence.
  • Your overall debt load disappears, making you less risky in the eyes of lenders.
  • Your financial profile becomes healthier, helping you qualify for new credit sooner.

Most people see steady progress in the months and years following completion.

Start Rebuilding Credit Immediately

You do not need to wait until the R7 rating disappears to start rebuilding. Most people begin right away by using:

  • A secured credit card, which adds positive payment history each month.
  • A small traditional credit card, often available several months after completion.
  • On-time bill payments, which strengthen your credit score over time.
  • Low credit utilization, keeping balances under 30% to show responsible use.
  • A simple monthly budget, which helps prevent falling back into old debt habits.

These steps help your score rise steadily while you enjoy a fresh financial start.

You Can Qualify for Loans & Mortgages

Many lenders work with people who have completed a proposal. You may qualify for:

  • Car loans, especially from lenders familiar with post-proposal financing.
  • Consolidation loans, which can help build credit by showing consistent repayment.
  • Credit cards, both secured and unsecured as your score improves.
  • Mortgages, especially after a few years of stable payments and steady income.

Your fresh start makes lenders more willing to consider you compared to when your debt was overwhelming.

Financial Stress Drops Dramatically

Completing a consumer proposal brings a major emotional and financial reset. People often experience:

  • Fewer financial emergencies, because high-interest debt is no longer draining their income.
  • More savings each month, thanks to reduced monthly obligations.
  • Better sleep and reduced anxiety, knowing their debt is permanently resolved.
  • A stronger household budget, because expenses become predictable and manageable.

The ability to plan for the future, including savings, investing, and mortgage goals. This stability is one of the most meaningful benefits of reaching the end of a consumer proposal.

All unsecured debts, credit cards and unsecured loans can be applied to a consumer proposal, getting you completely debt free in 5 years or less!

Consumer Proposal Calculator


Worth Doing a Consumer Proposal

This consumer proposal calculator shows an approximate of how much you could save.

Let’s Get Started Today!

Insolvency Trustee Kelly Dey for Consumer Proposals

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt and not sure where to start, the best thing you can do is talk to someone who understands.

Call now and speak directly with me — Kelly Dey — for clear, honest advice that’s tailored to your situation. There’s no pressure and no judgment. We’ll look at your options together and create a plan that helps you breathe again. Getting started is easier than you think, and one simple conversation can put you back in control of your money and your life.

Let’s take that first step today, call 905-721-7506.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does it take for the proposal to show as completed on my credit report?

A. It usually takes four to eight weeks for credit bureaus to update your file.

Once updated, your balance shows as zero, the R7 rating becomes less important, and lenders can see that your proposal is officially finished.

Q. What should I do with my completion certificate?

A. You should save it permanently.

Some lenders may ask for it when applying for credit or a mortgage, and it serves as proof if a creditor mistakenly contacts you. Keeping a digital and paper copy is best.

Q. Can creditors reopen accounts after my proposal is done?

A. No. Once the Certificate of Full Performance is issued, all debts included in the proposal are legally discharged.

Creditors cannot reopen the file, add charges, or start collections again.

Q. Can I rebuild my credit even with an R7 on my report?

A. Yes. Many people rebuild faster than expected. The R7 is only part of your score, and positive habits—like keeping balances low, paying bills on time, and using a secured card—often outweigh it.

Q. Will I qualify for a mortgage after completing my proposal?

A. Many people qualify once they show stable income, a down payment, and improving credit.

Some lenders even specialize in post-proposal mortgages, especially if you’ve rebuilt your credit responsibly.

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Consumer Proposal Reviews - CRA consumer proposal tax debt relief

Amelia R.

3 days ago

★★★★★ Finishing my proposal felt like a huge weight off my shoulders. My debt was officially gone and I finally received the certificate proving everything was completed. My credit has already started improving.

Jeff N.

1 week ago

★★★★★ I didn’t know what to expect after the proposal, but the process was simple. My credit report updated, the calls stopped for good, and I’m already approved for a small car loan. Total game changer.

Stephanie T.

2 weeks ago

★★★★★ I received my completion certificate and the relief was incredible. My budget feels normal again and the financial stress I lived with for years is finally gone.

Robert W.

3 weeks ago

★★★★★ After the last payment went through, my credit started improving almost right away. I didn’t realize how much different life would feel without constant debt pressure.

Charlotte P.

1 month ago

★★★★★ The best part of finishing my proposal was knowing the debt was permanently gone. I kept my certificate, updated my credit, and I’m planning for a mortgage next year.


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