The stay of proceedings is the legal rule that forces creditors to stop all interest, penalties, and collection activity as soon as your proposal is submitted. Creditors cannot add charges, increase your balance, or continue enforcement.

How Interest Stops in a Consumer Proposal with a Stay of Proceedings
This gives you a clean slate moving forward.
Interest Stops the Day You File
Many people assume interest continues until approval, but it doesn’t. The moment the proposal is filed, all interest stops—even before creditors vote.
This applies to bank loans, credit cards, tax debt, lines of credit, payday loans, and collections. The balance freezes, protecting you from further growth.
No More Penalties or Fees
Creditors often add late fees, compounding charges, or penalty interest when accounts fall behind. The stay prevents this. Whether you owe a small amount or tens of thousands, the balance is locked at the filing date. For most people, this is the moment their debt finally stops growing.
How the Proposal Reduces What You Owe
In addition to stopping interest, a consumer proposal usually reduces the principal to about 30% of your original debt. Once the interest freeze is applied, the trustees from Yanch Dey calculate a new payment that fits your budget and stays fixed for the entire term.
- No compounding interest during the proposal
- No payment increases over time
- No surprises or added fees
This stability is one of the biggest advantages of the process.
Protection From Collection Agencies
Once the stay takes effect, collection agencies must stop calling.
Lawsuits, wage garnishments, and bank freezes also stop immediately. Even aggressive collectors must follow these rules, and they cannot contact you or add new charges to your account.
Why Creditors Must Follow the Rules
The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act gives consumer proposals their legal power. Creditors who violate the stay face penalties and legal consequences.
This ensures fairness, and it guarantees that your proposal moves forward without new financial pressure.