Behind the Debt: What Canadians Are Really Facing Right Now

Across Canada, more people are struggling to keep up with rising costs, growing debt, and financial uncertainty. Call volumes are increasing. Financial stress is showing up in new ways. And the challenges consumers face today look very different than they did just a few years ago.

So what are Canadians really experiencing right now? What trends are emerging beneath the headlines? And where does non-profit credit counselling fit into the picture?

Join a panel of Credit Canada experts for an insightful discussion that brings together perspectives from across their organization. Credit Canada is Canada’s first and longest-standing non-profit organization, helping Canadians live the life they want, free from the weight of debt for over 60 years.

In this 90-minute panel discussion, you’ll learn:

What Credit Canada’s Counsellors are hearing from consumers and the financial challenges driving more people to seek help.

How Canadians are using AI and digital tools to make financial decisions, and how those behaviours are changing.

What current consumer debt trends and internal data reveal about financial stress across the country.

How non-profit credit counselling, financial coaching, and financial education work together to support long-term financial well-being.

The role credit counselling plays within the broader financial support system, and how organizations can work together to better serve consumers.

Following the discussion, we’ll host a live Q&A where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with our panellists.

Whether you work directly with consumers, support financial recovery efforts, or simply want a deeper understanding of today’s financial realities, you’ll leave with valuable insights into the challenges Canadians are facing and the resources available to help.

ABOUT YOUR SPEAKERS

Becky Western-Macfadyen, Credit Canada

Becky is Credit Canada’s Financial Coaching and Education Manager, leading programs that help Canadians build financial confidence, develop healthy money habits, and achieve long-term financial well-being. With nearly three decades of experience in credit counselling and financial education, including serving as Executive Director of a non-profit credit counselling agency, she combines practical strategies, behavioural insights, and a client-centred approach to help people overcome financial challenges and make meaningful progress toward their goals.

Himank Bhatia, Credit Canada

Himank is an Education Lead and certified Credit Counsellor who is enthusiastic about helping people achieve their financial goals. He is on a personal mission to make a difference in people’s lives by promoting financial awareness for everyone, sharing practical tools, professional insights, and easy-to-apply expertise. He proudly supports his clients through an open, non-judgmental, and caring approach that prioritizes dignity, understanding, and practical progress.

Natasha Kinnear, Credit Canada

Natasha is Credit Canada’s Digital Delivery Manager, leading the development of digital tools that help people better understand their finances and take action with confidence. With experience applying AI in personal finance and credit counselling, she focuses on using technology responsibly to make financial support more accessible, practical, and people-centred. Her work combines financial literacy, behavioural insights, and emerging technology to help people manage their debt.

Thinking about joining the Credit Association of Greater Toronto or re-newing a lapsed membership?

This is a great opportunity to process your membership and not only have the fee for this program, but we have many others planned over the next few months.

For membership information, please visit https://cagt.ca/become-a-member/

Concord Adex Survivors Fund

As part of our continued commitment to supporting our community, the Credit Association of Greater Toronto is requesting your consideration to donating to the Concord Adex Survivor Fund. For more information or to donate please visit seedsofhope.ca