We are a nation of Debtors. Most Canadians are, have been or will be, a Debtor.
I’m delighted to welcome you to the Canadian Debtors Association (CDA). I’m honoured to be the CDA’s inaugural President and CEO.
I have worked with every aspect of the consumer finance industry – credit strategy, credit policy, over extended indebtedness, collections, insolvency, risk management, money coaching, credit reports, credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages, research, legal aspects, credit risk modelling and methodologies and education. I’ve also advocated for positive legislative and regulatory change, federally and provincially, to bring about better consumer protections and improved credit practices.
Throughout my work, my philosophy has always been to place people first – specifically, the needs of Canadian individuals and families, first and foremost. This approach has informed the choices that I’ve made in advocating for a better consumer credit and debt industry. Engaging with and supporting Canadians throughout the financial aspects of their lives, particularly when overwhelming debt loads are an issue, is very important to me.
As a consumer finance industry-insider, I believe that the time has come to transform the way we support Debtors in this country. We must help Debtors to successfully navigate their own debtor journey, achieve a successful financial life and secure a brighter future.
So, how is the Canadian Debtors Association going to do that?
As a start, we will fundamentally improve the Debtor’s journey through advocating for the rights of Debtors. This includes the following three tenets:
- Debtors have a right to their own representation, particularly when faced with challenges in managing their debt.
- This right for Debtors must be universally supported and respected.
- Representation must be provided by qualified and recognized experts that Debtors can trust and rely upon as their helpful advocate.
Once we complete this first objective, more initiatives to help Debtors will follow.
I invite you to join with me as the Canadian Debtors Association embarks upon our work. Please help us to achieve our transformational vision for Debtors. Yes, it is indeed possible and together, we shall make it so!
Henrietta Ross
CDA President and CEO