Bankruptcy Exemptions: What You Keep When Filing Bankruptcy

How Bankruptcy Exemptions Work in Canada

In Canada, personal bankruptcy is governed federally by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA). However, the specific property and asset exemption thresholds are established by each individual province and territory.

Understanding Asset “Equity”

Exemption limits apply strictly to your equity in an asset—not its total market value. Equity is calculated as:

Current Market Value − Outstanding Secured Debt / Loan = Your Asset Equity

Example: If your vehicle is worth $12,000 and you have an outstanding auto loan of $7,000, your equity is $5,000. If your province’s vehicle exemption threshold is $7,000, your car is 100% exempt from seizure.

Federal Exemptions (Protected Canada-Wide)

Regardless of which province or territory you reside in, federal BIA legislation automatically grants full protection to the following assets:

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RRSPs & RRIFs

100% protected across Canada, with the exception of contributions made within the 12 months prior to filing.

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Medical & Health Aids

Necessary medical devices, prescription equipment, and health aids for you and your dependents are fully exempt.

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Property Held in Trust

Any money or property you hold legally in trust for another person cannot be claimed by your bankruptcy estate.

Provincial & Territorial Exemption Limits

Select your province or territory below to view statutory asset exemption limits for vehicles, household furnishings, tools of trade, and primary residence equity:

Asset Category	Exemption Limit	Key Conditions

* Note: Exemption figures are updated periodically under statutory orders. Consult a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to verify exact figures for your local jurisdiction.

What Happens to Non-Exempt Assets?

If you own property or equity that exceeds your jurisdiction’s statutory limit (for example, $20,000 in unencumbered vehicle equity), you have two practical solutions:

Option 1: Buy Back Equity in Bankruptcy

You can arrange to repay the “non-exempt” equity value back into your bankruptcy estate over time using monthly cash flow, allowing you to retain the physical asset.

Option 2: File a Consumer Proposal

In a Consumer Proposal, you never surrender any assets. You offer a single fixed monthly payment to your creditors based on your income and total equity—keeping 100% of your home, car, and personal property intact.

Estimate Your Consumer Proposal Savings →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose everything I own if I file for bankruptcy in Canada?

No. Under federal, provincial, and territorial bankruptcy laws, you are legally entitled to retain “exempt” property up to specific statutory dollar limits. Exemptions protect essential items such as clothing, household goods, tools of trade, primary vehicles, and RRSPs.

How does equity affect my vehicle or home exemption?

Exemptions apply strictly to equity (current market value minus remaining loan/mortgage balance), not the total asset value. If your equity falls below your jurisdiction’s exemption limit, you keep the asset provided you maintain monthly secured loan payments.

Are my RRSPs and pensions protected in a Canadian bankruptcy?

Yes. Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) are fully protected across Canada under federal BIA law, with the exception of contributions made within the 12 months immediately preceding your filing date.

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Bankruptcy Exemptions in Canada: What Can You Keep?

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