This website is a testimony to the problems Canadian Student Loan borrowers experienced from approximately 1996 to 2008 and until their loans were paid off.

The privatization of the Student Loans system by the Chretien and Martin Liberal governments broke the system and defaulted thousands of borrowers who were trying to pay their loans. There were even stories of suicide due to the harassment of borrowers.

Read the report that I prepared back in 2007 here. Canada Student Loans-The Need for Change Fortunately the new Conservative government at the time revamped the program and fixed the system for new borrowers, but borrowers under the previous program were left with ruined credit and continued harassment from debt collectors.

I call on the Canadian Government to apologize to the borrowers affected by this fiasco and make amends.

Unfortunately the Liberal government is again clobbering the Education system with their upcoming changes to International Student Visas. Yes, there's a problem, but instead of a well thought out plan, they have pulled the emergency brake on the train causing a derailment. This has introduced unprecedented instability for both private and public education institutions who serve both international and local students.

Universities can't plan. I've heard of courses being cut because the government has no process in place for universities to send the newly required acceptance letters to the government.

This means that students who have been accepted can not attend courses that start in the summer 2024 semester. With cut sections, current Canadian students will have trouble getting courses, and may have to switch to part-time which changes their enrollment status and might trigger repayment of their loans or ineligibility for funding. I've seen this before. It wreaks havoc on the student loan borrowers.

Again, the Liberal government has messed up the education environment. Will the new system needed in a rush for the acceptance letters be the new Arrivecan scandal?

I call on the government to implement a slower phased in approach and delay the requirement of the acceptance letters until a process is in place to submit these letters.


  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Just want to give up
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login


Forum LockedJust want to give up

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
liliana View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 07/June/2005
Location: Canada
Points: 4
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote liliana Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Just want to give up
    Posted: 08/June/2005 at 7:21am

Hi, well I am not even sure, if this is going to help, but here it goes. I have read a lot of the topics on this forum and sympathize with so many of you. I have an incredible amount of student loan debt and to make it short it is killing me. It is all in collections and I really don't know where to begin. I have been paying one for 2 years now. I just lost my job at the end of April and well have now managed to bounce two cheques. I have collection agencies who won't stop calling me and now it is affecting my children. I have been out of school since april of 1997. I have not had a steady job and what I took in university would require further studies. I am a single mom of 3, have been divorced for years now, no help from the dad because everything he makes goes up his nose. I can't even rent an apartment because I have no credit. Have lost a wonderful relationship because financially I have nothing to offer. I  really feel like there is nothing left for me to do. If I had the means to pay my loans I would, but it just seems like your in a circle. A person goes to school to offer their children a better means and all I did was get my family into more debt. My son is graduating this year and I would rather he not attend university for awhile then go into debt. I swear there are days where I feel like I going to have a heart attack.

I do realize that in the end,  I should of educated myself on the negative side of having a student loan, but who would of thought that it would be this bad and why is the information for loan forgiveness and interest free not advertised more to students. Sure the banks and governments take a chance in giving money to students, but students not only put there education on the line, they put their entire lives and those of their families.

If anyone has any idea where I should even begin, please help me.

I also read about a 7 year law as oppose to the 10 year for bankrupcy? I have already gone bankrucpt once, I have no credit, no income tax refunds, no house, no car. The only thing they haven't took is my life and well the way things are going now, what the hell.

Back to Top
Sponsored Links


Back to Top
kwelmm View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 06/November/2004
Location: Canada
Points: 702
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kwelmm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/June/2005 at 11:08am
liliana,

There is always HOPE!!! 

Do you have any specific questions that we could maybe answer as a way to start???

You can overcome this...you have overcome so much by the sounds of it!  And you cotinue to fight!!  That is great.  There is a lot of support here...please don't feel like you are the only one.
Stay healthy for your kids...they need you first and foremost!!!

Kat
Back to Top
administrator View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar

Joined: 25/January/2003
Points: 1798
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote administrator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/June/2005 at 1:36pm
Liliana,

You'll find support here. Many of us have been in your shoes...

I'd suggest contacting Johnny at CFWGroup. http://www.cfwgroup.ca    He can at least get the collection agencies off your back. There are fees, but they are reasonable. At least talk to him.

On the main menu http://www.canadastudentdebt.ca there is a link to dealing with collection agencies - the info is on John's site... get knowledgeable about what the Collection agencies can and cant do...

Were you able to apply for interest relief?

There are some legislation changes coming, and based on what you say it might actually help...

You've found support! let us know how you're doing!

Mark

Back to Top
SolveStudentDebt View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05/November/2003
Location: Canada
Points: 5996
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SolveStudentDebt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/June/2005 at 2:39pm

Lili,

 I will solve this crisis of yours if you. Contact me tomorrow and I will talk it over with you.

 Johnny

 www.cfwgroup.ca

 

Back to Top
envirogirl View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 06/August/2004
Location: Canada
Points: 9
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote envirogirl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/June/2005 at 4:59pm

Lili:

Take a deep breath.  I read your message and decided to paste in a posting that I made a month ago in a different part of the forum.  It sounds like the collectors have done what they are trained to do, and that is to make you feel bad. We have to limit our contact with them in order to prevent this.

"My happy ending does not involve the end of my debt.  Instead it is the decision that I made to reclaim my self esteem by refusing to engage in conversation with collectors, and to remember that owing money does not make me a bad person.  I encourage everyone to list your strengths, your good qualities, the nice things that you have done for others and the names of family and friends that you have.  These are the true measure of your success as a human being.  Tune out the trash that collectors heap on you.  Theirs is is an artificial world.  Would they say such things if they had to meet with you face to face?  I think not. As others have pointed out, it is best to pity the collectors.  They are people stuck in a low wage job that forces them to act like jerks.  Imagine what that does to their sense of self.

I hope everyone takes some time to get out in the fresh air now that the weather is warming up. Hikes, playing games with your kids and flying a kite are just a few examples of free ways to enjoy your life.  You are doing the best you can with a difficult situation."

What I would add Lili, is that you did nothing wrong by going to school, and your son has every right to an education.  Just take one day at a time.

 

 

Back to Top
SocialismNow View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 03/May/2004
Location: Luxembourg
Points: 33
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SocialismNow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30/June/2005 at 11:24am

liliana, you're not alone. Did you know that as part of the UN delcaration of human rights that Canada signed, it says that access to university education should eventually be free to all citiizens with the desire ?. In fact, 13 European social democracies have lived up to their UN obligations for, and not just freely accessable higher education, but the commitment to reduce child poverty as well. Canada and the U.S. have the worst rates of child poverty among richest nations next along with Mexico.

To make matters worse, in the 13.25 years before Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed, Canada created over 3 million full time payroll jobs In the 13.25 years after FTA was signed, Canada created just 1, 380, 000 full-time payroll jobs. An Industry Canada report says it was pathetic and that Canada's economic performance compared to every other developed nation during that period was about the worst of all. 

Want to put the fear of the Lord into CIBC, corrupt Liberal and conservative governments that have brought us to this situation of second or third highest university tuitions in the world?. Vote NDP every chance you get. Election days are the only real day of protest you'll ever get.

Want social democracy ?. Vote NDP and get these parasites off our children's backs. if Fidel Castro can provide twice as many physicians per capita than the USA does and a lower infant mortality rate to boot, then we can too.

The federal NDP will offer affordable education. University is free in the social democracies of Europe, and their national debts aren't as large as ours or the U.S.A's.
Back to Top
ruminator View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 04/July/2005
Location: Canada
Points: 6
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ruminator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05/July/2005 at 2:58pm
Hi SocialismNow, I am have dual citizenship, British and Canadian. Do you know of anyway that I could become a repat without funds?  I have almost completed an M.A. but ran out of funds. I could transfer some credits in if I had more access to student loans. Not that I want to go into debt, but it would be great to finish the program. Is there anyway that I would be eligible for British student loans once I got over to Europe? Since your location is Luxembourg I thought you might have some idea of what the citizenship rights are for a repat over there.

Amy
Back to Top
creditloss View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 18/August/2005
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote creditloss Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18/August/2005 at 2:35am
If they are calling you excessively tell them you will only communicate and co-operate by mail. If they call you and you are working or continually interrupt you, this is against the fair trading act (Consumer Protection Act).
Back to Top
emma_chase View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 15/April/2005
Location: Canada
Points: 28
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote emma_chase Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24/May/2006 at 5:05am

Liliana,

 

re: your son's schooling

Provincially, there are some Tuition/Book/Transportation funds available for low-income/working poor/social assistance recipients/etc,  to go to University/College part time.

I know Ontario has the Ontario Special Bursary Program. It will pay up to $2500/yr towards school costs. (I used it for some of my time at Queen's University. They also gave me GREAT bursaries -- like up to $4000/yr. I am a 70's%-grade student.

emma_chase@****
Back to Top
liliana View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 07/June/2005
Location: Canada
Points: 4
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote liliana Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15/June/2006 at 7:42am

Dear Emma_Chase,

Thank you so much for the information. I will have my son look into it..

Back to Top
joanne1970 View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 22/August/2006
Location: Canada
Points: 10
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote joanne1970 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22/August/2006 at 9:49am

This was like reading my own personal horror story.  So far I have emailed the president of the bank that held my loan and she declined any help. 

I have recently asked my MP to step in.  I myself after leaving an abusive husband found I had two options, educate myself and then provide for my family, or stay on the system and cost everyone money. 

Boy am I sorry I didnt' just stay on the system, where I am untouchable. 

I also have three children and finally have secured a decent job, almost 10 years later.  All I can say is we are here with you hang tight and there is a light.  I hope this Johny guy has helped you out, one day I may need to call him too.

Sending Hugs from the other single mom's out here in the same boat.

JO-jo
Back to Top
chrispied View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 08/February/2006
Location: Canada
Points: 16
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote chrispied Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11/January/2007 at 6:41am
Don't give up.  Contact johnny he is a lifesaver.  I went years owing on my student loan, going into collections, went so far as to a judgement, i was hiding from collectors...affected my family, affected me, screwed my credit.  Now i am almost all paid off by april it will be gone.  Face it and deal with it, don't hide from it and give up, it just makes it worse. Johnny was a saviour for me and i now can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  There is always a way out, you just need some  help finding it.  (((hugs))). 
Back to Top
amanda View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 14/February/2008
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote amanda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14/February/2008 at 2:15pm

i dont know which school your son plans to go to but there are grants that the school can provide, they have so many donors..i myself go to U of T and i just received a grant of 3K to cover my rent for me and my baby daughter since OSAP froze my tuition half way through the year....that is a whole other story....also i would advise him once he has registered for school to go and see his registrar and let them know he needs funding and they should advise him and he should keep in contact with him...so they actually know who he is and he's not just a NUMBER!! all schools have emergency funding for a student if something pops up during the school year..........i hope this helps, in regards to your situation , my mom had the three of us alone and had to fight OSAP for almost TEN years, she had paid and they said she hadnt, she ended up all the way in Ottawa to get her name cleared...PLEASE do not let the collectors get to you, i can imagine your phone is ringing off the hook, but u know what, just hang up, u dont deserve the abuse...i think it is wonderful that u got up and went back to school although it doesnt feel that way..good luck

Back to Top
citygirl@heart View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 26/September/2009
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote citygirl@heart Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27/September/2009 at 5:58am

Liliana,

My heart goes out to you. Reading your story was almost like reading my own story. I am also a single mother, but with only one child. I also just filed for bankruptcy and have nothing, no car, no house, nothing to show for. I have work, good work, but they want me to start paying back my loan and I can't afford the monthly payments that they have stipulated. What are they going to do? Guarnishee my wages and in turn leave my child and I homeless? Homeless, in a town thousands of miles away from our family and friends.... I am going to talk to my MP, talk to the papers, talk to anyone who may listen. There is help out there somewhere I hope. I know it's been a while since you first posted your story and I really do hope that things have turned better for you.

Back to Top
joanne1970 View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 22/August/2006
Location: Canada
Points: 10
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote joanne1970 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28/September/2009 at 1:50pm
I managed to get myself out of my OSAP nightmare.  Your MPP can help guide you in the right direction.  Although I am still paying it back, I am paying back about 1/4 of it with very low interest.
JO-jo
Back to Top
Madmorrigan View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 09/March/2005
Location: Canada
Points: 177
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Madmorrigan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29/September/2009 at 1:25pm
Originally posted by joanne1970 joanne1970 wrote:

I managed to get myself out of my OSAP nightmare.  Your MPP can help guide you in the right direction.  Although I am still paying it back, I am paying back about 1/4 of it with very low interest.


I wouldn't put too much hope in your MPP....mine barely gave me the time of day.
Back to Top
jcvd View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 29/October/2009
Points: 6
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jcvd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29/October/2009 at 4:21am
I was a bright happy young man before OSAP. After tying to pay it off for years and still have it on my back totally ripped me to pieces. Ever since I lost my job >1 yr ago and still cannot find one, I have been contemplating the thoughts of suicide is the only way out of this nightmare. I have a feeling if I cannot find a job in a few months, I would not be able to take the pressure anymore and take my own life.

Trusting the government in blind faith & taking OSAP was the biggest mistake I've ever made.

I believe I'm not the only one facing this kind of problems, OSAP has created more problems in this generation than drug, alcohol did. It has become a phenomenal abuse itself to young, native and uninformed Canadians (esp the under privileged), while the banks and collection agents make record profits from the interests they charged.

They should hault OSAP until they have developed a repayment systems that makes sense to users - there should increase the post high school admission standards; put a cap on how much you can borrow and how much you should pay back in interests/principal monthly. They should not clean your bank account out even when you lost your job. They should help you get a job to pay them back.

Anyone share my POVs? Educated people are no bums, we do want to pay our way back in a way that's possible. Jobless people don't have $ to pay for anything, including student loans.

Back to Top
envirogirl View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 06/August/2004
Location: Canada
Points: 9
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote envirogirl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29/October/2009 at 6:35am
Hello JCVD:
 
You are definitely not alone in your frustration.  However, I am worried when you say that you have considered suicide. Student loans are not worth that high a price.  I have not paid a dime on my loans for about 5 years for a variety of reasons.  However, I have been able to move from unemployment and underemployment to a decent job.  You will too.  Then, you will be able to rebuild your credit through things such as keeping on top of your regular bills and by getting a secured credit card (ie. Capitalone has a credit card where you put down $75, and you get a credit limit of $500.  As long as you use it and pay it back, you re-establish your credit).
 
In the meantime, the forums are a good source of information and support.  As well, do not take any calls from collectors--they just bring you down.  Focus on reminding yourself of the things that you know--you are an educated, worthwhile person.  If you are feeling depressed, considered talking to someone about it.  The last thing your friends and family want is for you to harm yourself.
 
Envirogirl
Back to Top
SolveStudentDebt View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05/November/2003
Location: Canada
Points: 5996
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SolveStudentDebt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29/October/2009 at 8:59am
Hey JC
 
I know it is difficult. There are millions of Canadians affected by this nightmarish financial system. There are ways to overcome the "lows" that manifest when people feel disenfranchised and battered by the system. The banks, governments, collection agencies, and debt collection poolers, they are all one in the same. They really all. same culture, cut from the same cloth.
 
Try not to worry yourself and allow this issue to affect you. If you focus and think positive, positive things will start happening. You are not alone, my friend. Believe me.
 
Would you like some help perhaps? We can work this all out and get you back in the race. What do you say?
 
Johnny
Solve Student Debt specializes in solutions for students and graduates in student loan default, and those at risk of defaulting.

solvestudentdebt.com
Back to Top
liliana View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 07/June/2005
Location: Canada
Points: 4
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote liliana Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29/October/2009 at 10:01am
Hi JCVD,
I know exactly how you feel, the first time I posted was in 2005 and I am still dealing with them, I however did contact Johnny from the CFW Group and he has been helping me. I am not sure when this nightmare is going to end, but I know Johnny will put an end to it.
 
Don't give up!!! No student loan is worth that extreme, trust me I came very close, but thanks to God and my kids I'm still here.  I have educated my kids with the consequences of getting a student loan and actually have not let them get one, instead they are paying one or two courses on their own.  
Hang on, you are not alone. Smile 
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.07
Copyright ©2001-2024 Web Wiz Ltd.