The Criminal Code of Canada says that it’s a criminal offence to charge an interest rate of more than 60%. The federal government is considering lowering that rate. Is this a good idea? What could go wrong? On today’s podcast, Ted Michalos returns to discuss whether this plan by the Government of Canada will make any meaningful difference, and what the unintended consequences of the proposal may be. Doug and Ted also share their four recommendations to the Government to better protect consumers when it comes to usury laws. Please note that the government will be accepting your comments until October 7, 2022, so tune in to this podcast to understand the issue and then send them an email with your thoughts at [email protected] with ‘Predatory Lending Consultation’ as the subject line.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Department of Finance Canada Issues Consultation Paper on Criminal Rate of Interest: https://www.mccarthy.ca/en/insights/blogs/techlex/department-finance-canada-issues-consultation-paper-criminal-rate-interest

Garland vs. Consumers’ Gas Company: https://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/2138/index.do

Criminal Code, section 347, criminal interest rate: https://qweri.lexum.com/w/calegis/rsc-1985-c-c-46-en#!fragment/sec347/BQCwhgziBcwMYgK4DsDWszIQewE4BUBTADwBdoJC4BmAFgHYBKAGmW1MIgEVFDcBPaAHIhzSmFwIefQSLGEJCAMp5SAIUEAlAKIAZbQDUAggDkAwtuakwAI2ilscRoyA

Bank of Canada posted interest rates, chartered banks: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/banking-and-financial-statistics/posted-interest-rates-offered-by-chartered-banks/

Hoyes Michalos Bankruptcy Study: https://www.hoyes.com/press/joe-debtor/