How long does a bankruptcy last?

The length of the bankruptcy depends on a few factors – whether you have ‘surplus income’ (see below) and whether you have been bankrupt before. If you have no surplus income and have never been bankrupt before, you will be eligible for an automatic discharge after nine months.

How long does the Consumer Proposal last?

A Consumer Proposal must be completed within 5 years. Usually the payments are monthly (over 60 months), but a Consumer Proposal can also include a lump sum payment, or a combination of the two. If your finances allow, you can pay it off sooner than the agreed-upon payment schedule lays out.

What is a bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy is a legal process to discharge your debts. It is a declaration that your debts are too high for you to repay – and far better than the old concept of a ‘debtor’s prison’! It allows for a fresh start, while giving your creditors some return on what’s owed only if you have a level of income that allows for payments to be made to them, or unprotected assets that can be liquidated (however, most common assets are protected during this process – see below for more information on protected personal assets).

What is a Consumer Proposal?

A Consumer Proposal is an offer to your creditors to pay back a percentage of what you owe them, based on your ability to pay. It is governed by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, administered by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Unlike other negotiated debt settlement plans, it is legally binding on all creditors and usually involves paying back less than the total amount of your debt.

What is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT)?

Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs) are federally regulated professionals who provide advice and services to individuals and businesses to reorganize and resolve financial difficulties with expertise and compassion. LITs help individuals or businesses make informed choices to deal with their financial difficulties. They are the only professionals able to administer bankruptcies or proposals.

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Harold Saunders

Founder, Retired

Harold is one of the founding partners of Campbell, Saunders Ltd. His long career in insolvency and restructuring has encompassed both corporate and personal insolvencies. He is a respected member of his professional community, is loved by his staff and is a comfort to those in financial difficulty.

Harold retired in 2024.

Deane Gurney

Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Owner

With over 30 years of insolvency service mainly in the Surrey area, Deane in experienced in providing helpful debt solutions in both personal and business matters. Deane approaches each situation by assessing individual needs and utilizing formal or informal processes with a compassionate and empathetic manner, with the understanding that a person considering insolvency, for themselves or their business, is in a high-stress time of their life.

Just like the hardworking honeybees he keeps as a hobby, Deane is focused on working hard to assist people in finding a solution to their debt problems. Aside from beekeeping, Deane enjoys gardening and experimenting with recipes.

Rachel Smith

Insolvency Administrator & Social Media/Website
Bankruptcy Discharges

Rachel has worked in insolvency since 2018 and believes in giving people the tools and support to be successful long after the completion of the insolvency process.

Rachel is based in our Surrey office. Aside from general guidance through the bankruptcy or proposal process, she also specializes in assisting undischarged bankrupts to obtain their discharge through the Court. She can provide assistance for any undischarged bankrupt person in BC, regardless of which trustee the bankruptcy was filed with.

Rachel has completed the CAIRP Insolvency Administration Course, is enrolled in the Practical Course in Insolvency Counselling, and is working towards becoming a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

Out of the office, Rachel enjoys reading, cheering for the Canucks and relaxing with her cats.

Receptionist

Malachi is our part-time Receptionist. He joined Campbell Saunders in late 2023, but has worked in the personal insolvency field since 2018 when he started as a file clerk in high school. As a history student, Malachi is always eager to learn both professionally and personally, and grow his knowledge to assist clients throughout their consumer proposal or personal bankruptcy.

When not working, Malachi enjoys reading, creating quizzes, and spending time with his girlfriend.

Kat Palmer

Administrative Assistance

Kat understands that seeking help with debt is a courageous step, and she’s committed to making that process as supportive and stress-free as possible. Having worked in the insolvency field since 2018, Kat has helped countless individuals take meaningful steps toward a fresh financial start.

With empathy and understanding, Kat fosters a non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard and valued. She recognizes the emotional challenges of discussing debt and works tirelessly to provide honest, clear guidance. Kat believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their financial future with confidence and hope.

Karen Wright

Estate Manager, Insolvency Counsellor

Karen Wright is an Estate Manager and qualified Insolvency Counsellor with 25 years of experience guiding individuals through challenging financial situations. She specializes in consumer proposals and personal bankruptcy, offering personalized solutions to help clients regain control of their finances. Karen takes a heartfelt approach, actively listening to each client’s unique circumstances and providing clear, thorough information about their options. Her mission is to empower clients to make informed decisions and move confidently toward a debt-free future.

As an Insolvency Counsellor, Karen helps clients build confidence in budgeting and develop sustainable financial habits. She understands that every journey is different, tailoring her support to equip individuals with the tools they need to achieve lasting financial well-being.

Karen passionately believes that financial success comes from strong budgeting skills, clear goal-setting, and perseverance, and she is dedicated to helping every client reach their goals with hope and resilience.

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Rachel Smith

Insolvency Administrator & Social Media/Website
Bankruptcy Discharges

Richmond (by appointment only)

Surrey

Vancouver (by appointment only)

Kelowna (by appointment only)

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Rachel Smith

Insolvency Administrator & Social Media/Website Bankruptcy Discharges

Insolvency Administrator & Social Media/Website
Bankruptcy Discharges