Certain assets that you own are protected when you file for
bankruptcy, meaning that you get to keep them. There is a list of both federal exemptions (which are the same for all bankruptcies in the country), and a list of provincial exemptions (which vary by province). For a list of the provincial exemptions, please see What assets can I keep? under the Personal Options/FAQs/Personal Bankruptcy section of this site.
The federal exemptions are such things as locked-in pensions, certain RRSPs (e.g. life insured or contributions over 12 months ago).
Any exemptions that you claim are subject to you having given that asset as collateral for a loan. You basically give up your exemption until you pay the lien/loan back. Some examples of this could include a house mortgage, a car loan, or a furniture loan.
Donna Carson, CGA, CIRP, Trustee
Calgary, Airdrie, Drumheller regions
403.537.7657 or 1.877.500.0792