RRSPs and Bankruptcy

2010-02-24

Author: Bradley Milne

In November of 2007, the Manitoba government introduced new legislation called the Manitoba RRSP Protection Act. Under this legislation, RRSPs, deferred profit sharing plans and RRIFs were protected from the enforcement process. They are now exempt and as such cannot be liquidated in bankruptcy.  The federal Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act was also amended in July of 2008 making RRSPs exempt.

Person typing on a laptop

There is some recourse for investigating transactions in the year prior to bankruptcy. For example, if you had $2,000 in a non-registered GIC and, before bankruptcy, moved it into an RRSP (that would be exempt) the Trustee may be able to reverse the transaction on the basis that it was done to evade creditors.

Someone with a large RRSP and a comparatively small amount of debt should not use the bankruptcy process to get rid of the debt while keeping the investment. This becomes a fairness issue and, in this case, the Trustee may consider making a court application to have some of the funds liquidated and/or a monetary condition paid into the bankruptcy estate.

Bradley Milne

Bradley Milne

CIRP, LIT

Senior Vice President

Servicing: Brandon, Killarney, Portage la Prairie, Neepawa, Virden, Souris, Deloraine

Latest Blog Posts

2025-06-19

Options to consider if you can’t pay back your student loans

Dean Prentice

With the school year beginning and thousands of Canadian students beginning a new semester of post-secondary studies, all those hard-earned dollars from summer gigs are now being applied to tuition, books, transportation, housing, and supplies. 

Read More

2025-06-18

How to budget for inflation

John Athanasiou

The cost of daily goods has been rising over the past few years — increasing the price of food, gas, clothing, and many other essential items that Canadians need in their day-to-day lives.

Read More

2025-06-16

What are the pros and cons of a Consumer Proposal?

Joey Zanni

Bankruptcy Alternatives to Bankruptcy

Let’s review what a Consumer Proposal is, as well as the pros and cons of filing a Proposal, to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your unique situation.

Read More

Consultation icon