Changes to New Brunswick Collections

On October 21, 2009 the New Brunswick government announced changes to the Collection Agencies Act significantly altering the collection regulations in the province. The amendments aim to standardize New Brunswick collection laws with other Canadian provinces and are effective immediately.

While the majority of the New Brunswick Collection Agencies Act remains the same, the amendments include several new restrictions on collection agencies. Debt collectors must immediately identify themselves when speaking with a consumer and make reasonable attempts to provide written notice of a debt at least five days before the collector places any telephone calls to the consumer. Collectors must also ensure they do not misrepresent or threaten court action without written authority of the creditor. The regulations also allow New Brunswick consumers to inform collectors whether they prefer to be contacted by telephone or mail.

Although many of the changes favor consumers, the amended Act allows collectors to contact a consumer’s home from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., compared to the previous time frame of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Collectors may also now contact New Brunswick consumers on Sundays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information on New Brunswick collection law view Fastfax # 2505 New Brunswick Collection Laws or view the New Brunswick Collection Agencies Act in full.