What is C3 Canada?
C3 Canada is a debt collection agency that helps businesses recover unpaid debts. You may also see them referred to as C3 Canada Collections.
The company was founded in 2006 by Anna Day and Brian Cherry, initially starting as A-1 Credit Recovery & Collection Services Inc.
In February 2023, C3 Canada Corporation acquired the business.
C3 Canada operates across Canada with offices in Edmonton (head office), Toronto and Laval.
Why is C3 Canada calling me?
If you've received a call, email or letter from C3 Canada, it typically means they are trying to recover an unpaid debt on behalf of a creditor they represent.
Often, you will owe money. Other times, it might be an old account, a mistake, a debt you don't recognize, or even a scam attempt using a real company name.
The first thing you should do is request written verification of the debt before you confirm anything or make any payments.
Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Dealing with a debt collector
Who does C3 Canada collect for?
Collection agencies like C3 Canada work with many different businesses, including banks, telecoms and utilities.
Consumer reports link C3 Canada to eight creditors, most often in utilities, government and telecom.
| Industry | Consumer-reported creditors |
|---|---|
| Telecommunications | |
| Banking & Financial Services | |
| Utilities | |
| Government & Municipal | |
| Car Rental | |
| Other | Ottawa Community Housing |
Know another company C3 Canada collects for?
If someone claims C3 Canada is collecting for a specific company, don't rely on phone information.
Always verify creditor claims in writing and request the creditor's name, account reference and current balance.
Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Debt collection: know your rights
Is C3 Canada a legitimate debt collection agency?
Yes, C3 Canada is a legitimate debt collection agency, not a scam.
The company has been operating in Canada since 2006 and publicly lists its corporate address and contact details.
C3 Canada is a member of the Canadian Society of Collection Agencies (CSCA) and the Receivables Management Association of Canada (RMA).
Will C3 Canada affect my credit score?
A collection account from C3 Canada will severely damage your credit score once it's reported to Equifax or TransUnion.
It stays on your credit report for 6 years from the date of your first missed payment, known as the date of first delinquency. Paying it won't remove the mark from your credit file but updates the status to paid, which looks better to future lenders.
Source: Equifax Canada – How long does information stay on my credit report
What to do if C3 Canada calls you (step by step)
Your rights when C3 Canada contacts you
Debt collection rules vary by province, but debt collectors are not allowed to:
- Harass, threaten, or intimidate you
- Make false or misleading statements
- Use profane, threatening, or coercive language
- Apply unreasonable or excessive pressure
- Continue contacting you at work after you've told them not to
Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Debt collection: know your rights
How to spot a debt collection agency scam
While C3 Canada itself is not a scam, scammers sometimes impersonate legitimate debt collectors.
If you receive a call from a debt collector, ask for details about the debt and verify the information.
Confirm you're dealing with the actual company using contact details from C3 Canada's official website.
Watch for these signs:
- They refuse to name the original creditor
- They threaten arrest, jail, or deportation
- They demand payment by e-transfer, gift card or crypto
- They won't send anything in writing
Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Dealing with a debt collector
What if the debt is old?
Every province has a time limit on how long a collection agency like C3 Canada can sue you for an unpaid debt.
Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia
Quebec
Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Once the limitation period expires, C3 Canada can still sue you, but you can raise the expired limitation period as a complete defence. The defence isn't automatic. You have to file a defence in court and plead the expired limitation period. If you don't, the court will grant default judgment as if the limitation didn't apply.
Making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing restarts the limitation period, but only if it hasn't already expired.
These limitation periods apply to most consumer debts like credit cards, lines of credit, and personal loans. Different rules may apply to government debts, court judgments, or secured debts like mortgages.
For more information, read our guide about debt statute of limitations.
How to stop calls from C3 Canada
Sometimes, you can stop collection calls from a collection agency by sending a cease and desist letter. Once C3 Canada receive it, they have to stop calling. The debt doesn't go away, and they can still take legal action. You can use our cease and desist letter templates.
Provincial law doesn't give you this right in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island or the Yukon.
Regardless of province, if the debt's on a loan, line of credit, or credit card, send the letter by registered mail under federal law. Federal law is the only law in Canada that also stops an original creditor's in-house collectors, not just a collection agency. You can send it to your original creditor and its collection agent, a collection agency or a law firm.
If C3 Canada is making collection calls to you from its Ontario location, then you can send a cease and desist letter available under Ontario's law.
Restrictions on calls to your workplace
Many provinces and territories place restrictions on collection agencies when they attempt to call you at your workplace.
How to file a complaint about C3 Canada
In Canada, debt collection is regulated province by province, not federally. The rules ban harassment, calling outside set hours, discussing your debt with your family or employer, and threatening legal action they have no intention of taking.
Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) – Debt collection: know your rights
If you think C3 Canada is breaking any debt collection or privacy laws, contact the consumer protection authority in your province.
Before making a written complaint, document the dates and times of contact, the phone number used, what was said, and copies of any emails, letters or texts.
Some consumer protection agencies regulating the conduct of collection agencies will not process your complaint unless you first send a written complaint to the collection agency summarizing the conduct in question and making a request for remedial action.
For contact details and links to your provincial office, visit the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Consumer Affairs Offices directory.
