What is GCQ Canada?
GCQ Canada Inc. is a debt collection agency that recovers unpaid debts on behalf of Canadian creditors. GCQ Canada's head office is in Terrebonne, Quebec, with a second office in Cornwall, Ontario.
GCQ Canada describes itself as an accounts receivable management firm. Its services include debt recovery, outsourcing, correspondence and data management. The company has been in business since 1995.
Source: GCQ Canada and LinkedIn
Why is GCQ Canada calling me?
If GCQ Canada is calling, it's likely a creditor has sent your unpaid account to them for collection.
It's possible that the debt is old and you've forgotten about it. It might even be that the account was sent to GCQ by mistake, or that someone is using their name in a scam.
Ask GCQ Canada to send you written proof of the debt before you confirm any personal details or agree to pay.
GCQ Canada phone numbers
These numbers are commonly associated with GCQ Canada:
| Phone number | Type |
|---|---|
| Main | |
| Local Office | |
| User Reported | |
| User Reported |
Some numbers are submitted by users. We call to verify each one and recheck periodically, but numbers can change.
If you receive a call from a different number claiming to be GCQ Canada, verify the debt in writing and confirm the details before paying.
Who does GCQ Canada collect for?
GCQ Canada collects debts on behalf of Canadian creditors. Their website does not name specific creditor clients or industries.
Consumers have reported receiving calls from GCQ Canada about debts owed to lenders and financial services companies.
If GCQ Canada contacts you, ask which creditor placed your account and request written verification before confirming anything.
Companies that use GCQ Canada for debt collection
Submitted by consumers. We try to verify these reports but cannot always confirm them.
Know another company GCQ Canada collects for?
Is GCQ Canada legitimate?
Yes. GCQ Canada Inc. is a real company that has been operating since 1995. GCQ Canada is licensed to collect debts in multiple Canadian provinces, including Ontario and Quebec.
No BBB Canada profile was found for GCQ Canada during research.
Some scammers pose as collection agencies. Always ask for written proof of the debt before you pay anything.
Will GCQ Canada affect my credit score?
A collection account from GCQ 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 GCQ Canada calls you (step by step)
What if the debt is old?
Every province has a time limit on how long a collection agency like GCQ 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, GCQ 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 GCQ Canada
Sometimes, you can stop collection calls from a collection agency by sending a cease and desist letter. Once GCQ 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 GCQ 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 GCQ 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 GCQ 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.
Legal Name
GCQ Canada Inc.
