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Sponsorship Default Debts – Frequently Asked Questions
Questions:
Why have I received a collection notice? |
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You sponsored a relative to come and live permanently in Canada. You signed an undertaking with the federal government in which you promised to support your relatives for three to ten years.
In that undertaking, you promised to ensure that your sponsored relative and his or her family members would not require income assistance during the sponsorship period. You acknowledged that if your sponsored relative received income assistance during the sponsorship period, the amount of assistance your relative received would be a debt that you owe to the government.
If you sponsored your relative after July 1997, you also had to sign a Sponsorship Agreement. That Agreement outlined your responsibilities in detail, and just above the signature block, there is a declaration that says,
"I understand the content of this agreement, having asked for and obtained an explanation on every point that was not clear to me."
Your relative has received income assistance from British Columbia. Under
the terms of your undertaking, that is a debt to you that the province can legally collect. |
What should I do when I receive a notice? |
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Please pay the amount due by the due date indicated on the notice. There are several ways in which you can pay. Please see How to Pay for details. |
What should I do if I disagree with the debt ? |
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If you disagree with the debt of do not understand it and would like more information, please call the number listed on the letter. |
If I can't pay right away, can I have more time? |
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We do consider alternative payment arrangements. First, we will need to determine your ability to pay.
You may need to make a full financial disclosure and provide evidence of your income, expenses, assets and liabilities by completing a Financial Report Form. We may verify this information, and advise you if your proposal can be accepted. Consideration will be given for possible remission for qualified debts.
Please contact us directly to discuss a payment arrangement by phoning the number provided on your notice/bill or phone 1-877-405-4911. |
What will happen if I don't pay my bill? |
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We may initiate the following actions:
- place a notice of Crown Debt on your property
- issue a demand on your wages, bank account or other accounts
- set off funds owed to you by the provincial or federal government
- issue a Small Claims Action (less than $25,000) or a Supreme Court Action (over $25,000)
- file a Payment Order or Default Order in Small Claims Court or Supreme Court
- seize and sell your assets
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I did not receive a notice. Do I have to pay interest? |
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If you have recently moved residences, we may have your old address on file and the notice may have been sent to that address. Please notify us with your new mailing address. When Canada Post returns mail as undeliverable, we do our best to locate your correct address and send another notice.
If you did receive a notice or received a late notice, interest continues to be charged in accordance with the Financial Administration Act.
Please be advised that if you pay your debt in full within thirty days of the date on the demand letter from Revenue Services of British Columbia, interest will not be charged. |
Why are you taking my income tax refund or GST credit? |
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If you owe a debt to the Province of British Columbia, we can offset monies owing to you from the Canada Revenue Agency. |
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Please call the phone number provided on the letters and notices you receive, or you can call 1-877-405-4911. |
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