A credit counsellor in Canada is a trained professional who provides advice and support to individuals facing financial challenges, such as managing debt, improving credit, or dealing with financial stress. The primary goal of a credit counsellor is to help clients understand their financial situation, develop a plan to address their financial issues, and establish healthy financial habits for the future.

Some of the services and tasks a credit counsellor in Canada may perform include:

1. Financial assessment: Credit counsellors review a client’s financial situation, including their income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and credit history, to gain a clear understanding of their financial circumstances.
2. Budgeting and money management: Credit counsellors help clients develop a realistic budget, set financial goals, and provide guidance on managing expenses, saving money, and improving their overall financial well-being.
3. Debt management: Credit counsellors provide advice on various strategies for dealing with debt, such as debt consolidation, debt settlement, or consumer proposals. They can also help clients develop a debt repayment plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
4. Credit education: Credit counsellors educate clients on how credit works, how to establish and maintain a good credit score, and how to avoid common credit pitfalls.
5. Financial coaching: Credit counsellors provide ongoing support and coaching to help clients stay on track with their financial goals, make informed decisions, and develop healthy financial habits.
6. Referrals: If a client’s financial situation requires specialized assistance or legal intervention, a credit counsellor may refer them to other professionals or resources, such as bankruptcy trustees or government programs.

Credit counsellors in Canada typically work for non-profit credit counselling agencies, although some may operate as independent consultants or work for financial institutions. It’s important to ensure that the credit counsellor you choose is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the Canadian Association of Credit Counselling Services (CACCS) or the Association for Financial Counselling and Planning Education (AFCPE).