This release was issued under a previous government.
As of August 1, the province has the lowest maximum borrowing rate in the country, reduced from $23 for every $100 borrowed to $15 per $100. All fees related to a payday loan must be included in this cost, and this move puts an end to hidden fees and charges.
These changes are part of the first phase of An Act to End Predatory Lending legislation that came into effect on August 1. More changes will take effect later this year.
“Last fall, Albertans told us they want lower interest rates and stronger consumer protections. Today, it’s the law. We have put an end to 600 per cent predatory interest rates and vicious cycles of debt, with fair rules that protect Albertans.”
“I applaud the provincial government for taking bold action to end predatory lending practices in Alberta. It’s a critical step that supports our local efforts to reduce poverty in Lethbridge and prevent citizens from falling into a crushing cycle of debt.”
Payday lenders will no longer be able to charge a fee to cash a payday loan cheque, solicit directly by email or phone, or offer a loan when another is outstanding.
The Act also requires government to encourage financial institutions and community groups to offer alternative, short-term loans that are fair and accessible.
First Calgary Financial and Chinook Financial are the first to launch an alternative micro-loan program in Alberta. It has an annual interest rate of 19 per cent with a payback period of six to 18 months. The cost over two weeks for a borrower at 19 per cent annual interest is 73 cents per $100 borrowed.
“I am so pleased First Calgary Financial will launch its Cash Crunch loan on August 22. It’s credit with reasonable rates, longer payback terms and financial literacy supports that set Albertans up for financial health, not ruin.”
“Today, Alberta is taking positive steps forward to help Alberta's financially vulnerable citizens. Our two divisions, First Calgary Financial and Chinook Financial, are proud to introduce fair and responsible small-loan alternatives. Our Cash Crunch Loan will be the first of its kind in the province and will prevent people from reaching financial instability.”
“The reduced cost of borrowing will save people living on a low income hundreds of dollars in debt payments. The Cash Crunch loan is also a great opportunity for people to reduce their debt and build a positive relationship with their lender. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta and First Calgary Financial for their important work on this issue.”
“Alberta’s payday lending legislation is a welcome addition to our poverty reduction strategy. With dramatically reduced interest rates and more time to pay back loans, Albertans will keep more of their hard-earned money. And we support more banking options designed for the needs of the working poor in Alberta.”
“Alberta credit unions are proud to join the provincial government in celebrating these changes and look forward to the positive impact they will have in strengthening consumer protection within the financial services sector in Alberta.”
Quick Facts
- A payday loan is a loan of $1,500 or less that has a term of 62 days or less.
- More than 30 payday loan companies currently operate more than 220 branches in Alberta.
- Payday loans became regulated in Alberta on September 1, 2009.
Backgrounder
Additional information on payday loan protection
Beginning on August 1, the first phase of An Act to End Predatory Lending comes into effect. It will:
- Reduce the maximum allowable cost of borrowing from $23 to $15 per $100 borrowed, making it the lowest in Canada
- Prohibit payday lenders from:
- actively soliciting individuals through direct contact by email, phone, etc.
- charging a fee to cash a payday loan cheque
- soliciting, negotiating or concluding an agreement for another form
of credit with a borrower while a payday loan is outstanding - using or disclosing borrower information except for the purposes of
providing, administering, or collecting a payday loan
- Allow lenders to provide:
- a copy of the loan agreement electronically by way of email or online
account with the express consent of the borrower - a receipt electronically by way of email or online account with the express
consent of the borrower, except when the payment is made in person at
a payday loan branch
- a copy of the loan agreement electronically by way of email or online
- Expand the collection prohibitions in the regulations to cover individuals who
are not associated with a payday loan
- Allow Service Alberta to set mandatory standard loan agreements, cancellation forms, receipts, pre-authorized debit agreements, and similar documentation
Borrowing costs in other provinces
|
Province |
Rate per $100 borrowed |
|
Prince Edward Island |
$25 |
|
British Columbia |
$23 |
|
Saskatchewan |
$23 |
|
Nova Scotia |
$22 |
|
Ontario |
$21 |
|
Manitoba |
$17 |
|
Alberta |
$15 |
Loan Consultation Results
From October to December 2015, the Government of Alberta consulted with Albertans about payday loans regulation. An online survey was conducted along with in-person interviews with those who use and provide payday loans.
More than 1,400 Albertans responded, with 84 per cent saying that the allowable borrowing costs are too high.