Bankruptcy records

A guide to finding bankruptcy records from 1920 to 1995 and some insolvency records from before 1920.

Two men standing inside a bank flanking a teller who looks directly into the camera from behind a barred counter window.
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About bankruptcy records

Bankruptcy, called insolvency before 1920, is a legal process by which a debtor – an individual or a corporation – may be discharged of their debts.

Bankruptcies and insolvencies in Ontario were processed at local, county and district courthouses.

We have most courthouse bankruptcy files from 1920 to 1995. Some records between 1990 and 1995 may still be with the courthouse that processed the bankruptcy.

We have some insolvency records from before 1920.

What a bankruptcy file might tell you

Bankruptcy files can include:

  • a statement of affairs outlining the bankrupt’s assets and liabilities
  • a list of creditors
  • documents and reports filed by the bankrupt’s trustee with the court
  • orders discharging the bankrupt and the trustee

Information you need to request a bankruptcy file

To request a bankruptcy file, you need to provide the:

  • bankruptcy file number
  • year bankruptcy was declared
  • courthouse where bankruptcy was processed
  • name of the bankrupt individual

Find bankruptcy records by year

Before 1920

We have some insolvency records that were filed at district or county courts.

Use Collection Search to find insolvency records. Combine the name of the county or district where the insolvency was filed with the term “bankruptcy.”

Example: searching “Simcoe AND bankruptcy” yields this result.

Once you have identified records you want to examine, request to view them in the Reading Room or order a reproduction.

1920-1969

1968-1981

1982-1995

After 1995

Other bankruptcy records

We have some partial bankruptcy records from 1920 to 1976 from the initial stages of filing at the following courthouses:

  •  Carleton County
  •  Cochrane District
  •  Frontenac County
  •  Grey County
  •  Lambton County
  •  Simcoe County
  •  Sudbury District
  •  Wentworth County
  •  York County

Use the Collection Search to find partial bankruptcy records. Combine the name of the county or district where the bankruptcy was first filed with the term “bankruptcy.”
Example: Carlton bankruptcy

We have a small number of copybooks containing copies of bankruptcy documents and related indexes that were kept at the following county land registry offices.

Contact us to learn more about which copybooks we hold.

Partnership and benevolent society records

We hold business registration records for non-incorporated companies and benevolent societies.

Corporation records

Find government records about businesses that incorporated in Ontario up to 1979. Learn more on our

Get help with your research

We can point you to useful resources to help you with your research. Contact us.

For professional research help, we have a list of private companies and freelance researchers who can do research on your behalf.

Glossary of terms

Bankruptcy: a legal process where an individual or business who cannot pay their debts may be released from paying most debts.

Procedure Book: registered the filing of documents with the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Ontario in Bankruptcy at Toronto.

Trustee: Also know as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, a trustee is licensed by the government to administer bankruptcies.