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Regulation and legal framework

Equifax Canada

Français : Équifax Canada

One of two main credit bureaus in Canada. Compiles credit files and calculates the Beacon score. Consumers can view their file free once yearly or pay for instant access.

Definition

Equifax Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Equifax Inc. (Atlanta). It compiles credit information reported by lenders (banks, auto lenders, credit card companies) and public records (bankruptcies, judgments).

Score calculated by Equifax: the Beacon score (also called FICO score in Canada). Used by the majority of Canadian mortgage lenders.

Consumer rights: - Right of free access to the complete credit file (by mail or online) — without the numerical score - Right to correction in case of error (30-day response deadline) - Right to place a fraud alert (free) - Right to request disclosure of information transmitted to lenders

Quebec law (Bill 25 / Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector): additional protection rules apply in Quebec regarding consent to data collection.

Official sources

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This definition is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. For a personal situation, consult an AMF-licensed mortgage broker, notary, accountant, or the relevant financial institution.