FAQs - E-Filing

When is e-filing becoming mandatory?
Who can use the E-Filing system?
Why should I use E-Filing?
How do I register?
What happens if the user agreement changes after I've signed it?
What are the technical requirements?
Is the system secure?
How much training do I need?
Is the system compatible with my proprietary software?
What help is available?
What if I have problems while E-Filing?
What are the limitations of the E-Filing system?

When is e-filing becoming mandatory?

Mandatory E-Filing is the subject of Directive 9R3 and can be consulted at: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/bsf-osb.nsf/en/br01663e.html

Who can use the E-Filing system?

Only trustees and proposal administrators registered with the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy can use the secure system. Once registered, trustees and administrators can authorized their staff to use the e-filing system on their behalf.

Why should I use E-Filing?

Imagine… You log onto a Web site, click "New File," answer a few multiple-choice questions, attach your documents and click on "Submit." That's it. All in under 20 seconds!

With screens that are intuitive and easy to follow, E-Filing really is the fastest, easiest and most convenient way to file summary and ordinary administrations as well as Division I and II proposals.

How do I register?

First, you obtain a Username from Industry Canada's Strategis business site located at http://strategis.gc.ca. Then, a user agreement — similar to the one you may have signed with your bank to allow online banking — must be signed and forwarded to OSB by mail or fax. Click here to download the user agreement (PDF Format). Please forward the agreement to your Designated Assistant Superintendent.

What happens if the user agreement changes after I've signed it?

Trustees and proposal administrators already using the E-Filing system will be able to accept the updated version of the user agreement online. They will also have the option of printing it and sending it to the Designated Assistant Superintendent by fax or mail. Please note that there will be a deadline for acceptance of new versions of the agreement. If the agreement has not been accepted by the deadline, trustees/administrators as well as their staff will not be able to use the system until the updated agreement is accepted.

What are the technical requirements?

All you need to get started are: 

• off-the-shelf or proprietary software with an E-Filing module;
• Windows 98 (or a more recent version);
• a basic Internet connection (high-speed access isn't necessary); and
• Adobe Acrobat Reader^®(free from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)

The E-Filing system is Macintosh-compatible.

Is the system secure?

Without question. We are using the same technology used by banks that offer Web-based banking. It uses industry-standard 128-bit secure-socket layer, or SSL, technology. What this means is that the information being transmitted is encrypted and only your computer and our server have the keys to unlock the encryption. SSL is the dominant security protocol for Internet monetary transactions and communications.

How much training do I need?

The system is very easy to use. The step-by-step process is so intuitive, there is virtually no learning curve. You simply follow the screens and answer the questions as they come up. A simply written user manual is also available; it makes generous use of graphic illustrations to help guide you along your journey. As well as tips and reminders, there is also a troubleshooting section.

Is the system compatible with my proprietary software?

Absolutely, but you will need an E-Filing interface. To obtain the interface standards email the help desk at OSB.efiling.helpdesk@ic.gc.ca or call them at 1-877-227-3672 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday.

What help is available?

Help is available on several fronts. For fast answers, you can consult the user manual E-Filing – A step-by-step approach (PDF Format). (If you would prefer, free hard copies of the manual are also available by contacting the E-Filing help desk at OSB.efiling.helpdesk@ic.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-227-3672.)

Should you have any questions, you can also email the E-Filing help desk at OSB.efiling.helpdesk@ic.gc.ca or call them at 1-877-227-3672 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday.

What if I have problems while E-Filing?

We have programmed the system to produce very specific error messages. That way, whether it's a problem with the files you are attaching or with the information you provided on the previous screen, you can correct it right away.

If you are still having problems, we encourage you to consult the user manual E-Filing – A step-by-step approach (PDF Format) or consult the FAQ section.

Should it be necessary, you can also email the help desk at OSB.efiling.helpdesk@ic.gc.ca or call them at 1-877-227-3672 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday.

What are the limitations of the E-Filing system?

E-Filing is for summary and ordinary administrations as well as Division I and II proposals filings. The E-Filing system cannot be used for partnerships or for administrations with a sealed document – these filings should be submitted to your Division Office in paper format.