A Cross-Border Comparison

A Comparison of the Key Differences Between Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

Chapter 11

Concept

CCAA Equivalent

A debtor need not be "insolvent" to file a voluntary Chapter 11 petition.

Insolvency Prerequisite

A debtor may make a voluntary application for relief under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and, to be granted such relief, the debtor must, among other things:

  1. be "insolvent" or committed an "act of bankruptcy" as defined in the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
  2. have in excess of C$5-million in liabilities (or in the case of a corporate group, have in excess of C$5-million in the aggregate); or
  3. be bankrupt or have committed an "act of bankruptcy" (as set out in the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act)

Proceedings are generally commenced by the electronic filing of a petition with the appropriate Bankruptcy Court (the petition can be filed electronically in certain jurisdictions). Typically, within two days after filing the petition, the debtor attends at Bankruptcy Court to seek "first day" relief to allow it to continue to operate with Chapter 11 protection.

Although unusual, unsecured creditors can initiate an involuntary Chapter 11 proceeding.

There is no advance notice period for the filing of the petition.

Commencing Proceedings

Proceedings are commenced when an initial order is granted by the Superior Court of a Province (the Court) with jurisdiction over the debtor pursuant to an application (generally made by the debtor), which can be on a "no notice" basis. The application is usually made in the province of the debtor's head office or principal place of business.

Although unusual, a creditor (secured or unsecured) can initiate an involuntary CCAA proceeding.

In practice, very short notice is generally given to secured lenders and major stakeholders (although they are usually consulted in advance). An initial order is limited to relief that is reasonably necessary for the continued operations of the debtor company in the ordinary course of business for no longer than an initial 10 day stay period. Debtors can then "come back" within 10 days, on notice, to seek more robust relief. Initial orders routinely include a clause allowing interested parties to seek to amend or vary the terms of the initial order or seek other appropriate relief.

The Bankruptcy Code is a federal statute with national application, which purports to have worldwide jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction

The CCAA is a federal statute with national application, which purports to have worldwide jurisdiction.

Chapter 11 cases are brought before United States Bankruptcy Courts, units of the District Courts with subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases.

Court System

CCAA cases are brought before the Court of the applicable province. Some provinces have specialized commercial branches of the Court where CCAA applications may be brought.

A broad automatic stay is granted upon the filing of the petition, which includes a stay of enforcement actions and contractual remedies.

There is no time limit on the stay.

Stay of Proceedings

Although the stay of proceedings is not automatic, Courts typically exercise their discretion and issue orders on the initial application providing a broad initial stay up to a maximum of 10 days. The scope of the stay is ultimately in the discretion of the Court but typically enforcement actions and contractual remedies are stayed.

The initial stay is typically extended upon application to the Court by the debtor. To obtain an extension of the stay, the debtor must demonstrate that it is acting in good faith and with due diligence. There is no prescribed limit to any stay extension or the number of extensions that may be sought.

Generally, the debtor's existing management remains in control of the business and coordinates the reorganization effort.

A Chapter 11 trustee may be appointed upon request of a party in interest in extraordinary cases of fraud or gross mismanagement. If appointed, a trustee operates (or liquidates) the estate in the debtor's place.

An examiner may also be appointed by the Bankruptcy Court to investigate certain allegations of fraud, dishonesty, incompetence, misconduct, mismanagement or irregularity in the management of the affairs of the debtor.

Supervision of the Debtor

Generally, the debtor's existing management remains in control of the business and coordinates the reorganization effort. A licensed insolvency trustee is appointed as "Monitor" by the Court to supervise the debtor, periodically report to the Court and stakeholders on the debtor's business and affairs, and assist with the restructuring.

Occasionally, the Monitor can be authorized by the Court to direct certain of the debtor's corporate functions (this is colloquially referred to as a "Super Monitor").

To read the full article click here

For permission to reprint articles, please contact the Blakes Marketing Department.

© 2020 Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.