About Me
Hi, I’m Lanaia Nykyforuk.
Managing Partner & CPA at BNA Debt Solutions
When I was a kid, I had no idea what my dad did for a living. I just knew he helped people through the hardest moments of their lives. Later, I realized what that really meant. He was giving people their lives back. Today, as a CPA and Licensed Insolvency Trustee, I do the same. Whether you’re dealing with tax debt, business debt, or a major life change — I’m here. Just like my father was.
9+ years of experience in insolvency and debt solution
Managing Partner leading operations and strategy at BNA
CPA, CIRP, and Licensed Insolvency Trustee with both financial and legal expertise
Experienced in resolving complex tax debt situations
Focused on complex files involving business debt, legal coordination, and asset protection
More than debt relief
Working Through Complex Financial Situations
Most people think there is no way to settle tax debt. I love showing them that 99% of tax debt can actually be resolved. There is almost always a legal choice.”
– Lanaia Nykyforuk
Many people feel stuck when they first call us. Especially if they owe money to the CRA, or feel like the situation has gone too far. Part of my role is helping people understand the facts, the legal options available to them, and what those options could mean for their future. My goal is to educate you so you can see that you have real, legal options.
At BNA, I spend a lot of time making sure our office runs smoothly. But my favorite part of being a Trustee is stepping in for the complex cases. I focus on files that involve legal counsel, business debt, divorces, or situations where important assets need to be protected. These situations can feel overwhelming, but I am here to bring order and calm to the chaos.
I know how much weight you are carrying right now. My clients often tell me they appreciate that I am patient and quick to answer their emails. I don’t want you to wait and wonder what is happening. I want you to feel heard, respected, and fully aware of your choices at every step.
Outside of work, I clear my mind through regular exercise. It’s my favorite way to handle stress and stay sharp. Beyond the numbers, my real passion is teaching. One of the most rewarding moments is when a client finally understands their options and begins to feel a sense of relief and direction again.
How do we help?
The legal tools we use to rewrite your financial story
Over the years, I have learned that the right answer is not always the same for every person. That is why BNA’s team starts by looking at the full situation before explaining which legal options may fit.
Consumer Proposal
A Consumer Proposal is a reliable, legal way to bring all your unsecured debts into a structured repayment plan. It stops interest from accruing and often lowers the total amount you owe. It can also include CRA tax debt. Many people don’t know that including CRA debt is possible, but it is a great way to protect your assets and move forward.
Division I Proposal
If your business has debt or owes a significant amount (over $250,000), a Division 1 Proposal may be the right legal solution. It’s a structured way to reorganize your finances. It allows you to keep your business running while finding a fair way to settle with creditors. It’s about finding a solution that works for everyone.
Personal Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is often misunderstood, and for many people, it carries more shame than it should. In reality, it is a legal tool designed to provide relief when other options are no longer the right fit. In the right circumstances, it can offer the reset someone needs to move forward with less pressure and a clearer path ahead.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions people often have at the start
Can you actually settle my CRA tax debt?
Yes. In many cases, tax debt can be included in a Consumer Proposal or in bankruptcy. Most debt consultants can’t do this because they lack the legal authority. As an LIT, I can legally bind the CRA to a settlement, which can stop penalties and interest once the process is in place.
What happens to my house or car if I’m getting a divorce?
I work closely with your lawyer to ensure your debt plan doesn’t harm your divorce settlement. My job is to protect your future. We use specific rules to help you keep your home, your car, and your retirement savings whenever possible.
How does your CPA background help my case?
When a business has debt, the math is very important. My accounting background helps me look at the numbers very closely. I make sure your plan is perfect before we send it to the people you owe. This gives you the best chance of having your plan accepted the first time.
Why should I choose BNA over a bank-led consolidation?
A bank loan is just more debt with more interest. It doesn’t stop people from suing you. I provide a legal “Stay of Proceedings.” This is a government-regulated order that stops all legal action and freezes your interest at 0% immediately.
How soon can we talk?
I know that when someone reaches out for help, waiting can add even more stress. I make responsiveness a priority. Because clear communication matters, especially at the beginning. Taking that first step often brings more relief than people expect.
The Difference of Having an Officer on Your Side
| What Happens | Lanaia & BNA (Trustees) | Other Debt Groups |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Power | We are Officers of the Court. | They have no legal authority. |
| Stop Garnishments | Yes. We can stop them through legal protection. | No. They do not have the same legal authority. |
| CRA Tax Debt | Yes. We can legally settle tax debt. | No. They usually can’t help with taxes. |
| Complex Cases | Experts in business and divorce files. | Usually only handle simple files. |
| Your Savings | We protect your RRSPs and essentials. | They cannot stop assets from being taken. |
A clearer path forward can begin today
The first step is always the hardest.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. That is what I am here for.
My job is to listen, look at the big picture, and help you find a plan that feels manageable. If you are stressed about taxes, business debt, or just need a calm voice to help you sort things out, I am ready to help.
What our clients say
From first call to final release, nearly 30 years of trust
For over 27 years, BNA Debt Solutions has been a trusted ally to Albertans feeling the weight of financial stress. We’ve helped thousands find hope and relief from crushing debt, offering compassionate support and clear, trustworthy guidance at every step.
If you are in a position where you need to find a solution out of debt, reach out to BNA for more information. There is no commitment to find out what options are available. I was embarrassed and uncomfortable to share the details of my experience but Sammie immediately put me at ease. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, flexible and an amazing problem solver. She covered all options available to me at my convenience, she passed no judgment, and I felt no pressure to commit. Together we settled on an option that worked best for me. It is never a winning situation to be in a position where you need to dig yourself out of a hole you created but I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the team at BNA.
You walk in anxious and heavy, that awful burning in the pit of your stomach that comes with debt; feelings of shame, uselessness, irresponsibility. But then you talk to a representative like Simmie, and the weight of the burden begins to melt away. She’s there for you, she talks you through many options, she answers each and every one of your questions with clarity and compassion. Not only does she want to help, she’s trained and licensed to do so. There is work involved for you in this collaborative process, papers and numbers and lists but in the end you are presented with a very feasible, simple plan that allows you to breathe, to engage with your life and your finances in a measured way. I cannot thank Simmie and BNS enough for their empathy, quick turnaround, and straightforward processes.
Unfortunately ran into a sticky financial situation and was referred to BNA Debt Solutions through a debt counselling service. Have had a few meetings and they were always very helpful, kind and understanding. They made my consumer proposal very easy to understand and walked me through it all to ensure I was comfortable with the documents before we took any action. If you’re stressing out about financials, there is help available and I wish I would have reached out earlier. BNA is a great option!
I’ve got myself in very ugly financial situation. It was so stressful that I thought my life is over. It had very big impact on my mental and physical health. When I found out about BNA and their business it was just thin hope that maybe I would find some help. My first appointment was with Simmie Pandher in the office of BNA. After I presented my situation and my worries, Simmie has shown an enthusiastic interest to understand , assist and help me. She sounds like an angel when she said to me that I came to right place where they will find right solution for me. She told me that all my worries ,sleepless night and other concerns will be over. Now because of professional dedication and knowledge of Simmie and Andy Wong and their all team I am back to life again. THANK YOU!
Bad things happen to good people, especially in times of economic and employment uncertainty.
From the very beginning, from my first phone call, BNA Solutions has treated me with respect, empathy and complete professionalism.
The staff were very thorough, knowledgeable and prompt with all my interactions. All options were explained to me and I felt there was hope rather than darkness and despair.
Have used BNA Debt Solutions twice. Once for credit card debt and another regarding a business failure. Both times very empathetic to my situation. I felt I had someone in my corner when it came to dealing with institutions that were aggressive and not empathetic to our situation. Would recommend them infact I have sent three other individuals that had financial challenges and they were grateful that I recommended such a strong team of advocates for their situations.
