Overview
Saskatchewan is one of the smaller provinces, having a population of only 1,053,960 in 2011. Compared to the other provinces, Saskatchewan has been fairly slow in enacting payday loan legislation. By the end of 2011 they had still have not completed licensing for all existing store based payday lenders, and there were only a tiny handful of lenders who are legally operating online only. Since that time, a fully functional licensing regime has been put in place and now most brands have opened both online and storefront businesses in the province.
Rates
The Province of Saskatchewan originally put legislation regarding payday loans into effect, capping interest at 23%. They are essentially following the lead of British Columbia and Alberta, and their laws bear a striking similarity to the other western provinces. Since then, rates have reduced in with the rest of the country down to 17% matching Manitoba, but slightly higher than BC, Ontario, and Alberta. Like Ontario, overdue interest on payday loans may be charged at a rate of 59% per annum. Only one dishonourment fee per loan may be charged, however, which is an innovation designed to protect consumers that no other province has yet adopted.
Lenders
Lenders operating in Manitoba include:
Major Cities
- Saskatoon
- Regina
- Prince Albert
- Moose Jaw
- Yorkton
- Swift Current
- North Battleford