November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada; the perfect time for Canadians of all ages to enhance their financial know-how.
OTTAWA, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson and Lucie Tedesco, Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), officially launched Canada's third annual Financial Literacy Month (FLM) today.
Featuring a keynote address by author, speaker and financial planner David Chilton and a panel discussion with representatives from various financial literacy networks across the country, the launch event in Ottawa kicks off a month of activities designed to help raise Canadians' awareness of the importance of increased financial literacy in Canada.
"Canadians face different financial challenges as they go through life," said Minister Sorenson, who will be taking part in a variety of financial literacy events in November. "Ensuring that Canadians, from children to retirees, are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make responsible financial decisions is key to maintaining a strong national economy."
Under the theme "Financial Literacy across Generations," this year's FLM puts the focus on learning or brushing up on the basics of money management at any age and will include events for Canadians of all ages. "Understanding the basics such as budgeting and saving as children is the first step," said Commissioner Tedesco. "Learning how to manage credit and debt and plan financially provides Canadian youth with the tools they need to navigate through the financial realities of adulthood. Ultimately, this will help to ensure that their finances are in good shape as they enter their retirement years."
Throughout November, Canadians and organizations alike are encouraged to either host or take part in an activity designed to increase their own or someone else's financial skills.
FLM calendar of events
All month long, Canadians will be able to find out more about the financial literacy activities and events happening across the country through the FLM calendar of events. With just a few clicks, they can see what is scheduled for their city or province. Canadians can also follow @FCACan or #FLM2013 on Twitter to get regular updates and to take part in the conversation.
Organizations can still send submissions for the FLM calendar by visiting www.itpaystoknow.gc.ca/flm.
FLM video contest
To draw on young talent during FLM, FCAC is once again challenging Canadian youth aged 13 to 19 to submit a 30-second to 2-minute video explaining "How talking about money with…helped me...," as part of its FLM video contest.
All videos must end with the line "Financial understanding. It just adds up." Submissions are due November 30, 2013. Complete video contest rules and regulations are available on FCAC's website.
The videos of up to eight finalists will be posted on FCAC's YouTube channel early in December. Prizes include 13-inch MacBook Pro, a 16-GB iPad, an 8-GB iPod Touch and a $50 iTunes gift card.
About FCAC
With educational materials and interactive tools, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides objective information about financial products and services to help Canadians increase their financial knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. FCAC informs consumers about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies. FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions, payment card network operators and external complaints bodies comply with legislation and industry commitments intended to protect consumers.
You can reach us through FCAC's Consumer Services Centre by calling toll-free 1-866-461-3222 (TTY: 613-947-7771 or 1-866-914-6097) or by visiting our website: itpaystoknow.gc.ca.
Follow @FCACan on Twitter
Like Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) on Facebook
Like Financial Literacy Month in Canada on Facebook
Subscribe to FCACan on YouTube
Follow Financial Consumer Agency of Canada on LinkedIn
Join the Financial Literacy in Canada group on LinkedIn
Video with caption: "Video: Minister Sorenson gives the federal government's perspective on the importance of financial literacy and consumer protection.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20131101_C8935_VIDEO_EN_32781.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20131101_C8935_PHOTO_EN_32781.jpg&clientName=Financial%20Consumer%20Agency%20of%20Canada&caption=Video%3A%20Minister%20Sorenson%20gives%20the%20federal%20government%27s%20perspective%20on%20the%20importance%20of%20financial%20literacy%20and%20consumer%20protection%2E&title=Minister%20Sorenson%20at%20Financial%20Literacy%20Month%202013%20national%20launch&headline=%23FLM2013%3A%20Harper%20Government%20kicks%20off%20Financial%20Literacy%20Month%202013
Image with caption: "November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada. (CNW Group/Government of Canada) (CNW Group/Financial Consumer Agency of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131101_C8935_PHOTO_EN_32777.jpg
SOURCE: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
Media relations:
Julie Hauser
Acting Communications Manager
613-941-4168
[email protected]
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