JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BRINGS ONTARIO'S FINANCIAL LITERACY CURRICULUM TO LIFE

TORONTO, Nov. 11 /CNW/ - Junior Achievement of Canada, the largest national youth organization, applauds the Ontario government's announcement to include financial literacy in the province's curriculum for students in grades four to 12.

"Premier McGuinty's announcement will provide youth with the tools, knowledge and confidence to help build lifelong financial responsibility, ensuring the province's long-term prosperity and economic competitiveness," said Stephen Ashworth, Vice President, Education. "Junior Achievement programs, currently offered in schools across Canada, compliment the government of Ontario's commitment to financial literacy education by building money management skills through mentorship experiences."

Junior Achievement programs, including Economics for Success and Dollars with Sense, are making a positive impact on today's youth by putting financial literacy concepts into practice. Last year alone, more than 230,000 young Canadians experienced a Junior Achievement program and received over 1.4 million instructional hours from 13,029 committed business mentors.

"As we prepare to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week in the coming days, we are reminded of the valuable skills youth need to participate and succeed in a global economy," said Ashworth. "Building financial knowledge leads to informed Canadians, strong future business leaders and a prosperous economy."

Junior Achievement helps youth realize their potential and achieve their dreams by developing personal leadership, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness skills. Junior Achievement mentors provide youth with real-life experience and understanding through in-class participation and experiential learning.

"Financial literacy is the cornerstone of success and Junior Achievement provides youth the opportunity to experience and understand business in order to prepare and become our leaders of tomorrow," said Ashworth. "Learning from actual business leaders is the unique educational advantage Junior Achievement provides to youth across Canada."

About Junior Achievement of Canada
For over 50 years, Junior Achievement learning experiences have helped young Canadians discover financial literacy, entrepreneurial and work readiness skills so they can achieve their highest potential as citizens of our global community. Across Canada, Junior Achievement reaches over 230,000 students annually with 13,029 dedicated business mentors in over 400 communities delivering a suite of eight national programs. Since 1955, almost 3.8 million Canadian youth have participated in our business learning experiences free-of-charge. For more information, please visit www.jacan.org.

For further information:

or to arrange an interview with Mr. Stephen Ashworth, please contact:
Kristina Fixter, Director of Communications
Tel: [phone], ext. 229
E: [e-mail]