Toronto, January 24, 2013
2013-009

The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), met with young students today at Sprucecourt Junior Public School in Toronto to talk to them about the importance of financial literacy. The event was held to mark "Talk With Our Kids About Money Day," an initiative of the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) in partnership with BMO Financial Group.

"Financial literacy means having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions," said Minister Menzies. "The earlier in life people start educating themselves about financial literacy, the better equipped they will be when faced with life's important financial decisions."

The Harper Government is committed to enhancing the financial well-being of all Canadians. Increasing awareness of financial literacy resources and strengthening consumer protection through new regulations, such as those which ensure consumers have timelier access to their funds, give Canadians more freedom and information to effectively manage their personal finances.

"The 'Talk With Our Kids About Money Day' program helps respond to the call from the federal government's Task Force on Financial Literacy to get more Canadians engaged in helping to improve financial literacy-especially of our youth-and especially in our schools," said Gary Rabior, President of CFEE.

The CFEE, which was established in 1974 as a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan organization, promotes and assists the enhanced economic capability of Canadians. It works to increase the extent to which Canadians undertake their economic roles and decisions with confidence and competence.

For more information about the CFEE, visit their website.

For further information, media may contact:

Bram Sepers
Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Finance)
613-996-7861

Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080

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