TASK FORCE CHAIR'S BLOG: April 7, 2010

The Task Force, the many presenters we've heard from so far in the first three of our 17 public meetings across the country, and governments all agree that financial literacy – meaning a strong understanding of the principles that promote prudent, personal financial management – is a critical life skill.

As we move across the country, we are hearing multiple ways in which we can advance the financial knowledge and skills of Canadians, so they are well equipped to plan for the future, to weather economic downturns and to navigate major life events.

In Calgary, we heard another set of very well-prepared oral presentations from 13 organizations and individuals, most speaking about diverse and creative ways to deliver financial literacy programs. Recommending ways of having the disparate players deliver strong, audience-appropriate programs, in multiple jurisdictions and through multiple channels – schools, workplaces, community groups and online – will be challenging for the Task Force. And that is only one part of our mandate.

Importantly, the Task Force's mandate is broad but not all-encompassing. A number of groups with wide-ranging experience and from various backgrounds have asked us to delve into such subjects as the adequacy of public pensions and the minimum wage, for example. While this goes well beyond the mandate set out by the government that appointed us, we are on the road to hear from all Canadians. We appreciate all views, we are taking in all of the presentations, and we will diligently share what we are hearing with our government.

I'm more encouraged than ever that this consultations process will play a critical role in helping us shape our final report, and we are grateful to all those taking the time to make a constructive contribution in relation to our mandate.

As a country, we have the potential to become a financial literacy leader among nations, but we must engage Canadians in this challenge.

Please take the time to give us your perspective and ideas at
www.financialliteracyincanada.com

Don Stewart
Chair of the Task Force on Financial Literacy