Canada's securities regulators are raising the awareness of investing concepts among young Canadians by launching the second annual Test Your Financial I.Q. Contest. The goal of the essay contest is to encourage Canadians from 14 to 18 years of age to learn more about investing. To participate, young people must submit a 500 to 750 word essay in English or French answering the following question:
It's your future. So how are you going to pay for it?
"This contest is an important tool in stimulating interest among young people to learn more about why investing knowledge is so important to their future financial well being," said Attorney General Jamie Ballem. "The PEI Securities Office is pleased to partner with the Canadian Securities Administrators in promoting this valuable contest."
The following guidelines can be used to help answer the question:
1. What are your overall financial goals and how do you expect to reach them?
2. Describe the factors you would consider when saving and investing your money.
3. What kind of financial products would interest you the most and why?
4. Where would you turn for financial advice and information?
5. How would you determine if the advice and information is credible?
The contest began on October 15, 2003 and runs until February 27, 2004. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) will award thirteen provincial and territorial prizes of $750 each in April 2004 during Investor Education Month. The national grand prize of $2,500 will be announced in May 2004.
"Young Canadians are tomorrow's financial consumers," says CSA Chair Stephen Sibold. "This contest encourages young people to expand their financial knowledge in pursuit of their goals."
Last year's contest resulted in 400 essay submissions across Canada. The national grand prize was awarded to Elizabeth Penner, 14, of DeBolt, Alberta whose essay, "Spending My Money Wisely," discussed how her saving and investment strategy will help meet her personal goals.
Last year's PEI winner was Amanda Gallant of Bluefield High School.
The CSA, a council of the 13 securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories, coordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets. The contest rules and entry form can be found on the CSA Web site at www.csa-acvm.ca and the PEI Securities Web site at www.gov.pe.ca/securities.