October 1^st, 2009 Organization

Montréal – As part of Investor Education Month, the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) will be holding numerous meetings with consumers to help them improve their knowledge of financial matters. Whether they are students, workers about to retire or senior citizens, investors need to know how to properly manage and protect their savings. Like other securities regulators, the AMF is intensifying its educational efforts during the Investor Education Month of October.

AMF representatives will give conferences on the importance of developing sound financial habits, on how to become well-informed with respect to investments and on financial fraud prevention. The AMF's consumer assistance services, available through its Information Centre, as well as its complaints examination and education programs departments will also be part of the month's activities. Speakers will give presentations to senior citizens, retirees, early retirees, public service employees and investors in the regions of Québec City, Estrie, Montréal and the Lower St. Lawrence.

As well, the AMF will take part in various educational shows and symposiums in October and will distribute tools for use by teachers in class or as part of educational activities. The tools introduce activities intended to enhance the financial knowledge of future savers and investors, teach them how to draw on various sources of information and sharpen their critical faculties before making any financial decisions.

"News stories over the past few months have reminded us of the importance of understanding the fundamentals of investing and making informed investment decisions," said Anne-Marie Poitras, AMF Superintendent, Client Services and Compensation. "Financial education is an important part of our mission. Our education activities help investors, whether experienced or not, with making investment decisions that suit their circumstances, and we encourage them to visit the section on our website designed specifically for them."

The “Consumer” section of the AMF website offers numerous tools and publications on investments and is updated regularly. In addition, the AMF operates a site intended exclusively for young people and teachers at www.tesaffaires.com This link will open in a new window.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.

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Information:

Media only:
Sylvain Théberge: (514) 940-2176

Information Centre:
Québec City: 418-525-0337
Montréal: 514-395-0337
Toll-free: 1-877-525-0337