September 17, 2009 Organization

Montréal – The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is supporting the Centre ressources jeunesse de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (CRJ) and its financial education project for youth ("Parlons d’argent"). With a financial contribution from the Education and Good Governance Fund, which is administered by the AMF, and support from other partners, the program aims to help youth better understand how to manage personal finances and give them the tools they need for success in this regard.

The CRJ program was set up in partnership with the local employment centre and the Caisse Desjardins de Rouyn-Noranda. It consists of 15 workshops designed specifically for youth aged 12 to 35. The workshops cover topics such as budgeting, credit, debt prevention, bankruptcy and fraud, and are conducted by trained instructors who can meet with youth on a group or individual basis.

"Organizations such as CRJ that can put forward proposals and initiatives related to financial education have until September 30 to take part in the Fund's call for projects this year," noted AMF President and CEO Jean St-Gelais. "The Fund is a unique tool for purposes of education and knowledge. By supporting projects in four areas, namely, the betterment of knowledge, investor protection, investor education and the promotion of good governance, the AMF helps improve knowledge of financial matters in Québec. The Fund supports a wide range of initiatives, including university research, community awareness and financial education of young people," he added.

The AMF also has a financial education website for youth at Tes Affaires.com. It features tips for managing personal finances and achieving financial objectives, and includes on-line tools such as a financial journal and financial calculators. Also available is an on-line newsletter dedicated to financial information intended for young people.

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

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