The Canadian Press

Canada’s Task Force on Financial Literacy is launching a series of cross-country conversations with Canadians about savings, debt, and their overall financial know-how as it drafts a national strategy to create more financially educated citizens.

The task force will release its “Leveraging Excellence” consultation document Monday as a starting point to discuss issues including managing debt, saving and investing, retirement planning and preventing fraud.

“The task force wants to hear from as many interested Canadians as possible,” said Sun Life Financial CEO Donald Stewart, chairman of the task force. “We look forward to receiving the input of citizens and organizations as we travel across the country.”

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty set up the group in June, citing his belief that improving Canadians’ knowledge of financial matters would contribute to a more stable economy.

The task force’s 13 members have since studied programs at home and abroad, searching for ideas on educating consumers and allowing them to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make responsible financial choices.

The public consultation phase is expected to be completed in time for the group to deliver an action plan to the finance minister in December.