BMO, CFEE expand financial literacy program

The event began in Toronto and Montreal two years ago. It has expanded across Ontario, Quebec and the Prairies, with more than 2,000 schools expected to participate. Programming will also take place across Alberta and Atlantic Canada this year.

“The Talk With Our Kids About Money day program, created by CFEE and BMO Financial Group, demonstrates the kind of initiative that I hope to encourage across Canada — widespread participation, engagement and collaboration to strengthen financial literacy of Canadians,” says Jane Rooney, Canada’s Financial Literacy Leader, as designated by the federal government’s financial consumer agency.

The annual event takes place the third Wednesday in April with a “home program” for families and a “school program” for grade seven students and teachers. Parents and teachers can visit www.talkwithourkidsaboutmoney.com for free access to current resources and curriculum ideas.

“BMO is here to help parents and teachers start a conversation with our youth about money and financial planning,” says Joanna Rotenberg, chief marketing officer and head of strategy, BMO Financial. “The goal of Talk With Our Kids About Money day is to bridge the information gap and arm youth with the knowledge they need to become more financially confident.”

In conjunction with this event, BMO Financial released the results of a poll, which states that 30% of Canadians believe that youth who are graduating now are well prepared for their financial future. However, only one-quarter of parents strongly feel they have the tools to provide their kids with a financial education.

Pollara Strategic Insights conducted the poll between Jan. 27 and 29. It used a random online sample of 1,006 adult Canadians.