The role of planning for the financial well-being of Canadians will be the focus during Financial Planning Week, taking place from November 17-23, across Canada.

Now in its fifth year and an integral part of Financial Literacy Month, Financial Planning Week is part of an ongoing effort by Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) and Institut québécois de planification financiére (IQPF) to raise awareness of financial planning as fundamental to the financial well-being of Canadians, as well as a call-to-action to the financial services industry to collaborate and enact meaningful change for the benefit of all Canadians.

FPSC is a not-for-profit organization that sets standards for the financial planning profession in Canada, in association with an international network of 25 affiliate organizations, through the development, promotion and enforcement of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification.

According to Cary List, president & CEO of FPSC, Financial Planning Week is an ideal time for Canadians to ensure that the design of their financial future rests with an appropriately qualified professional.

“Having a comprehensive financial plan with the guidance of an appropriately qualified planner can provide Canadians with a road map towards greater financial and emotional well-being,” he says. “We urge Canadians to take that step and talk to a CFP professional about their goals and financial planning needs.”

FPSC will be hosting a number of activities during Financial Planning Week to celebrate the importance of financial planning. Highlights include a symposium and reception for CFP professionals in Toronto on November 19-20.

In addition, community events across Canada featuring CFP professional will be held throughout November, and a public awareness campaign will run on CBC Television.

Build Your Financial Plan with a CFP professional is a 30-second commercial spot that will air during programs including the evening and late news, Lang & O’Leary Exchange, Dragons’ Den and Sunday documentaries. In all, the spot will air more than 300 times, reaching almost 6.5 million Canadians ages 35-64 during its three-week run.

More information about Financial Planning Week activities is at www.financialplanningweek.ca.