OTTAWA, June 21, 2010. The Financial Literacy team at the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) recently received a Public Service Award of Excellence in Citizen-Focused Service Delivery. The team was honoured for its creation of The City, a simulated online world that offers an interactive, engaging and fun way for students to learn about money. Fictional characters living in The City help show Canadian youth how to deal with real-life financial situations. More than 19,000 students and 4,000 teachers in eight provinces and territories are already using this creative resource.
The Public Service Award of Excellence is a non-monetary award presented annually by the Public Service Commission during National Public Service Week. The Award is given in ten categories and recognizes some of the many public servants who have demonstrated excellence, professionalism and leadership in serving Canadians.
“I'm very pleased that the fine work of the Financial Literacy team has been recognized,” said FCAC Commissioner Ursula Menke in congratulating FCAC team members Martine Bélanger, Susan Murray, Émilie René, Jane Rooney and Jérémie Ryan. The City was created in partnership with the British Columbia Securities Commission by transforming their course into a national program for youth in all provinces and territories.
“The City created by this team is innovative and informative. It is a great way for students to learn more about the difference between their wants and needs, budgeting, managing money, keeping expenses in line, building savings, using credit wisely and the basics of insurance and investments. They also learn how to avoid getting into debt and becoming a victim of fraud. These skills are important for all consumers, and if the students make mistakes in the virtual world, they can use that experience when they face the same situations in the real world,” added Commissioner Menke.
Using educational materials and interactive tools, FCAC provides consumers with objective information about financial products and services and informs them of their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies. Through its financial literacy program, FCAC helps Canadians acquire the necessary knowledge and confidence to manage their personal finances. FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions comply with legislation and agreements intended to protect consumers.
You can reach us through the FCAC Consumer Contact Centre by calling toll-free 1-866-461-3222 (TTY: 613-947-7771 or 1-866-914-6097) or by visiting our website: fcac.gc.ca.
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Media relations:
Julie Hauser
Media Relations Officer
613-941-4168
julie.hauser@fcac-acfc.gc.ca
