Financial-Literacy-Consultation

TORONTO - Canada's Task Force on Financial Literacy is kicking off a cross-country tour to speak with Canadians about savings, debt, and their overall financial know-how.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty launched the task force last June, aimed at improving Canadians' knowledge of financial matters, which he hopes will contribute to a more stable economy.

The task force headed by Sun Life Financial CEO Donald Stewart has since studied programs at home and abroad and is now looking for input from Canadians.

It will hold public consultations starting in Vancouver and Yellowknife on April 6 and ending in Ottawa May 13. Canadians will also be able to mail, fax, email and discuss their concerns about financial literacy online until April 30.

The task force will release its ``Leveraging Excellence'' consultation document Monday as a starting point to discussion on issues ranging from managing debt, saving and investing to retirement planning and fraud prevention.

The public consultation phase is expected to be completed in time for the task force to deliver an action plan in December.

(The Canadian Press)