SPALDING STUDENT WINS \"TEST YOUR FINANCIAL I.Q.\" CONTEST

Released on April 30, 2004

Courtney Johnson of Spalding was awarded first prize of $750 for her winning essay in the "Test Your Financial I.Q." contest sponsored by the Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission (SFSC). Johnson's essay, called "It's My Life" about her life goals and how she plans to finance them, was selected from entries submitted by young people around the province.

"We hope Courtney is able to use some of the ideas from her essay to begin planning for her financial future," Justice Minister and Minister responsible for the SFSC Frank Quennell said.

The contest challenged Saskatchewan youth and youth from all provinces and territories across Canada to demonstrate their knowledge about the world of saving and investing money. In a short 500-750 word essay, youth were asked, "It's your future. So how are you going to pay for it?"

"Securities Commissions across the country are looking for creative and innovative ways to get kids involved in learning more about money and finances," SFSC's representative on the Canadian Securities Administrators investor education committee Patti Pacholek said. "Times have changed and youth need to become financially literate. Good money habits formed now will give them a head start for their future."

Thirteen winners, one from each province and territory, were selected as finalists in the national competition. Johnson's essay is part of that group and will be put before a national judging panel where the winning essay will be awarded an additional $2500.

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606