Ontarians were told in 2009 that financial literacy would be included in the curriculum in Grades 4 through 12. Almost a decade has passed and there have not been any substantive, systemic changes made to make this claim a reality for elementary students. Despite universal agreement among experts across the globe that financial literacy education should 'start early' inaction is the order of the day. The 'start early' position is supported by international and domestic organizations including the OECD, FCAC, CBA, CA, ADVOCIS and in the recommendations of the Ministry of Education's own working group on financial literacy, yet curriculum-wise nothing has been done.

Some teachers are doing awesome things in the classroom but if you use the mandated curriculum policy documents to inform your understanding of what is ubiquitously being taught to elementary students you will be very, very disappointed!

INCLUDE FINANCIAL LITERACY IN THE ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM because starting mandatory financial literacy education in high school is simply too late. Despite claims to the contrary research has found that financial literacy is NOT included in Ontario's elementary curriculum. Again every working group, task force, think tank, and ​global ​financial literacy expert advocate​s​ early access to financial literacy education. Starting the education process early as young perceptions, attitudes and behaviours are being formed is critical to long-term success and economic inclusion - especially for vulnerable-sector constituents. ​​

The absence of effective financial literacy education in schools drives up the cost of remedial programs as these young Ontarians mature. The consequences of a financially illiterate population are felt broadly in the areas of Poverty Reduction, Children and Youth Services, Training, Colleges and Universities, and Community and Social Services. By leaving elementary students behind the Ministry of Education is squandering the opportunity to preempt some of the long-term financial and societal consequences of a financially illiterate population. Action is required!

Please sign this petition or contact your MPP if you agree that elementary students cannot continue to be left behind and that concrete measures must be in place for Ministry financial literacy educational initiatives. ​Please feel free to contact me at tricia.barry@moneyschoolcanada.com or at 416.932.1300 should you wish to discuss ​this petition or to request a copy of the research paper entitled An Evaluation of Financial Literacy Integration into the Ontario Elementary Education System (Barry, Ek-Udofia, November 2016).