Publications

This paper summarizes the content of the first meeting of GAAN held in September in Washington, D.C. Thirty-two people working in over fifty-four countries to create asset-building opportunities for economically disadvantaged people met to discuss ways in which a network could help solve issues in their work.

This research was conducted for the Alberta Ministry of Employment and Immigration. It provides information that will support the ministry in determining the efficacy of financial literacy as a skill set that could increase the self-sufficiency of low-income Albertan

This report released by the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) indicates that SEDI's learn$ave program has had a positive effect on enrolment in adult education. What separates learn$ave from most other IDA programs implemented earlier in Canada and the United States is the presence of a control group containing participants who did not receive credits and other services, which enabled researchers to see what would have happened in the absence of learn$ave.

This report emphasizes the need for suitable policy responses and intervention models to improve financial literacy and financial inclusion among Canadians who are homeless . The report identifie s the necessity for investment in staff training among transitional shelters and rent banks to offer opportunities for their clients to increase their financial knowledge and skills.

This report quantifies the benefit of SEDI's Independent Living Account (ILA) program through a return on investment calculation. The study also explores the potential of expanding the ILA program to other groups vulnerable to homelessness including newcomers to Canada, urban Aboriginal Peoples, foster children, persons with mental health and/or addiction issues, and people who have come into conflict with the law.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, the Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators and SEDI hosted an international conference on financial literacy in Montreal in September 2008. The event highlighted the effectiveness of Canadian financial education efforts and examined international strategies. This report summarizes the conference's presentations and recommendations.