Young Manitobans Question Their Future

News Release

For Immediate Release

November 18, 2003

Winnipeg, Manitoba -– Canadians 14 to 18 years of age are being asked the question– "It’s your future. So how are you going to pay for it?"

The Manitoba Securities Commission along with the Canadian Securities Administrators have joined forces to present the Second Annual Test your Financial I.Q. Contest. As part of a national contest, young people are being challenged to think about their finances and their future and put their thoughts in a short 500-750 word essay.

“ Securities Commissions across the country are encouraging young Canadians to learn more about money and finances. This contest is a creative and innovative way to get kids involved and was quite successful last year,” said Ainsley Cunningham, Education and Information Coordinator with the Manitoba Securities Commission. “Last year 400 essays were submitted from across the country. In Manitoba alone, we received 49 entries which was fantastic for the first year.”

The winning Manitoba entry was written by Sean Donald, a grade 11 student from Vincent Massey High School in Brandon. Elizabeth Penner, 14, of DeBolt, Alberta was awarded the national grand prize. Both students outlined their financial strategies towards saving and investing for their future.

“ Interest by teachers was also very encouraging. A teacher in Brandon actually incorporated the contest into her class program and was thrilled to involve her students in a unique assignment,” adds Cunningham. “To participate, youth are asked to write a short essay in response to the question, “It’s your future. So how are you going to pay for it”. Sean said that writing the essay was really quite easy and not so intimidating since he wasn’t being graded on it!”

The MSC contest is part of a national competition sponsored by the Canadian Securities Administrators. Thirteen winners will be selected, one from each province and territory and will be awarded a $750 cash prize in March 2004. All local winning essays will be forwarded to the national judging panel where the winning essay will be awarded an additional $2,500.

The CSA investor education committee will announce the national winner during Investor Education month, April 2004.

Contest rules and entry form can be found at www.msc.gov.mb.ca or www.csa-acvm.ca.

For more information contact: To arrange media interviews:

Ainsley Cunningham Education & Information Coordinator Manitoba Securities Commission (204) 945-4733 or 1-800-655-5244

Karen Ilchena Karen Ilchena Communications (204) 224-8633

The Manitoba Securities Commission is an independent office of the Government of Manitoba that protects investors and promotes fair and efficient business practices throughout the province. We are dedicated to ongoing investor education.