The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services, presented a signed, framed print of Lynn Johnston�s comic strip, For Better or For Worse, to the Newfoundland and Labrador regional winner of the Canadian Securities Administrators� (CSA) This is your life�for better or for worse contest. Minister Whalen presented the prize to 28-year-old Tammy Power of Tors Cove this afternoon.

"I am thrilled to present this prize personally to Ms. Power, our Newfoundland and Labrador winner. I congratulate her not just for winning this prize, but for also taking such an interest in her financial future," said Minister Whalen. "This contest aimed to raise awareness around the need for financial research when making major life choices such as getting married, starting a family, planning retirement or even coming into a financial windfall."

Ms. Power, who is the owner of a cleaning business called Power Cleaners, learned about the Canadian Securities Administrators� educational campaign through the internet.

"During an online search for financial information, I came across the CSA web site which offered this contest," said Ms. Power. "I was pleasantly surprised when I was contacted and learned that Minister Whalen wanted to present me with my prize."

The This is your life�for better or for worse campaign Web site was showcased through online partnerships, lifestyle events and in movie theatres across Canada. Over 38,000 Canadians visited the Web site to register for the contest and access free investing resources. In addition, site visitors shared 5,489 tips for investing wisely which the CSA will work into future campaigns. Thirteen regional winners were picked for each province and territory. A grand prize winner was also chosen.

"It is incredibly important for both young and old to take a greater interest in their financial future. With the right decisions, you can ensure that you can extend your money further. Simple things like taking your lunch with you to work, using a library instead of buying books, or not charging more to your credit card than you can pay in full each month are small but significant measures anyone can take. I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to learn more about good financial health practices," said Minister Whalen.

The CSA is a council of 13 provincial and territorial securities regulators that oversee Canada�s capital markets. Their mandate is to protect investors from unfair or fraudulent practices while fostering a fair and efficient marketplace. Part of this protection includes educating investors about the risk, responsibilities and rewards of investing. The Department of Government Services is the securities regulator for Newfoundland and Labrador and is a member of the CSA.

For more information on spending, saving and investing wisely, please visit the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.csa-acvm.ca.

Photo #1: Minister Dianne Whalen presents CSA prize to Tammy Power.