I am pleased to rise today to announce that Ms. Allison Kelly of Howley is the provincial winner of the Canadian Securities Administrators� Financial Fitness Challenge Contest. Allison is a 17-year-old high school student who will be attending St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia in the fall to study nursing.

Allison was one of 17,000 young people from across Canada who entered the contest during February to prove their financial fitness knowledge through a series of online questions. This was an 81 per cent increase over last year�s participation in the contest showing that our young people are indeed taking an interest in their financial affairs.

The challenge was open to Canadians age 15 to 21 years old. Participants were asked questions and provided information on budgeting, saving and investing and they were encouraged to learn more about smart financial practices through other web sites. Winners from each province and territory will receive a $750 scholarship.

Contests such as the Financial Fitness Challenge are designed to raise awareness about positive and healthy financial practices. By targeting young people we are ensuring that, as adults, they will use and follow the responsible financial behaviour they learn now.

Even though the contest is over, the website www.financialfitnesschallenge.ca is active year round so that young people can still use the interactive features that share important tips and knowledge of financial awareness. The Canadian Securities Administrators will offer this contest again next year and I am looking forward to seeing even more interest by our young people.

I congratulate Allison for her success and I am sure that all honourable members will agree with me that she has a bright future.

2008 04 08                                                     1:50 p.m.