Grenfell Student is Provincial Winner of Financial Fitness Challenge

The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Government Services is pleased to congratulate this year's provincial winner of the Canadian Securities Administrators' Financial Fitness Challenge, 19-year-old Amanda Hewlett of Baie Verte. The Sir Wilfred Grenfell student receives a $750 scholarship for her winning entry.

"I personally congratulate Amanda on being our provincial winner of the Financial Fitness Challenge," said Minister O'Brien. "This is an enormous achievement for Amanda and the scholarship will certainly help her as she continues with her studies."

Amanda is one of thousands of young people from across Canada who entered the contest during February to prove their financial fitness knowledge through a series of online questions. The challenge is open to Canadians age 15 to 21 years old with questions asked on budgeting, saving and investing. Participants are also provided information and are encouraged to learn more about smart financial practices through other web sites.

"Now, more than ever, it is important for young people to take an interest in their financial future," said Minister O'Brien. "Recent events have shown that positive and healthy financial practices will ensure preparedness during economic downtimes. Learning these practices early will encourage prudent financial behaviour into adulthood."

The web site for the Financial Fitness Challenge (www.financialfitnesschallenge.ca) is active year round for young people to continue to use the interactive features that share important tips and knowledge of financial awareness. The Canadian Securities Administrators offers the contest annually.

Photo #1: On behalf of the Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Government Services, Baie Verte-Springdale MHA Kevin Pollard presents Amanda Hewlett of Baie Verte with a $750 scholarship for her winning entry in the Canadian Securities Administrators' Financial Fitness Challenge.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2009 04 29                           9:50 a.m.