"Today Visa congratulates the Financial Literacy Task Force for the release of its final report and its thoughtful and practical recommendations on the development of a national strategy on financial literacy in Canada. Visa looks forward to working with the Task Force, the Minister of Finance and other stakeholders to implement the report’s recommendations and continue improving financial literacy for Canadians.

“Visa, which is recognized as a global leader in the development and promotion of financial literacy programs, was an enthusiastic participant in the Task Force’s consultation process. Visa appeared before the Task Force and provided a written submission to share best practices based on our global experience.

“Last year Visa was honoured to host a member of the Task Force at the Financial Literacy and Education Summit, which Visa co-hosts annually with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. On April 4th, 2011, Visa will co-host the fifth annual Summit, which will focus on how government and financial education leaders, in collaboration with industry, can work together to equip consumers with the tools needed to make wise financial decisions.

“Visa’s financial education program was first launched in 1995, and is now active and localized in more than 30 countries around the world. As the world’s leading payment systems network, and one of the few global financial service companies, Visa has the international expertise, local knowledge and the proven commitment to reach, educate and empower individuals with sound personal money management skills, building a strong foundation for global economic growth.

“In Canada, Visa supports the expansion and retention of basic financial skills through two programs: Choices & Decisions, an in-class student and teacher resource; and Practical Money Skills, an online resource that offers practical financial advice and interactive money management tools including games, calculators, budget planners and quizzes.

About Visa
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world’s most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 10,000 transactions a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank, and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

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