Smartsaver Community

On Friday June 17, 2016, the City of Toronto hosted a Canada Learning Bond event.

With the help of Children’s Services, Parks, Forestry & Recreation, Public Health and Employment & Social Services, the event was promoted by mail and email, through social media, flyers in local centres and invitation to program participants.

More than 60 parents attended a workshop on the Canada Learning Bond and those that were able to enroll immediately received support from City staff to complete the application.

City divisions were on hand to provide information about complementary programs and services to support children’s ongoing educational needs. Service Canada offered information to parents on getting a Social Insurance Number for their child and Public Health provided interpreters to assist those in need of translation.

The Canada Learning Bond can be an effective first step for many families seeking to building assets for their children’s future and offers a valuable opportunity to engage families in discussing their financial management and planning. Events like the City of Toronto’s provides a supportive setting for many parents who either didn’t know about the Bond or were unsure about how to get it.  

This event is just one of many Canada Learning Bond events that have been delivered across Toronto since 2011 and that have contributed to Toronto’s growing awareness and participation in the Canada Learning Bond. Such collaborative events are a good approach that is applicable in many communities.