Smartsaver Community

Career Trek Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that helps young people discover the importance of education and career development by providing career-oriented programming in educational settings across Manitoba. Through the use of hands-on activities and a belief in the power of education, Career Trek exposes children to occupations and professions that ignite their passion for learning and inspires them to recognize their own potential.

Career Trek envisions a Manitoba where everyone is able to realize their full career and education potential.  We realize, however, that the growing cost of funding post-secondary education can be a challenge and a deterrent, which is why we have incorporated Financial Literacy and Canada Learning Bond workshops right into our programs! Participants and their families learn how the Canada Learning Bond can help them achieve their education and career goals:

“What it means for me to have a Canada Learning Bond account open for my daughter is that when she decides to pursue her education she won’t have to feel stressed or have to settle for less because she will know that if she’s wanting to go to post-secondary she can access that money and upgrade her education.”

— parent participant at Career Trek’s RESP workshop

By Lauren Reeves, Education Savings Coordinator
Career Trek Inc.

* This post was originally published on May 10, 2016.

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Many Ontario families eligible for the Canada Learning Bond also seek financial assistance through Ontario Works. At the County of Wellington Ontario Works department, we’ve recognized the opportunity to embed the existing Ontario Works application process with a referral to the Canada Learning Bond.

The CLB in the Ontario Works Application Process:

1. When a family first applies for Ontario Works, their first point of contact, the Intake Team, will assess if they are eligible for the CLB.
2. If they are, materials will be provided in a folder to their caseworker for the Verification Interview.
3. At the Verification Interview, the materials serve as an indicator for the Caseworker that the applicant has CLB-eligible children, and introduces the applicant to the CLB and how to apply.
4. If an applicant requires assistance with the application process, they may access our Employment Resource Centre or email the information account for support.

With this local policy in place, detailing the expectations for staff to introduce new applicants to the CLB, we look forward to seeing an increase in the uptake-rate as well as the benefits to families in our community.

By Diane Tan, Social Planning and Policy Analyst
County of Wellington, Ontario Works

For questions, email Diane.

*This post was originally posted on our blog May 19, 2016.