Financial Literacy

Complex concepts made as simple as possible—thanks to the efforts of our economists and a supporting cast of communications professionals.

Curious how Canada compares with other countries in the goods and services it produces? Have you ever wondered where most immigrants to Canada have come from? Or what major goods Canada imports and exports? Launch this online tool to explore more.

The Bank of Canada holds billions of dollars in foreign currencies on behalf of the government. The Bank buys and sells these currencies to decrease or increase holdings of Canadian dollars.

Learn how the Bank of Canada handles funding for the government by selling bonds.

Where does the government keep its money?

What is inflation and what does it mean to you? This video and discussion guide will help you get your secondary students talking.

Teachers will find American resources pertaining to financial literacy and economics, earning, budgeting, spending, saving, managing credit and investing. Some of these may have to be adapted to Canadian content.

Learn the mechanics of their economy and the Bank of Canada’s role in it.

All about inflation: what it is, what it means and how it's measured. Students will learn how the consumer price index is calculated and create their own student price index to measure the prices that matter most to them.

If the global economy stops growing, economists think war would break out. But is infinite growth possible on a finite planet? Related Lesson

Explore the different types of capitalism, how they operate, and how they impact climate change and rising inequality. Related Lesson

How can factors like inflation, supply and demand, and interest rates trigger recessions? Learn the economic basics of modern markets. Related Lesson

During the 1600’s, the exotic tulip became a sensation; some sold for ten times the yearly salary of a skilled craftsman. What made this happen? Related Lesson

Learn about the complexities of how money works in the economy and why creating wealth isn't a matter of just printing more money. Related Lesson

Use hands-on activities to explore comparative advantage, opportunity cost and specialization. Students will learn how these key economic concepts help countries benefit from trade.

An explanation from the Bank of Canada about what determines the exchange rate of Canadian dollars for other currencies.

This video discusses the US national debt, the federal budget deficit, and plans for shrinking or eliminating the deficit. Along the way it gives a pretty good explanation of what government debt is and why most governments have debt.

Supply and demand is part of the very bedrock of an economy. It's what generates the price of any product or service.

A discussion of if raising the minimum wage would negatively affect employment in the United States.

How we think should wealth be distributed Canada versus how it actually is distributed.

Curious about your role in the Canadian economy? Complete this questionnaire, and your place will be revealed.