The Institute of Financial Planning and FP Canada launch new foundation to improve financial well-being of Canadians

Montréal and Toronto, November 26, 2024 – The Institute of Financial Planning and FP CanadaTM are proud to announce the joint launch of the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning, an independent registered charity dedicated to making financial planning more accessible to all.

The Foundation's mission is to equip Canadians with the knowledge and tools they need to create their own paths to financial resilience. The Foundation will achieve this mission with the help of volunteer financial planners, through a variety of programs:

  • Free financial planning seminars and webinars in cooperation with community-based organizations
  • A pro bono program that will connect eligible Canadians with professional financial planners
  • Online tools and resources

Helping those who need it most

The Foundation’s focus will be on financially vulnerable groups, including low-income earners, youth, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers to Canada, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Foundation is also committed to delivering its programs on a national scale. By collaborating with community partners and professional financial planners across Canada, the Foundation will ensure that its programs are not only accessible but also culturally relevant and tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities.

“Financial planning is a powerful tool that can empower Canadians to build financial resilience and confidently navigate the complex financial world. I'm very proud of what we'll be doing, and of the impact the Foundation will have for vulnerable people who need access to financial planning advice, but don't have it right now. We'll be able to make a difference in people's lives,” said Chantal Lamoureux, President and CEO of the Institute of Financial Planning, and Foundation Board Member.

“Many Canadians are struggling financially and are unsure where to turn for help,” says Carolyn Fallis, CFP®, Chair, Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning. “We know that financial planning can play a significant role in helping Canadians achieve financial resilience. The Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning will help break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing the professional advice they need.”

“The Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning will play a critical role in making financial planning accessible to all Canadians. This is a goal we’re deeply committed to at FP Canada as part of our vision of financial wellness for all Canadians,” says Tashia Batstone, President and CEO of FP Canada, and Treasurer on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to take control of their finances and build a more secure future, and the Foundation will help make that possible.”

Expanding impact through generous support

In addition to support from FP Canada and the Institute of Financial Planning, which are the Foundation’s Founding Members, the Foundation is honored to announce RBC Foundation as a Founding Partner. RBC's generous support will be instrumental in enabling the Foundation to expand its reach and impact.

“RBC and RBC Foundation are committed to driving more equitable opportunities for prosperity in our communities. This includes collaborating with organizations to help Canadians live secure and resilient lives and support them with equitable opportunity to build financial well-being,” says Andrea Barrack, SVP, Sustainability and Impact, RBC and Executive Director, RBC Foundation. “RBC Foundation is proud to support the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning, which aims to help reduce barriers for those in our communities who are most financially vulnerable.”

The Foundation is continuing to seek additional support to help bring its vision to life, and expects to begin rolling out programs in 2025.

Announcing the inaugural Board of Directors

Leading the Foundation in its mission is a volunteer Board of Directors whose diverse experience and expertise will guide the organization’s strategic direction:

  • Chair: Carolyn Fallis, CFP®
  • Treasurer: Tashia Batstone, MBA, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D
  • Shawn Brayman, FP Canada Fellow
  • Jennifer Curpen, CFP®
  • Caroline Dabu, FEA, GCB.D
  • Nola Joorisity, FCPA, FCA, CMA, C.Dir
  • Annick Kwetcheu Gamo, MBA, M.SC
  • Chantal Lamoureux, LL. B., FCHRP, ICD.D
  • Doretta Thompson, CAPA (Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator)
  • Sylvain B. Tremblay, F.Pl.

About the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning

The Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning is an independent registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by supporting widespread access to the benefits of financial planning. Our work impacts all Canadians, no matter their financial circumstances.

By collaborating with our partners and volunteer financial planner professionals, we help ensure that those who need it most have improved access to financial planning advice and the knowledge and skills to feel financially secure.

For more information or to make a donation, visit canadianfoundationforfinancialplanning.ca.

About the Institute of Financial Planning

For 35 years, the Institute of Financial Planning has been a pillar of financial planning in Quebec. It has established itself on the North American scene by setting the highest standards. The Institute has made financial planners the experts sought after by clients keen to preserve and increase their wealth.

As a leader in developing and promoting personal financial planning, the Institute of Financial Planning's mission is to ensure that today’s and tomorrow’s financial services professionals have the knowledge, the know-how and the social skills required to contribute to the financial well-being of people, families, and communities. The Institute of Financial Planning, previously known as the Institut québécois de planification financière, updated its brand identity in 2023, in keeping with its new mission and vision.

For more information, visit https://institutpf.org/en/. 

About FP Canada  

Established in 1995, FP Canada is a national not-for-profit education, certification and professional oversight organization working in the public interest. FP Canada is dedicated to championing better financial wellness for all Canadians by leading the advancement of professional financial planning in Canada. 

For more information, visit fpcanada.ca.