Fidelity Investments survey finds wide support for a nationwide financial literacy requirement for high school grads
Financial advisors across Canada want high schoolers to learn about money, according to a new poll of almost 3,000 finance professionals.
Three quarters of those who took part said they “strongly support” a national mandate for financial literacy education in high schools including instruction in how to invest, budget and manage credit. And nine in ten favour making financial literacy, especially lessons on investing, a graduation requirement in Ontario and ideally part of a national standard.
The survey results arrive alongside findings from the 2025 Fidelity Investments Canada ULC Young Canadian Study, which show that while around 60% of teens (aged 15–17) believe learning to invest is important, a sizeable 59% experience negative emotions like fear, confusion or anxiety at the thought of investing.
Such emotional barriers highlight the urgency of introducing financial education at an earlier age, giving young people the tools and confidence to make informed financial choices by adulthood.
As part of their outreach, Fidelity has launched an initiative called Money Gains, a free learning series offering over 50 videos (in English and French) plus lesson plans for teachers. The programme covers investing, budgeting, debt and credit management with more content due later this year.
“Financial advisors add tremendous value to young Canadians starting out their career and investing journey. Alongside our educators, they play an important role in helping young Canadians become more knowledgeable about money and how to achieve their financial goals,” said Linda Passarelli, VP Talent Management at Fidelity Investments Canada.
Recent research from the National Payroll Institute found that Gen Zs are willing to save but still have some barriers to investing. But Chuck Grace, Professor Emeritus at the Ivey School of Business and Program Director for the Financial Wellness Lab, told WP that its important to focus financial education on where young Canadians are in their lives and what's motivating them right now.
“I would not spend an awful lot of time right now talking to Gen Z clients about RRSPs and retirement funds,” he said. “They have some other hurdles that come well before that. They're worried about saving for a house. They're worried about having enough money if they lose their job. They need some short-term savings and emergency accounts to make that happen.”
