October is Investor Education Month, and today also marks the first day of World Investor Week in Canada.

In these uncertain times, investor education and protection are more important than ever. We'll be hosting several virtual events throughout the month to help you better manage your finances and make informed investing decisions.

Learn more about the Ontario Securities Commission's (OSC) investor education and outreach activities in October and initiatives from other securities regulators around the world.

Always check the registration of any person or business trying to sell you an investment or give you investment advice. Registration helps protect you from unqualified or fraudulent individuals. Search for the name of a person or business by visiting CheckBeforeYouInvest.ca

If you need help, call us at the Ontario Securities Commission at 1-877-785-1555.

A well-thought-out investment plan can help you achieve a more secure financial future. There are many different types of investment products and a plan can help you choose the right ones for your financial situation and circumstance. It can guide your investing decisions, especially in times of uncertainty and market volatility. Learn more

You’ve likely heard the phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” When it comes to investing, having a mix of different investments in your portfolio can help reduce risk and improve overall investment returns. The right mix is different for each individual and situation. Learn more

Meet Susan Greenglass, Director of the Market Regulation Branch at the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).

We recently sat down with Susan to talk about the current consultation on the self-regulatory organization framework, some of the key issues being examined, and what stakeholders can expect in the months ahead. Read the interview

COVID-19 & Your Retirement Savings

Here are some financial tips if you are worried about your retirement savings. If you are near retirement, stock market volatility and a low-interest rate environment may have you wondering if your retirement nest egg will be enough. Before making any major decisions, speak to your financial advisor or review your retirement plan to understand the financial and tax impacts. Learn more

COVID-19 & Your Investments

Tyler Fleming, Director of the OSC's Investor Office, was on BNN Bloomberg this morning on behalf of securities regulators across the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) to discuss investor education and protection activities during the pandemic, and to kick-off Investor Education Month and World Investor Week. Watch on BNN Bloomberg

Highlighting the Importance of Financial Education

To mark the "back-to-school" season for investors and highlight the importance of financial education, the OSC’s Investor Office opened the Toronto Stock Exchange. Joining Tyler and Investor Office staff were Grant Vingoe, OSC Acting Chair and CEO, and Leslie Byberg, OSC Executive Director. Watch the Opening Bell

Investment Recovery Calculator

Have your investments suffered a loss during the pandemic? Use our Investment Recovery Calculator to estimate how long it could take for your investments to recover after a market downturn and how long it could take to get back on track to reach your original goal. Learn more

Pay Down Debt or Invest Calculator

If you have extra money, should you pay off debt or invest? Use our Pay Down Debt or Invest Calculator to find out what your investment must earn to match the return from using your money to reduce debt. Learn more

#COVIDFraudChat Twitter Chat

Join our upcoming Twitter chat on October 7, 2020 at 1 p.m. by following us @smarter_money or using the hashtag #COVIDFraudChat.

Alongside law enforcement, community organizations and other regulators, we'll be raising awareness of financial fraud during the pandemic as well as sharing tips on how you can protect your money.  

Telephone townhalls are a way for the OSC's Investor Office to connect with thousands of Ontarians at a time, in the comfort of their own home. Telephone townhalls work much like a call-in radio show where OSC staff provide information, answer questions and conduct live polls over the course of one hour.

As part of our Investor Education Month activities, we're hosting a telephone townhall on October 19, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. about investing basics and avoiding fraud. Register now

Investor Education in Canada 2020

The CSA recently published Investor Education in Canada 2020, an annual activity report which highlights CSA and member jurisdictions' investor education and fraud prevention initiatives. Read the report