FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2010     

Recent study uncovers optimistic stats about Manitobans’ preparedness for retirement

Winnipeg, MB, October 12, 2010 –  Manitobans should be hopeful about their readiness for retirement. As part of Investor Education Month, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and The Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) released the results of the 2010 Survey on Retirement and Investing. The survey looks at statistics at the provincial and national levels, and revealed a couple of impressive statistics about Manitobans’ preparedness for retirement, compared to the rest of the country. 

The two most prominent Manitoba stats are as follows:

• 80% of Manitobans have investments (either personal or through a pension plan) set aside for the future, as compared to the next highest province, Alberta, at 69%.
  
•  Manitobans are more likely to believe that they will have enough money for their retirement needs (62% agree that they definitely or probably will have enough), as compared to the next highest provinces, Ontario and Quebec at 52% each.

“We are very pleased with these statistics,” said Don Murray, Chair of the Manitoba Securities Commission. “They indicate that Manitobans are playing an active role in retirement planning. This can have many positive spin offs for both individuals and our province.”

While the statistics suggest that Manitobans are ready for retirement, it is important that individuals continue to be engaged in planning for their future. “We don’t want to see investors becoming complacent. Keeping abreast of changes in investment markets, keeping an up-to-date portfolio, and monitoring current investments is critical for retirement preparation,” said Ainsley Cunningham, Manager, Education and Communications with the MSC. “And for those not currently involved in planning for their future we have a variety of educational resources that will help them to learn about the investing markets and make informed investment decisions.”

Investors can visit The Manitoba Securities Commission’s website to find resources on investing, choosing an adviser, and checking if an individual or company is registered to sell securities. This information, along with complete full 2010 CSA Survey on Retirement and Investing is available at msc.gov.mb.ca

About The Manitoba Securities Commission
The Manitoba Securities Commission is a special operating agency of the Government of Manitoba that protects investors through educational programming and promotes fair and efficient capital markets throughout the province.

About the 2010 CSA Survey on Retirement and Investing
The survey was released as part of Investor Education Month in October. Conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of the CSA, the online study asked more than 2,300 Canadian adults about their financial readiness for retirement and behaviour towards investment opportunities.

The CSA, the council of securities regulators of Canada’s provinces and territories, coordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

To arrange an interview or for more information please contact:

Ainsley Cunningham, Manager, Education and Communications
The Manitoba Securities Commission
Phone (204) 945-4733
Cell (204) 619-1756