SEDI's programs have had remarkdable success helping Canadians move forward economically through saving incentives and financial education.

The idea is to enable Canadians with low incomes to save money in order to acquire assets such as a new business, post-secondary education, job training, or a home.

Our pilot programs, learn$ave and the Independent Living Account (ILA), have provided solid evidence that, when equipped with the proper financial incentives and supports, low-income individuals can and do save towards long-term assets.

In early 2009, SEDI wrapped up learn$ave, a nine-year experiment and the world's largest research demonstration of asset building accounts. Interim results from the program show that it is particularly effective for people new to Canada. To learn more about learn$ave, click here.

The ILA program is currently being offered in shelters across Toronto. Click here for more information on the program.