A Canadian Legacy
Continuing to Raise the Standard
Our organization has a proud history of overseeing financial literacy counseling, education, and stewardship in Canada. We have continually evolved and adapted to meet the pressing needs of Canadians, ensuring that our industry remains vibrant and inclusive. Our accredited professionals reflect the rich diversity of our communities.
We are dedicated to building on our history and the lessons learned to elevate the Standard—the benchmark that embodies the best of our industry practices. This Standard enhances protection for vulnerable individuals against unscrupulous and predatory practices while unifying diverse approaches to financial literacy and counselling across Canada.
View our Timeline of Legacy below to learn about our rich history and the milestones that have shaped who we are today.
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Our Canadian Legacy of over a Century in leading Financial Literacy and Counselling Accreditation and Certification
CAFE has been the pioneering force in financial literacy and counselling certification in Canada. Combining the strengths of both the Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services (OACCS) and the Canadian Association of Credit Counselling Services (CACCS), we continue to lead the industry as the unified voice and certification body by evolving to represent an ever changing Canadian landscape. Bringing with us our OACCS Statute, we proudly carry the title of being at the core of all that exists in financial literacy counselling in Canada. No matter how the service we started may be marketed by name, we will continue to advocate for our core objectives on behalf of all that need financial literacy and counselling supports.
The words that define a practice may change throughout time, but the morality and human decency that defines our intent, is always and will always be our core.
Over 100 years ago, the first community social service agency started in Ontario, which would eventually become one of our founding members. They needed to build a new social service due to an expressed community need. Families were needing assistance and help to understand and navigate money management. The first vision of what was titled Credit Counselling provided financial literacy and counselling to individuals and families in need. During the following decades, additional agencies would open throughout Canada, building on and sharing best practices.
These founding agencies knew that a governing body would be necessary to represent and provide for governance and oversight. A vulnerable sector required protection. The industry was coined “Credit Counselling” and the Ontario Association for Not-For-Profit Credit Counselling Services was formed to further enhanced education and the availability and access of community financial literacy and counselling.
1968
Formation of OACCS, establishing the foundation for professional credit counselling standards in Canada.
1980s
Pioneered North America's first voluntary non-profit Credit Counselling Accreditation Program.
1996
Received Royal Assent for unique legislation - the only Act of its kind in North America for not-for-profit Credit Counselling.
1996
Having created national standards for the operations of agencies, OACCS commences to create professional standards for counsellors.
2001
OACCS forms Credit Counselling Canada (CCC) in its first attempt to showcase an already existing national representation.
2003
Strategic partnership formed with Family Services Ontario, expanding the reach and impact of credit counselling services across the province.
2005
Strategic partnership with AFCPE, commencing OACCS 1st global relationship on financial counselling certification standards.
2006
Launch of the prestigious AFCC® designation, setting the highest professional and mandatory standard for credit counsellors in Canada.
2007
Launch of Financial Fitness Trademark and national media campaign and training program. With support of Environics Research, the Financial Fitness Index starts pioneering data-driven approaches to financial health measurement.
2008
Market crash and recession causes massive shift in industry with mass marketing efforts using "credit counselling" for unaccredited services in for-profit spaces. More unscrupulous players start appearing with predatory products and processes.
2009
OACCS collaborates with five of Canada's leading Social Service organizations to secure Ontario Trillium Grant, establishing the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.
2010
Recommendations to the federal Task Force on Financial Literacy influence national financial education policy.
2012
Launch of online training platforms, including Financial Fitness Coaching and a Problem Gambling Program.
2013
Groundbreaking research with Equifax Canada demonstrates superior outcomes for credit counselling clients.
2015
Introduction of Academic membership class aimed at fostering research and professional development in financial counselling.
2020-2021
Implementation of transformative three-year strategy focused on rebuilding, establishing connections, and expanding the organization.
2022
Launch of The AFCC Learning labs and expanded certification pathways, modernizing professional development and client support. Formation of new AFCC Comprehensive Exam Committee.
2024
Historic launch of CAFE, unifying OACCS and CACCS to create a modern framework for financial counselling excellence across Canada. Launch of the Financial Literacy Leaders Summit, transforming the Financial Fitness Forum into an inclusive platform.
2025
Launch of Empowerment CAFÉ, a secure digital community platform for AFCC Candidates and Alumni, and CAFE CONNECT, integrating BudgetSimple technology with CAFE-certified courses to enhance financial empowerment services.
Join Us in Empowering Canadians!
CAFE is a Non-Profit seeking partners, donors or sponsors, that share our commitment to elevating the standard of financial Literacy and counselling, education, certification and furthering Professional Development education. This helps to ensure increased access to certified, ethical professionals for all Canadians.
Stand with us and make a meaningful impact by supporting financial empowerment across the country.
Fill out the form to learn how you can get involved or partner with us today!