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.
Continue reading below to learn about our rich history and the milestones that have shaped who we are today.
Our Canadian Legacy of over a Century in leading Financial Literacy and Counselling
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.
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 104 years ago, the first community social service agency started a brand new program due to an expressed need in their catchment. 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.
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!
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