Empowering New Canadians: Inside a Financial Planning Workshop

A version of this article was originally published in the fall 2025 issue of FP Standard Magazine. You can download it or read the full issue online. 

The Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning™ is partnering with community organizations to improve access to financial planning support for people from underserved communities. The Foundation is an independent registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by supporting widespread access to financial planning.  

Through free workshops and one-on-one sessions, the organization aims to improve the financial well-being of those who are financially vulnerable and facing barriers to support. The workshop described here provides an example of the real-world impact of the Foundation’s work.  

Toronto-based Yonge Street Mission (YSM), a social service provider, recently hosted an education session called “Getting Started in Canada: Money Basics.” Facilitated by the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning and led by Henry Fajardo, CFP^®, financial planning strategist with HR Fajardo & Associates in Toronto, the workshop was geared towards work-ready job seekers—many of them new to Canada and lacking the knowledge necessary to navigate the financial system.   

“We saw it as a good opportunity to enrich our participants and our community members with financial literacy, and give them an overview of what might be expected as they find their first jobs here in Canada,” says Timothy Valles, YSM’s Workforce Development in Training Supervisor.   

An Engaging Discussion  

As the workshop got underway, Valles sensed tension in the room that may have stemmed from worries participants had about their work prospects in a difficult job market and uncertainty about what to expect in the session. But, as Fajardo began to speak, using plain language everyone could understand, that tension eased. An important signal that things were moving in the right direction was when audience members relaxed enough to enjoy the provided food.   

“People started to ask questions and started to feel more comfortable, and everyone started eating,” Valles says. “It was awesome to see the room warm up.”   

Feedback after the workshop confirmed the session was helpful, with participants demonstrating their engagement by suggesting topics they’d like to learn about in the future.   

Now, YSM is exploring the idea of more workshops in partnership with the Foundation.   

“As Henry came and did his workshop, it was clear this is very palatable for all learning levels,” Valles explains. “We would like to do this once a month to engage our community members.”    

Workshops that address financial challenges and opportunities fit well within YSM’s all-encompassing approach to addressing poverty in Toronto, which includes programs such as employment support, food services, housing support, and more.   

“Finances are a very sensitive topic. However, they’re necessary in understanding how to navigate in Canadian society. Getting clarity on these matters is really important, and I think it’s a very effective way of equipping someone for success.”  

YSM is just one organization that has partnered with the Foundation to deliver educational workshops for community members. As the Foundation grows, its goal is to offer workshops tailored to diverse cultural, linguistic, and demographic communities across Canada.