ASC launches online scavenger hunt to kick off Investor Education Month

CALGARY, Oct 6 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is launching an online scavenger hunt for Albertans to promote the investor tools and resources it has available. The contest kicked off today to mark Investor Education Month in October.  Albertans can enter by reading clues posted on Twitter or the ASC website (www.albertasecurities.com). Once they find the answer in the ASC's investor tools and resources, Albertans may then submit that answer via Twitter or the ASC's website. Each correct answer they submit will equal an entry into a draw where one lucky winner will receive a Kindle.

"The ASC is an unbiased, free source of investor education with resources and tools that teach the public about investing and how to avoid unsuitable investments," says Tamera Van Brunt, ASC's director of Communications and Investor Education. "We hope that through the contest, Albertans will become more familiar with the information we have available for investors on our website and how to find it."

According to a recent survey, 84 per cent of Albertans recognize the need for reliable unbiased information about investing and 82 per cent agree that it is their responsibility to acquire the skills they need to make sound investment decisions.  However, when asked, only 34 per cent said they actually sought information about investing (Source: CSA Investor Index 2009). The ASC's goal during Investor Education Month and throughout the year is to raise awareness of the ASC and its investor education, investing and fraud prevention resources.

The contest begins on October 6 and closes on October 29. Albertans can find out how to participate by following ASC on Twitter@ASCUpdates or viewing the contest page and rules on the ASC website. 

The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted to foster a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and to protect investors.  As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.

For further information:

For Media Inquiries:	Mark Dickey Senior Communications Advisor 403.297.4481
For Investor Inquiries:	ASC Public Inquiries Toll Free 1.877.355.4488