Promoting saving and financial independence among low-income families has recently attracted fresh attention from social policymakers. Personal savings cushion against the adverse events that can knock vulnerable individuals and families from financial independence to social assistance, with important costs to them and to society. Even small nest-eggs, say some policy advocates, can promote forward thinking about personal investments, such as education, and encourage financial independence throughout life. Aside from a handful of pilot projects aimed at asset-building, and several education and retirement savings programs suited to people of middle and uppermiddle
incomes, Canadian governments up to now have not been active in this
area. There are, however, reasons to believe that this situation may change.