Grow your child's opportunities with an RESP

The importance of education
"Education is a gateway to higher earnings," according to Statistics Canada and the 2001 Census.

More than 60% of Canadians in the highest earning category - over $100,000 a year - have a university degree.

Between 1991 and 2001, average undergraduate tuition fees at Canadian universities rose by 135.4% - more than six times the rate of inflation. By the 2002/3 academic year, an undergraduate at a Canadian university faced tuition fees averaging $3,738 (Source: Statistics Canada, 2002). Fees are likely to continue to rise.

Whether you are hoping that your child will attend post-secondary school, or are an adult wishing to return to school yourself, you'll need a savings plan to make the dream a reality.

Your Investment Options
There are a number of options available that make saving for education as easy as possible.

Any one of these options - or a combination - might be the right solution for you. Your investment professional can help you determine what will work best for your situation.

• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)
  
• In-trust Accounts (ITAs)
  
• Formal Trusts
  
• Savings and Investment Accounts
  
• Lifelong Learning Plans (LLPs)

How does Ethical Funds^® fit into your education savings program?
If investing with values is important to you, then Ethical Funds is your education savings solution. As Canada's first family of sustainable investments, we use the following Core Values to help guide us in the management of our mutual funds:

1. Respect for the Environment
   Companies must recognize that ecosystems have intrinsic value and are essential to human well-being. Companies must reduce adverse impacts, adopt a precautionary approach to the environment, and help restore ecological health.
2. Respect for Stakeholders (Employees, Communities, Customers, and Shareholders)
   Companies must recognize that shareholders, employees, customers, and communities enjoy the benefits and bear the risk of business endeavours. Companies must offer solid financial performance, contribute positively to the local economy, demonstrate good ethics, governance, and accountability, and develop mechanisms for incorporating stakeholder priorities into strategy and operations.
3. Respect for Human Rights and Human Security
   Companies must acknowledge their responsibility to protect and promote human and labour rights within their sphere of influence, avoid complicity in human rights abuses, help reduce poverty, advance health and safety, contribute to good governance, and encourage the peaceful resolution of conflict.

Getting Started
Every dream is different and every student is unique.

That's why we recommend you consult your investment professional before you make any decisions about an education savings plan. They have the expertise to help you build a plan that works within your means to achieve your goals.

Talk to your Credential^® investment professional at Valley Credit Union today about how Ethical Funds can become a part of your education savings plan. Investing with Ethical Funds can make a difference in the future of your child, and help companies make the world a better place for all children.

For more information, visit www.ethicalfunds.com