National Popcorn Day: A Small Treat with a Big Opportunity for Canadian Families
January 19 is National Popcorn Day—a fun reminder to enjoy one of Canada’s favourite snacks. Whether it’s movie night at home or a cozy winter afternoon, popcorn is affordable, comforting, and easy to share. This year, National Popcorn Day is also a great opportunity to think about something else that can start small and grow into something meaningful: the Canada Learning Bond (CLB).
The Canada Learning Bond is a federal government grant designed to help children from income eligible families save for post-secondary education. What makes the CLB unique is that no personal contributions are required. Eligible children can receive up to $2,000 toward education after high school, simply by opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
Much like popcorn kernels, the CLB starts small but has the potential to grow over time. An initial $500 is deposited when an RESP is opened for an eligible child, followed by $100 each year until the child turns 15. When combined with time and investment growth, this funding can help offset the cost of tuition, books, tools, or training programs—making education more accessible and less stressful for families.
National Popcorn Day reminds us that small, simple actions can make a big difference. Taking a few minutes to open an RESP and access the Canada Learning Bond is one of those actions. It’s a no-cost step that can support a child’s future goals, whether they dream of college, university, apprenticeship, or other training.
So as you enjoy a bowl of popcorn today, consider popping open a conversation about education savings. A small kernel of effort today could grow into a powerful opportunity tomorrow—one that helps ensure every child has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
