Just before Data Privacy Day on Saturday, January 28, 2012, Jennifer Stoddart, Canada's Privacy Commissioner has released a new package of teaching tools called "Protecting Your Online Rep" for Grade 7 to Grade 12 students, their parents and their teachers. The tools are designed to help young Internet users understand and identify the privacy risks associated with their online activities, and how to protect their personal information online.

The package includes a video which speaks to kids directly. It can be viewed online or downloaded and used in discussions about privacy issues with your kids. A tip sheet includes 12 tips for parents to help them advise their children on how to limit the risks to their personal information but still be able to enjoy their time online. There are also slides, speaking notes and discussion topics for educators and community leaders to use for speaking about online privacy.

The package is available at the youth site of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

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Privacy in Canada
Role of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

On a freezing winter night in 1916, the Canadian Parliament Buildings in Ottawa caught fire. Seven people were killed and the Centre Block was reduced to icy rubble. Prime Minister Robert Borden, who was in his office at the time, escaped down a back stairway. With World War I raging in Europe, rumours spread that the fire was caused by enemy sabotage, but a Royal Commission into the fire determined that the cause was accidental. Here's a summary of the Parliament Buildings fire and also a photo gallery of historic Pictures of the Parliament Buildings Fire.

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An Introduction to Parliament in Canada
Canadian Members of Parliament
Canadian Parliament Glossary

In what appears to be a New Years tradition, Canadian postage rates went up on January 16, 2012.

The price of a stamp to mail a standard-sized first-class letter, card or postcard inside Canada went up two cents, from 59 cents to 61 cents.

Mailing a letter to the United States has also gone up two cents to $1.05 from $1.03. Mailing letters to other countries now costs $1.80, up a nickel from $1.75.

If you're like the rest of us, it probably won't affect you too much, but sometimes you do have to use the regular mail. It's always a good idea to buy PERMANENT stamps (the ones without a denomination) so you can use them even when the price changes. For more details, see Canada Post's Prices.

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Postal Services in Canada
Postal Codes Lookup
Postal Abbreviations of Canadian Provinces
Postal Services in Canada

While you can contribute to your RRSP at any time during the year, many Canadians wait until January and February to take advantage of this tax break. This year the deadline to make RRSP contributions eligible for deductions on your 2011 income tax is midnight February 29, 2012. RRSPs - the Great Canadian Tax Break explains the basics on RRSPs. If you're not sure what your RRSP contribution limit is for your 2011 income taxes, here are 4 ways to find out your RRSP contribution limit.

Photo: Plush Studios / Getty Images

RRSPs and Canadian Income Taxes
RRSPs and the Home Buyers Plan
T4RSP Tax Slips
T4RIF Tax Slips
RRSPs in Canada