As soon as you get your allowance or pay cheque, and before buying anything else, take the amount you want to save and deposit it in your savings account. An RRSP allows you to save on income taxes immediately, and the interest it accumulates is tax-free. The younger you start saving, the more money you'll eventually have. When you get a job, remember that part of your salary will go to income taxes, Employment Insurance, and Canada Pension Plan. If you do borrow money, make sure you have a repayment plan, in writing, that includes the interest rate, plus how much you'll pay back and when.
All loans have to be repaid, including student loans.
If you default, it will appear on your credit history for a long time. But a credit card needs to be in your name to be a credit reference for you. Not all credit cards are created equal. Interest rates and terms vary widely, and you will also need to consider annual fees and benefits offered. Be careful not to make a policy of using a credit card whenever you want something you can't afford.