I would exercise some caution regarding this matter. I know that several years ago there were proposed amendments in place (I am uncertain as to whether they are now in effect) to discourage deliberate overcontributions to one's TFSA , as is illustrated in the following scenario:

"So what were sophisticated, savvy investors doing, and how is the government trying to prevent future abuses? Let's examine three scenarios:

Tom decides to over-contribute to his TFSA in 2009. While his contribution limit is only $5,000, he decides to invest an additional $100,000. His investment, in one million shares of a junior mining stock trading on the TSX Venture at 10 cents a share, is based on speculation that the stock will double within the next couple of weeks.

Tom is willing to pay the 1% per month penalty tax on the over-contributed amount, which equates to $1,000 the first month. Fortunately for Tom, the stock doubles and he immediately withdraws his $100,000 over-contribution. His TFSA has therefore realized a $100,000 gain, tax-free, and his cost was only the $1,000 penalty tax. Under the proposed rules, $100,000 of penalty tax will be payable, equal to the entire $100,000 gain, thus erasing the benefit of such a transaction."

https://www.cibc.com/ca/features/tfsa-proposed-amends.html

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New Penalties for TFSA Abusers

Although Tax-Free Savings Accounts are fairly new, many have found ways to abuse it. The Department of Finance has moved quickly to stop those abuses with penalty provisions which will be effective for TFSA transactions occurring after October 16, 2009:

• Excess Contributions. When taxpayers make contributions over the allowed maximum, they are subject to a 1% per month penalty until the amounts area is removed. However, if taxpayers are willing to pay the penalty tax in order to keep the money in the plan, hoping to reap an even higher tax-free return on the excess contribution, 100% of the gains will be subject to tax when deliberate over contributions occur after October 16, 2009.

http://www.josephtruscott.com/article46.htm

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Here is the CRA publication link :

RC4466 Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), Guide for Individuals

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4466/README.html

I have absolutely no background in accounting or taxation, but I think the aforementioned scenario (deliberate over-contribution) is considered "An Advantage"

as noted below (and viewed on page 19 of the PDF document) :

"An advantage also includes any benefit that is income (including a capital gain) that is reasonably attributable, directly or indirectly, to one of the following:

• deliberate over-contribution to a TFSA; or
• a prohibited investment for any TFSA of the holder."

Tax payable on an advantage

If the holder of a TFSA or a person not dealing at arm's length with the holder was provided with an advantage in relation to their TFSA during the year, a tax is payable which is:

• in the case of a benefit, the FMV of the benefit; and
• in the case of a loan or a debt, the amount of the loan or debt.

For a more complete definition of an advantage, see advantage.

The tax payable on an advantage extended in relation to a TFSA may apply to the holder of the TFSA or the TFSA issuer, depending on the specifics of each situation.

If the advantage is considered to be extended by the TFSA issuer, or by a person not dealing at arm’s length with the issuer, the issuer is liable to pay the tax, rather than the holder.

An individual subject to this tax must complete and file Form RC243, Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) Return.

For more information on the filing deadline for this return, see TFSA return and payment of taxes below."

I wouldn't assume that the financial person with whom you spoke to at your institution, necessarily knows their job...As a personal anecdote, several weeks ago I was making a wire transfer at a downtown TD Canada Trust here in Toronto (arguably Canada's financial capital). The teller queried me as to the reason for my wire transfer ( Silver Bullion ) and subsequently replied "Excuse me for my ignorance..." (I appreciated her politeness) "..but what is silver bullion?"