Investors Group executive consultant Valmond Santerre was awarded the Quebec Finance Grand Prix Award in the Financial Planner of the Year category at the third annual Financial Industry Gala held last night in Montreal.

Based in Rimouski, Santerre and his team offer services throughout most of eastern Quebec.

The award recognizes financial planning professionals who have distinguished themselves through the development of long-term client relationships, initiatives that foster a better understanding of the importance of financial planning, as well as professional and socio-economic involvement.

Santerre credited the work of his team, in addition to the support of Investors Group, and its partner fund management companies. “It is through teamwork that we achieve our primary objective: to help people reach financial freedom and peace of mind,” he said.

In its third year, the Financial Industry Gala is a unique event in Canada, as it gathers under a single roof all of the different facets of the industry.

The Awards of Excellence aim to publicly recognize the dynamic and innovative professionals working within the industry, as well as the key role played by financial institutions in the economic development of Quebec and Canada.

The Financial Industry Gala was held in tandem with two major tradeshows taking place in Montreal, namely the Savings and Investment Marketplace and the Shareholders’ Exhibition.