The 8th annual Canadian Investment Awards (formerly Canadian Mutual Fund Awards) and Gala has announced a number of enhancements including four new award categories, and expanded the Analyst voting Committee.

As well, a new website (www.investmentawards.com) has been launched to provide information.

The Canadian Investment Awards is the event that recognizes and rewards financial services companies and individuals for their excellence and contributions to the industry.

Tuesday markd the kick-off of the 2002 Canadian Investment Awards voting and submission period. Its analyst committee has been expanded to vote on 20 award categories including four new award categories:

> European Equity Fund of the Year

> International Equity Fund of the Year

> Foreign Bond Fund of the Year

> Canadian Income Trust Fund of the Year

The Analyst committee now includes 20 investment industry professionals that broadly represent the independent and affiliated research analysts that make up the Canadian financial services sector. This voting body along with special juries, investors and advisors submit their selections for such prestigious awards including:

> Analysts’ Choice Awards

> Best Marketing Initiatives

> Career Achievement Award

> Investors Choice Awards

> Fund Company of the Year

“With over 50% of the event’s tickets already sold out, we anticipate our expanded recognition will also reflect new entrants that evening including insurance companies, alternative investment managers and investment counselors”, stated Sabine Steinbrecher, Founder, Canadian Investment Awards and Gala. “We expect again this year over 650 senior industry professionals to attend including the mutual fund industry, financial advisors, media and the technology and marketing professionals who support the industry.”

The gala will take place at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel on December 4, 2002.

2002 Analysts’ Committee Members:

Garnet Anderson
Assante Wealth Management

Scott Barlow
CIBC Wood Gundy

Raynor Burke
National Bank Financial

Stephen Burnie
Morningstar Canada

Kim Burchby
Credential Group

Alex Chan
Fundata Canada

Ranga Chand
Carmichael & Co.

Rana Chauhan
Investment Planning Counsel

Geraldo Ferreira
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.

Ian Filderman
Scotia Capital

James Gauthier
Dundee Securities

Kevin Grennan
Bell Globemedia Interactive

Dan Hallett
Sterling Mutual Funds

Henry Hudek
IQON Financial

Steve Kangas
Fund Library

Peter Loach
BMO Nesbitt Burns

Jean Maltais
Cartier Partners

Paul Mayhew
RBC Dominion Securities

Paul Partridge
Manulife Financial

Dom Rando
TD Asset Management