The Investor Learning Centre is switching its focus to original research on matters of fundamental value to the investing public.

In this new initiative, the ILC plans to partner with major Canadian universities, students and others. More information will be available as the details are finalized. “Over the past seven years, the ILC has established a good reputation in creating educational programs for Canadians,” said Fred Ketchen, ILC’s chairman. “Now, in this new phase, we want to facilitate and encourage a more vibrant discussion on issues pertaining to the capital markets. Our goal ultimately will be to impart a broader understanding of the principles which impact on safety and access.”

The ILC was established in 1996 to originate and support educational and research initiatives pertaining to capital markets, savings and investments and personal financial planning. At the time, few similar resources existed. Today, however, investors can choose from a variety of educational services that are much more deeply funded and have mandates to serve the beginner-investor markets.

As part of the new focus, the ILC will no longer offer seminars and distribute books and pamphlets. The Canadian Securities Institute will continue to offer the seminar “Intelligent Investing” in an accessible on-line course version. The CSI series was conceived and developed prior to the launch of the ILC and has been continuously updated. The CSI will maintain and operate the ILC Web site pending a decision on its ultimate future.