Two Canadian equity managers at C.I. Funds received four Canadian Mutual Fund Awards at last night’s gala.

“C.I. is known for its strong lineup of global funds, but these awards recognize the industry-leading expertise and performance of our Canadian portfolio management teams,” said, Peter Anderson, president of C.I.

Gerry Coleman, lead portfolio manager of C.I.’s Harbour Funds, was named Fund Manager of the Year. One of Mr. Coleman’s funds, the C.I. Harbour Segregated Fund, was named Best Segregated Canadian Equity Fund.

In addition, two funds managed by Eric Bushell, senior vice president in C.I.’s Signature Funds group, received awards. Signature Select Canadian Fund was named Best Canadian Equity Fund, while Signature Dividend Fund was named Best Dividend Fund. Bushell was also a finalist for Fund Manager of the Year.

Mr. Coleman, lead manager of Harbour Fund and Harbour Growth & Income Fund, is a 35-year veteran of the investment industry who follows a disciplined value-oriented approach. He has established a solid track record of first-quartile returns with below-average risk.

“We focus on solid companies that will appreciate in value over time,” Coleman says. “Our style is not high-octane. We just stride along, year after year, with low volatility and great results over the long term.”

Under. Bushell’s guidance, the Signature Select Canadian Fund has become the top-performing Canadian equity mutual fund over the three years ending October 31, 2001, with an average annual return of 21.5%.

Bushell follows an approach that seeks “growth at a reasonable price” and which emphasizes larger-cap, dividend-paying companies. He also has a strong contrarian bent.