And the winner is…

The 2007 Canadian Investment Awards were handed out at a gala event held in Toronto Thursday night. There was no runaway winner this year, as the individual fund category awards were spread across 17 firms. But some firms fared better than others.

“Every year highlights extraordinary products, initiatives and leaders within the Canadian financial services industry,” said Sabine Steinbrecher, CIA president and founder of the Canadian Investment Awards. “This year was no exception, with a record number of entries into our judged awards and another sold-out gala. This industry has proven itself committed to providing advisor and investor education, while developing products that meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace.”

The standout was Phillips, Hager & North, which took home an industry-leading four awards, including ones for the best Canadian Fixed Income, High Yield Fixed Income, Canadian Income Pooled and Global Balanced Pooled funds. PH&N was also a finalist in three other categories.

A far smaller firm, Mawer Investment Management, took home three honours, including awards for its International Equity Fund, International Equity Pooled Fund, and Canadian Equity Pooled Fund.

Better still, Mawer is home to Gerald Cooper-Key, manager of Mawer World Investment and chairman of the Calgary-based firm, who was named the Morningstar Fund Manager of the Year.

Fidelity also won three individual fund awards: Canadian Equity Fund (>50% Canada), Asian Equity Fund and Canadian Balanced Pooled Fund.

Not to be outdone, AGF Funds received awards for its Emerging Markets Equity Fund, European Equity Fund and Precious Metals Equity Fund. Adding to that haul was chairman and CEO Blake Goldring, who was named Person of Influence of the Year.

Dynamic Funds was named Advisors’ Choice Investment Fund Company of the Year, and took home awards for its U.S. Equity Fund and Opportunistic Strategy Hedge Fund.

CI Investments was named CGI Inc. 2007 Analysts’ Choice Investment Fund Company of the Year, and won awards in the Canadian Balanced Fund and U.S. Equity Pooled Fund categories.

Claude Lamoureux, the soon-to-retire president and CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, received the Career Achievement Award.

“We are continuing the celebration of excellence and innovation with our new green commitment. This award will be given next year to a leading organization who best accomplishes their green company initiatives,” said Steinbrecher. “Our goal is to recognize investment institutions and to encourage those who make a difference by reducing their footprint.”

Filed by Steven Lamb, Advisor.ca, steven.lamb@advisor.rogers.com