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Michael Jantzi, head of SRI research firm Jantzi-Sustainalytics, has been named the winner of the inaugural Canadian SRI Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Canadian Responsible Investment Conference in Toronto.

Jantzi, 46, has been working in the SRI field since 1990, founded Jantzi Research, and is the co-author of “The 50 Best Ethical Stocks for Canadians.”

Nominees for the award included: Peter Chapman, executive director of the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE); Bill Davis, a key member of the Taskforce on Churches and Corporate Responsibility, which actively campaigned against apartheid in South Africa; and Moira Hutchinson, also of the Taskforce on Churches and Corporate Responsibility.

“Many have gone before me,” Jantzi said in his acceptance speech. “These issues have now gone mainstream, but it’s important to step back and honour those who laid the groundwork.”

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Provinces to see strong growth in 2010: Scotia

Canada’s economic recovery continues to gain steam, with every province participating, according to Scotia Economics’ Provincial Trends report. The countries GDP growth is expected to average 3.6% for the full year, making it the strongest growth in a decade.

Alberta is expected to lead the provinces, with growth of 4.1% fueled by a resurgent resource sector. Next door in British Columbia, GDP is expected to grow 3.8%, getting a boost from the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“For Saskatchewan, potash exports are expected to regain a fair portion of the ground lost last year, while domestic demand will continue to benefit from strong population gains, leading to GDP growth of 3.9%,” said Alex Koustas, economist, Scotia Economics. “Manitoba’s recovery will be slightly more subdued, with rebounding manufacturing activity contributing to GDP growth of 3.1%.”

Ontario will grow 3.6%, as the auto sector rebuilds inventory and the service sector provides a stable base for growth.

Raw materials, the aerospace industry and strong infrastructure investment will drive the Quebec economy to 3.1% growth.

“New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are forecast to experience growth of 2.3% and 2.2% respectively, with service sector strength and a moderate recovery in exports as the main catalysts,” said Koustas. “GDP growth of 2.3% is forecast for Prince Edward Island, as healthy tourism activity offsets a slowdown in potato production. Newfoundland and Labrador is forecast to experience growth of 3.8% due in large part to an improved performance in the commodities sector.”

He warns that the end of monetary and fiscal stimulus could have a cooling affect across the country, with the housing sector possibly bearing the brunt.

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IA Securities outsources back office

Industrial Alliance Securities has selected National Bank Correspondent Network to provide clearing, settlement, custody and operational support services, effective July 23, 2010.

“At IA Securities, we strive to deliver the highest level of service to our investment advisors and investor clients,” said Lise Douville, president of IA Securities. “In NBCN, we have found a partner that shares that view and is committed to helping us deliver on the vision through its strong focus on service and technology. Outsourcing to NBCN presents a tremendous opportunity to make the business stronger.”

IA Securities administers over $2.2 billion in assets. Its parent company Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., is the fourth largest life and health insurance company in Canada.

(06/16/10)