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(May 29, 2006) CCH Canadian Limited, a publisher of tax research, has launched a new guide for charities and their advisors, titled Charities, Non-Profits and Philanthropy Under the Income Tax Act.

“Providing legal and accounting-related planning and guidance can be a complicated and complex undertaking,” said Ian Rhind, president and CEO of CCH in Canada.

The guide provides up to date information on administering or advising charitable organizations and helping charities maintain compliance to the Act. The guide was written by tax lawyers William I. Innes and Patrick J. Boyle, both from Fraser Milner Casgrain.

“This publication gives charities, non-profits and their advisors the information they need to provide sound, practical advice on a wide range of non-profit and charity-related subjects,” said William I. Innes, counsel, FMC. “As much as possible we have endeavored to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly guide.”

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Manulife launches policy information tool

(May 29, 2006) Manulife Financial has launched a new information tool that will give advisors access to their clients’ policy information. Using InfoDirect, advisors can look up their clients’ policy details, billing information and financial history.

“We spoke to many of our advisors about what kind of tool they would need to make their life easier and we believe InfoDirect is the answer,” said Michael Doughty, senior vice president, individual insurance. “This is a significant step forward from previous tools. Advisors will be amazed how simple it is to find their client information, and then run reports that are useful to their business.”

InfoDirect connects various information systems to provide advisors with one-stop access to all their insurance client policy information.

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AIM Trimark changes money market manager

(May 29, 2006) AIM Trimark Investments has announced a shift in management of its money market funds, to Houston-based AIM Cash Management Team. The team will manage the Trimark Interest Fund, Trimark U.S. Money Market Fund and AIM Trimark Dialogue Allocation Fund.

“One of the benefits of being a global organization is our ability to leverage our tremendous in-house expertise,” said Patrick Farmer, AIM Trimark’s chief investment officer and executive vice president. “Our Houston team already manages a portion of our short-term cash investments, so it makes sense to lever their cash management capabilities across our whole line-up and allow the Trimark fixed-income team to continue to focus on their award winning, rigorous credit analysis process.”

The AIM Cash Management Team currently manages money market funds with more than US$50 billion in assets under management. The change in managers does not alter any of the funds’ investment objectives or investment strategies.

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OSC delays Juniper hearing

(May 29, 2006) The OSC has issued an order adjourning a hearing against the Juniper group of companies until September 21, 2006.

The OSC also extended its temporary order against the respondents in the case, which include The Juniper Fund Management Corp. Juniper Income Fund, Juniper Equity Growth Fund and the group’s head, Roy Brown.

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