The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) on Friday announced its board of directors for 2016-2017, and welcomed Burlington, Ont.-based Portland Investment Counsel Inc. as a new member of the association.

The incoming board features John Adams, CEO of PFSL Investments Canada, as chairman, and Ross Kappele, EVP & head of retail distribution at BMO Asset Management Canada, as first vice chairman.

The rest of the 26-member board includes representatives from most of the major fund firms and several dealers, along with industry infrastructure firm Fundserv Inc.

The slate of directors was approved at IFIC’s board meeting on Sept. 8.

Click here for a complete list of board members.

“We are on the cusp of significant regulatory and technological changes that will have far-reaching implications for the industry and investors,” said Adams, in a statement. “The outstanding quality and commitment of our directors enables us to provide thoughtful, fact-based input to policy-making and regulatory decisions as we strive to ensure a strong, stable investment sector where investors can realize their financial goals.”

IFIC also approved the membership of Portland, an investment fund manager, portfolio manager, and exempt market dealer headed by Michael Lee-Chin, at its Sept. 8 board meeting.

Paul Bourque, IFIC president and CEO, welcomed the firm: “Each new member and affiliate broadens our understanding of industry concerns, and strengthens our ability to represent the full spectrum of industry and investor interests.”

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