CAIFA members will leave Ottawa today celebrating the next beginning for the organization. CAIFA and the Canadian Association of Financial Planners voted in favour of a merger on Saturday during CAIFA’s 2002 Annual General Meeting and National Conference.

The merger, which will take effect January 1, 2003, was the highlight of the four-day conference. Over one thousand professional financial advisors from across Canada attended the event, which wrapped up today.

During the conference, Brian Mallard was elected CAIFA chair. Mallard was chair of the merger task force and is also a member of CAFP. CAIFA’s board of directors will focus its efforts on a smooth transition to a merged organization and ensure that CAIFA’s qualifying designations, the CLU and CFP, remain emblematic of excellence in financial advice.

Radio and television personality Dini Petty hosted the Monday night gala event honouring winners of CAIFA’s professional development and chapter recognition awards. The Totem Pole award is presented to CAIFA chapters who achieve excellence in serving both their members and their local communities. CAIFA Kamloops received top honours at this year’s event.

Delegates and attendees will gather again for the first CAIFA/CAFP conference to be held June 11 to14, 2003, in St. John’s, Newfoundland.