The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) today announced its sponsorship of a new category in the Canadian Investment Awards (CIA) that recognizes excellence in investor education by members of the Canadian investment fund industry.

The first IFIC Investor Education Award will be presented on November 30, at the 12th Annual Canadian Investment Awards and Gala.

The award will be given to an investment fund manager, dealer or integrated firm that has produced an exceptional educational initiative aimed at investors. One winner will be awarded from three finalists based on submissions.

The award criteria include that the educational initiative be produced within the previous 18 months of the date of the Gala, must be objective and helpful, delivered in plain language, be relevant and suitable for the intended target audience and be readily available to the investor.

Entry period is August 1 to October 16 and must be submitted via the CIA Web site at www.investmentawards.com.

Joanne De Laurentiis, IFIC’s President & CEO, said the mutual fund industry association has always recognized the importance of informed investors. Partnering with the CIA on an education award seemed a logical step.

“We believe that providing investors with understandable, relevant, accurate and accessible education is essential to informed investment choices,” De Laurentiis said. “This award solidifies IFIC’s commitment to reflect investor needs and profiles the industry’s many high-quality educational initiatives for investors.”

The CIA has always been very supportive of investor-based education. Partnering with IFIC on this award is a good fit and marks the beginning of increased support of industry and investor education overall, said Sabine Steinbrecher, CIA president and founder.

The award will be judged by a five-person panel, including noted author Glorianne Stromberg, Gary Rabbior, president of the Canadian Federation for Economic Education and investor educator Terri Williams.