For the sixth consecutive year, Manulife Mutual Funds has been named the best in Canada for customer service among its competitors, according to an ongoing study by Environics Research Group.

“Customer service is the essence of our business,” says Guy Vaillant, vp, individual wealth management operations, Manulife Financial. “I am pleased to see our continuous employee development program significantly contributes to meet our broker and advisor needs to fulfil their clients’ service expectations. We contribute to our distributors’ success by offering good products and effective sales support with service leadership.”

The 2006 Call Audit study measured customer service representatives at 15 mutual fund companies on various skills including: professionalism, knowledge, plus overall value-added service to clients. It also measured client service efficiency.

The annual Call Audit study between January and December 2006 was based on about 4,500 telephone calls to client service departments by advisors, brokers and their assistants. Manulife ranked highest in the study with an overall score of 85 out of a possible 100 points, above the industry average of 80.7.

“Our team’s focus is client centric,” says Cathy Beck, manager customer service centre. “Our customer service culture ensures that we are constantly striving to enhance the client experience with Manulife Investments. We are very proud of our team’s commitment to excellence.”

Environics Research Group is one of Canada’s most respected research companies. It has Canadian offices in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. The company’s financial service group specializes in conducting research with Canada’s personal financial advisors and their clients.