Advocis, Canada’s largest association of
professional financial advisors, has suspended Gregory Deacon, of Toronto, from its membership for five years effective September 22.

The Advocis national board of directors agreed with the recommendation of a hearing panel convened on July 15, 2003, that Deacon has displayed conduct unbecoming the Advocis Code of Professional Conduct.

In particular, it was determined that Deacon, in the course of a client relationship, failed to act with integrity, act competently, act diligently, disclose any conflict of interest in providing products and services, act in a manner that reflects positively on all other Advocis members, and act in accordance with the spirit and the letter of the law.

The Advocis Code of Professional Conduct sets out a list of principles that an Advocis member is expected to abide by in his or her business activities between clients and suppliers of insurance and/or financial products or services.