Morningstar Awards: What the winners say

The 2012 Morningstar Canadian Investment Awards gala on Wednesday was a grand affair and while AdvisorToGo, one of the finalists in the Canadian Investment Marketing Award category, didn’t win, Advisor Group caught some of the reflected glow of CIBC Asset Management.

AdvisorToGo, a CIBC initiative in cooperation with Advisor.ca, showcases expert opinions on issues ranging from investments to markets and global economy via an ongoing stream of podcasts.

“At CIBC Asset Management, we are delighted that financial advisors across Canada have embraced the Renaissance Investments Advisor ToGo podcast platform,” says Steve Fiorelli, managing director, product and advisor services, CIBC Asset Management. “We wanted to give advisors easy access to insights from investment experts from around the world, something they clearly value. I want to thank our partners at Advisor Group for helping us bring AdvisorToGo to life.”

Read: Morningstar Awards: And the winners are…

Those who won top honours were quick to express their delight and gratitude. Here’s what they said:

Invesco Canada

The firm took top honours in two categories. The winning funds are Trimark U.S. Companies Fund, adjudged Best U.S. Equity Fund, and Trimark U.S. Small Companies Class, which won Best U.S. Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund.

“It’s always gratifying to be recognized for strong performance,” says Rob Mikalachki, head of small-cap equities with Trimark Investments. “We are very proud to receive this prestigious award.”

Fidelity Investments Canada ULC

The investment company was presented with the Advisors’ Choice Fund Company of the Year award. For the second consecutive year, Fidelity has been recognized by Canadian financial advisors.

“We are honoured to be recognized for the second year in a row as the Morningstar Advisors’ Choice Fund Company of the Year,” says Rob Strickland, president, Fidelity Investments Canada ULC. “We are proud to play a key role in supporting [financial advisors’] businesses, and we thank them for their continued support.”

Mawer Investment Management

The privately-owned investment counselling firm was named as the winner of individual awards in various categories including Canadian Equity Fund, Canadian Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund, International Equity Fund, and Global Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund.

The firm’s David Ragan bagged the prestigious Morningstar Foreign Equity Fund Manager of the Year award.

“Mawer is very grateful for the recognition that the Morningstar Awards bring to us and the other quality investment managers in this country,” says Jamie Hyndman, director of strategic business development, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. “Investors are well served by this event. On a more personal basis, they legitimize that the work we do as a firm is providing value to our many clients, and that’s really what it’s all about for us.”

RBC Global Asset Management

The asset manager won Morningstar Analysts’ Choice Fund Company of the Year while Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management’s (PH&N) fixed income team was named Morningstar Fixed Income Manager of the Year.

“We are incredibly honoured to be recognized among our industry peers,” says John Montalbano, CEO of RBC GAM Inc. “These awards not only highlight the dedication and diligence of our people to that purpose, but also recognize the tradition that we have built and look to continue building on in the years to come.”

Additionally, multiple RBC GAM Funds were recognized in individual fund categories.

“The Morningstar Awards are a tremendous honour and acknowledgement of the work our teams commit to day-in and day-out,” says Dan Chornous, CIO of RBC GAM Inc. “I would like to congratulate and thank the teams for their continued efforts, as well as thank the analysts, advisors and investors for their confidence in our investment management approach.”

TD Asset Management Inc.

The TD Canadian Core Plus Bond Fund was named Canadian Fixed Income Fund of the year. This is the seventh time that a TD Fund has won top honours in this category.

“Winning this award, once again, in one of Canada’s most popular fund categories, is a testament to the long-term investment excellence that we deliver to investors,” says Sandra Cimoroni, president, TD Mutual Funds. “It acknowledges the strength of our fixed income team and highlights the outstanding investment results that stem from their breadth of experience.”

Qtrade Investor

The independent online brokerage took the top spot in Surviscor’s Online Discount Brokerage scorecard, which was recognized as Best Discount Brokerage in Canada.

“These awards provide tremendous validation for our team at Qtrade who work extremely hard throughout the year refining our platform, tools and overall customer online investing experience,” says Joel Bernard, vice president for Qtrade Investor. “The fact we have been unanimously recognized as Canada’s #1 rated online brokerage confirms that we are delivering a market leading offering positioned to meet the needs of online investors better than any other firm in Canada.”

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