One Hundred Reasons to Celebrate: Advocis kicks off Centennial Year

January 17, 2005, Toronto – Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, today officially kicks off the start of its centennial year with a formal gala tonight in Toronto.

The elite of the financial services industry will gather at the elegant Liberty Grand to share fellowship, renew acquaintances and make new ones.

Recognizing that consumers are best served by professional financial advisors, Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, prepares, promotes and protects financial advisors in the public interest. Advocis traces its lineage back to the founding of the Life Underwriters Association of Canada (LUAC) in June 2006.

“Advocis and its predecessors built the financial services industry in this country and contributes vitally to our current prosperity,” said Advocis Chair, Gary McLeod. “We have quite a history and can be justifiably proud.”

“It’s important to look back with pride on our accomplishments,” said Advocis Vice Chair, Roger McMillan who is also Chair of the Centennial Committee. “While at the same time, we look forward with anticipation to the year ahead and to the next 100 years.”

“For one hundred years, Advocis has been home to and the voice of financial advisors,” said President and CEO, Steve Howard. “There’s a special responsibility that comes with our history and we are strongly positioned to ensure Advocis continues to be largest and most effective association of professional advisors.”

In addition to the gala, numerous chapter and national events are planned throughout the year to highlight the Association’s history, leadership and contribution to the industry.

As 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of Advocis’ partnership with the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, we are pleased to announce that a portion of the fundraising proceeds will be directed to this worthy cause.

About Advocis

Advocis, The Financial Advisor Association of Canada, is the largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisors. With more than 15,000 advisors in 50 chapters across Canada, Advocis members provide financial and product advice to over 12 million Canadians across a variety of distinct areas, including: estate and retirement planning, wealth management, risk management, and tax planning. Members adhere to a strict Code of Professional Conduct, subscribe to standards of best practices, meet ongoing continuing education requirements, maintain appropriate levels of professional liability insurance and are committed to putting their client interests first. The Association�s Web site is www.advocis.ca.