A legacy of learning: Another summer of Advocis schools

June 15, 2009 – Toronto – For more than 50 years, Advocis schools have been offering current, relevant and practical educational opportunities for advisors and planners. The planning for this summer�s schools is well underway with agenda�s focussing on the challenges facing today�s financial services practitioners.

“This year, as in the past, speakers alone are worth the price of admission,” said Paul Hauk, Chair, Advocis Schools. “Jamie Golombeck, Terry Zavitz and Peter Wouters are among the many top-notch speakers scheduled to present at the schools. Rarely do you get such a concentration of talent in one room.”

The first school was held in Ottawa in 1953 and since then this unique learning opportunity has expanded into four schools � Banff, Okanagan, Ontario and Atlantic. Each of the schools has a unique focus this year. At the Ontario School in Collingwood, the theme is “calming minds in turbulent times” with learning focusing on a broad range of topics including prospecting, client service, E&O insurance and tax and estate planning.

The Atlantic School, held in PEI, will focus almost entirely on insurance: disability, critical illness and life insurance. The Banff School, the oldest, contiuing Advocis school, will, among other topics, cover individual pension plans, estate planning and living benefits. “Financial planning: Are you a spectator or a participant” is the theme for the Okanagan School. In addition to timely interesting topics, representatives from the BC and Alberta Insurance Councils will be participating in Q&A sessions with attendees.

“These schools really are the epitome of Advocis and our recently defined core values of integrity, knowledge and community,” continued Mr. Hauk. “Advisors and planners who attend are making a commitment to improving their skills and abilities in an effort to better serve their clients. And they�re doing it in an environment which promotes a stronger community of like-minded individuals.”

The four Advocis schools are open to non-members of Advocis, with the exception of the Banff school. The schools are three or four days and operate in July and August. There are no geographic restrictions on which school advisors and planners can attend.

About Advocis

Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the oldest and largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisors and planners. With more than 10,000 advisors in 43 chapters across Canada, Advocis members provide financial and product advice to millions of Canadians in a number of areas, including estate and retirement planning, wealth management, risk management and tax planning. FFor more information about Advocis� schools, visit www.advocis.ca.