IFIC Names Paul C. Bourque Q.C. as President and CEO

TORONTO, May 16, 2016 /CNW/ - John Adams, chair of the board of directors of The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), today announced the appointment of Paul C. Bourque Q.C. as IFIC's incoming president and chief executive officer.  He joins IFIC on June 27, 2016 and will transition into the position over several weeks, assuming responsibilities on July 18, 2016.

Paul brings a deep understanding of the regulatory and public policy landscape to his new role, gained through a distinguished public and private sector career. Paul's most recent position was as executive director of the British Columbia Securities Commission. Previously, he held positions as a deputy minister in a provincial government, in senior securities regulatory roles with the Investment Industry Organization of Canada and the Ontario Securities Commission, and in the private sector with Deloitte. Paul is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and is a member of the bars of Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

As president and CEO of IFIC, Paul will be responsible for leading the organization and giving voice to the retail investment funds industry with all of its stakeholders. He will also serve on the IFIC board of directors and as chair of the board of the IFSE Institute, IFIC's wholly owned financial services education arm.

"Paul has an exceptional track record in the financial services industry, particularly in regulatory matters," said John Adams. "His experience and knowledge will be great assets in leading our industry's ongoing efforts to work collaboratively with our regulators and policy makers."

Adams added, "IFIC has evolved into a respected and relevant voice for the industry and is well positioned to build on its accomplishments. We are pleased to have Paul joining us as we continue to grow and evolve."

"I am honoured to have been selected by the board to lead IFIC during such a pivotal time," Paul noted. "The industry must implement substantial regulatory reforms and, at the same time, engage effectively with stakeholders to respond to new significant policy and regulatory issues. I look forward to working with IFIC's dedicated board, industry volunteers, and talented staff to advance IFIC's mandate of advocating on behalf of the industry and aligning industry and investor interests."

Paul succeeds Joanne De Laurentiis who is retiring, having provided IFIC with exceptional leadership since January 2006. "On behalf of the board, I want to extend our deepest appreciation to Joanne for her vision, hard work and commitment to elevating IFIC into a professional, member-responsive, and respected trade association. It is a testament to the strides she has made in leading IFIC that we have been able to attract such a strong successor.  She leaves us much better than she found us," said Adams.

About IFIC

The Investment Funds Institute of Canada is the voice of Canada's investment funds industry. IFIC brings together 150 organizations, including fund managers, distributors and industry service organizations, to foster a strong, stable investment sector where investors can realize their financial goals. By connecting Canada's savers to Canada's economy, our industry contributes significantly to Canadian economic growth and job creation. The organization is proud to have served Canada's mutual funds industry and its investors for more than 50 years.

SOURCE The Investment Funds Institute of Canada

Image with caption: "Paul C. Bourque Q.C. named President & CEO of the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (CNW Group/The Investment Funds Institute of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160516_C8574_PHOTO_EN_691250.jpg

Image with caption: "The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (CNW Group/The Investment Funds Institute of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160516_C8574_PHOTO_EN_691248.jpg

For further information: Sara Clodman, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, [email protected] | 416-309-2317