DFS GIF individual funds

Founded in New York in 1988, BlackRock® is a leader in investment management, risk management, and advisory services for institutional, retail and individual clients worldwide. With US $6.44 trillion in assets under management as at December 31, 2018, the firm offers a range of products including separate accounts, mutual funds, exchange traded funds and other pooled investment vehicles. It also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to institutions through BlackRock Solutions®.

Desjardins Global Asset Management is a subsidiary of Desjardins Asset Management whose mission is to offer optimal investment solutions that will help its partners and clients reach their goals. The firm manages approximately $63.2 billion in assets as at December 31, 2018, chiefly through management mandates from other Desjardins Group entities. Desjardins Global Asset Management is known for its expertise in fixed-income investment management, adaptive index management for both traditional and alternative sectors, multi-management, and also for its creative and innovative investment product design.

Established in Canada in 1987, Fidelity Investments Canada ULC is part of the Fidelity Investments organization of Boston, one of the world’s largest providers of financial services. As at December 31, 2018, the firm manages over $138.1 billion in mutual fund and institutional assets, including assets on behalf of public and corporate pension plans, endowments, foundations and other corporate clients across Canada. Fidelity Investments Canada ULC offers investors a full range of domestic, international and income-oriented mutual funds. Its clearly defined investment philosophy focuses on four major principles: individual security selection, extensive fundamental research, manager-driven decision-making and adherence to proven investment disciplines.

Fiera Capital Corporation is one of only a handful of Canadian independent investment firms. With assets under management of $136.7 billion as at December 31, 2018, the Montreal-based firm boasts a highly diversified clientele comprised of pension funds, foundations, religious and charitable organizations, high net worth individuals, financial institutions, mutual funds and managed asset platforms. Fiera Capital Corporation offers extensive expertise in Canadian and foreign equity, fixed income, asset allocation and non-traditional investment solutions through a broad range of strategies and services

Experienced in the design of investment funds, Desjardins offers its members and clients Desjardins Funds, a family of investment products and solutions that allow investors to build a well-diversified portfolio. With in-force business of more than $31.7 billion as at December 31, 2018, Desjardins is one of the top investment fund producers in Quebec. Divided into six categories, Desjardins Investments Inc. provide access to the expertise of national and international partners who, because of their excellent results and their management philosophy, are among the best in their field.

Established in Calgary in 1982, Bissett Investment Management has been a member of the Franklin Templeton Investments family since 2000. The firm applies a disciplined team approach to managing equity, income and balanced portfolios. Adhering to a "growth at a reasonable price" (GARP) investment style, Bissett Investment Management relies on a bottom-up research approach to identify reasonably priced securities that demonstrate sustainable, replicable growth.

Founded in 1955, Jarislowsky Fraser is a registered investment counselling firm managing assets of $39 billion as at December 31, 2018, on behalf of retirement plans and foundations. Based in Montreal, the firm distinguishes itself through its emphasis on fundamental investment research, which concentrates on identifying companies with sustainable earnings growth, strong management and a sound balance sheet.

MFS Investment Canada Limited is a global investment firm managing equity and fixed-income assets for institutional and individual investors worldwide. Founded in 1924, Massachusetts Financial Services Company established one of the world’s first in-house fundamental research departments in 1932. Based in Boston, MFS and its affiliates manage over $608 billion in assets as at December 31, 2018. The firm offers a wide range of investment products while specializing in active management of equity mandates. Its investment philosophy has remained consistent: to identify opportunities on behalf of clients based on comprehensive research.

Founded in 1965, CI Investments provides a wide variety of investment products to investors by partnering with financial advisors and institutions across Canada. Guided by a strategy of seeking the best available portfolio managers, the firm offers a diverse lineup of investment options, including mutual funds, segregated funds, asset allocation programs, structured products and other alternative investments. Based in Toronto, its assets under management total $124.6 billion as at December 31, 2018.

Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. is the Canadian subsidiary of Franklin Resources, a global investment management organization located in California and known as Franklin Templeton Investments. Resulting from Franklin Resources’ acquisition of Templeton Investment Management in 1992, Franklin Templeton Investments delivers unparalleled world-class management from one global platform, with assets under management of US $887 billion as at December 31, 2018. The firm’s product diversity stems from its ability to offer five distinct, world-class investment management groups.

Established in 2007 further to a partnership between Northwest Mutual Funds and the Ethical Funds Company, Northwest & Ethical Investments offers mutual funds nationally through financial institutions and credit unions. With more than $6 billion in assets under management as at December 31, 2018, the firm integrates a true active management approach and relentless, disciplined focus on risk management into its two fund families, Northwest Funds and Ethical Funds. Ethical Funds are at the forefront of the socially responsible investing industry in Canada. Based in Toronto, Northwest & Ethical Investments is owned 50% by Desjardins Group and 50% by Canada’s Provincial Credit Union Centrals.