About Us

Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. was founded in 1997 and provides portfolio management services to Canadian institutional and private investors. We specialize in security selection for client portfolios. Our disciplined approach and proprietary research allow us to take advantage of investment opportunities and avoid overpriced investments. We do not depend on external rating agencies, nor do we fall prey to investment fashion or trends. We believe that disciplined investment management, applied consistently over long periods, delivers investment success.

The story of Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. begins with our namesake Canso aircraft. Designed and built in the lead up to the Second World War, the amphibious PBY 5A Canso was renowned for its unique characteristics, and was equally capable on land, air, and sea. While not the fastest in any theatre, the plane was exceptionally competent, dependably robust, and loved for its reliability. It saw continued use after the war on search and rescue missions by the Canadian Air Force. On June 28, 1956, the crew of a sinking fishing boat needed rescuing off the coast of Vancouver’s Galiano Island amidst strong winds and high seas. Second World War veteran Andy Carswell successfully landed his Canso on the turbulent water, and despite the inclement conditions, retrieved the fishermen, and returned to land. His bravery earned him the Air Force Cross, an honour personally bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II. Forty years later, in 1997, Andy’s son John, himself a former military member, founded Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. From its humble origins, through to the company it has become today, the Canso embodies our ethos. Steady, dependable, performing consistently over time  – traits of confidence earned by adding value for our clients.


Canso is a private company that is owned by its investment professionals. Our offices are located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. We are registered as a Portfolio Manager and an Exempt Market Dealer in all ten Canadian provinces. We are a member of the Portfolio Management Association of Canada and the Canadian Bond Investors’ Association.

Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. claims compliance with the CFA Institute Asset Manager Code of Professional Conduct. This claim has not been verified by the CFA Institute. We comply with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct and Standards of Practice of the CFA Institute.

Regulatory Notice

INSTRUMENT 24-101 – INSTITUTIONAL TRADE MATCHING AND SETTLEMENT

TRADE-MATCHING STATEMENT

To: All trade-matching parties providing trade orders to, acting on behalf of, or executing a trade with Canso Investment Counsel Ltd.

This Trade-Matching Statement is being provided in accordance with National Instrument 24-101 – “Institutional Trade Matching and Settlement” and Companion Policy 24-101CP [the “National Instrument”]. It applies to all trades that are subject to the National Instrument.

We confirm that we have established, maintain, and enforce policies and procedures designed to achieve matching in accordance with the National Instrument.

John Carswell
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer
Canso Investment Counsel Ltd.

Click here to download our Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Brochure.

For further information, please contact:
Email: info@cansofunds.com
Phone: (905) 881-8853