Find a CEA

Financial Advisor with a focus on tax and estate planning and investing with protections and guarantees. Elder Planning Counselor. EPC

I am a Tax Manager at a medium size public accounting firm.  Our services are extensive and cover audits, reviews, compilation engagements, corporate, personal and T3 estate tax returns, bookkeeping, T4 and T5 preparation, etc.

Laura Thompson is a Certified Financial Planner with the family owned business, Investia WPG.  She joined her father, Ed Thompson, in May of 2000 and her husband Christophe joined the business in 2008. Laura was born and raised in Winnipeg and in 1998 attained a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture (Agribusiness) from the University of Manitoba.  

Since graduation University, Laura has completed the Canadian Securities course, Professional Financial Planning course and in 2001 obtained her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.  In 2007 she completed her Branch Managers Course.   She is also a member of Advocis, an association for professional insurance and financial advisors.   Prior to joining Investia Wpg, Laura went to Europe on an backpacking trip.  She then returned to Winnipeg to take the position as Account Manager of Small Business at CIBC.   She spent over a year working in Winnipeg, but was transferred to Redvers, Saskatchewan to put her agribusiness degree to use.  Although she loved the small town lifestyle, her position at the bank limited the use of her investment and financial planning interests.   So, she returned to Winnipeg, to join the family business.

On the personal side, Laura is married to Christophe Rodrigue and has three children, Nicolas, Mikayla and Tobias.   Aside from family time, Laura has a love for travel, home decorating, animals & music.   Laura has volunteered her time on the St. Amant Foundation Board of Directors and the Planned Giving committee.

I am a trusted and caring accounting professional seeking to assist individuals and families through the tough transitional times of managing financial affairs in challenging situations due to deteriorating health through to the managing of the settlement of estates.

We specialize in creating and managing understandable, effective, strategies that help our clients reach their financial goals and live their dream lifestyle.  Our clients are individuals, families, business owners, executives and professionals who want to get the best use out of their hard earned money. We develop and manage effective savings, investment, retirement investment and income, and personal and corporate succession and estate plans.

I work as the Regional Director, Strategic Growth with PPI Financial and I have been in the insurance industry for 30+ years.  Passionately believe in the importance of insurance benefits and I strive to transfer my knowledge with practical solutions to insurance professionals, their clients and the general public.

Have extensive experience from working in both field and head offices insurance companies in Canada.

I am a presenter for industry and public audiences.  I provide coaching, training, advice and market support to advisors and management teams.

Holding the Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) and Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) professional designations.

Jason Trefanenko, CPA, CGA, CEPA

Partner, McLaren Trefanenko Inc.

Jason Trefanenko is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) with over two decades of experience in public practice. He is a partner at McLaren Trefanenko Inc., a well-established accounting firm serving individuals, corporations, estates, and trusts throughout British Columbia. The firm is known for its client-focused service, depth of technical expertise, and long-standing relationships with multi-generational families and business owners.

Jason specializes in estate and succession planning, corporate restructuring, and business advisory services. As a CEPA, he plays a key role in helping entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses plan and execute successful exits—balancing financial goals with legacy objectives.

His role as a trusted advisor is rooted in a deep understanding of tax legislation, family dynamics, and the emotional complexities surrounding estate and transition planning. Jason’s collaborative approach and practical insight make him a valued resource for executors navigating the often overwhelming responsibilities of estate administration.

He is committed to education and empowerment, offering clear, thoughtful guidance during life’s most important transitions.

I help individuals, families and business owners navigate and preserve their wealth. By utilizing a holistic planning approach, I aim to enable people to enjoy their lives with as little money worries and complexities as possible. 

Through my work network at Servus Credit Union, I am able to engage with specialists and partners on my team to delived a detailed and personalized advice for every member.

I hold CFP, PFP and FCSI designations. 

Financial plans are the foundation of my work, with investment management and insurance strategies used as tools to implement the day to day direction of it.  

I am an estate planner working at Servus Credit Union.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and am a CFP and TEP designate.  I have worked with Servus Credit Union for over 20 years in a variety of different roles.

Business professional specializing in preparing and helping people through change.  Change comes in many forms including business change focusing on many layers of an organization or a personal change, such as losing a loved one. 

Credentials: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, PROSCI change management certification, previous Canada Revenue Agency auditor, previous estate executor so have experience being an executor. 

Sandra Valks CLU, DTM

Author of "Breaking Point – From Collapse to Courage"

Also known as the Compassionate Queen of Straight Talk

I help executives, professionals, business owners, and executors make
clean, clear decisions — especially when emotions, money, family dynamics, and
pressure are all colliding.

With over 40 years in financial services, I understand that
stalled decisions are rarely about the numbers. They’re about overwhelm,
avoidance, and conversations people don’t know how to have.

I also support clients navigating estate, executor, and beneficiary
decisions — where money, family dynamics, and legal responsibilities often
collide.

I work alongside financial advisors and professionals, helping
clients move through emotional gridlock without blowing up their lives — so
they return ready to act with clarity and confidence.

My work — and my book — opens the conversations people avoid, so
real decisions can finally be made.

I don’t replace the advisor — I strengthen the client.

Professional Associations

·  Toastmasters International — 1993–Present

·  Advocis – The Financial Advisors Association
of Canada — 1982–Present

·  Certified Executor Advisor (CEA) — In
Progress

· 
Member, Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors

Honours and Awards

Chartered Life Underwrite (CLU) - Advocis/ LUAC (1996)

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) - Toastmasters International
(2006)