Our Board

Adam Aptowitzer is a lawyer practicing in the areas of charity and tax law. 

226 Maclaren Street Ottawa K2P 0L6 , Ontario, canada

(613) 237 3300

aaptowitzer@kpmg.ca

www.drache.ca

144-4 Ave SW Suite 1600 Calgary T2P 3N4 , Alberta, canada

(403) 536 7442

I was intrigued by death from an early age. My childhood neighbour, the renowned Dr. Dorothy Ley (a pioneer of the hospice movement), was a considerable influence on me as a young adult. Shortly thereafter, at the age of twenty-one (1985), I became a licensed funeral director.
​
Since then, I have worked for large and small funeral homes, also as an examination proctor for a funeral industry regulator, and have arranged hundreds of at need, as well as pre-need funerals. I've helped funeral homes build better relationships with financial advisors and lawyers. I have worked as a life insurance specialist and taught financial advisors across Canada about the funeral industry to help them be a greater resource to their aging clients.

Having obtained the Certificate in Estate & Trust Administration with STEP Canada and worked as a supervisor at one of the largest mortuaries in the country, I have grown increasingly compelled to share my insights. I have witnessed what most people have not, and I have an important message.

I took the advice of a Dragon and recruited over 25 people from my target market to provide feedback as I created a compelling book stressing the importance of having one's final affairs in order. The result is a pretty solid book which has been on my publisher's Best-Seller List twice now.

I stress that the planning process helps reduce the stress of aging and leaves survivors more financially/emotionally resilient and more likely to get along. More meaningful legacies naturally result, social capital increases and the judicial system is relieved from dealing with so many unorganized estates. Ultimately, this helps the economy. 

Can it get any better? Yes. Confronting the reality of death helps us to live more fully. 

I'm surprised there is not some political push behind this significant message. All these estate planning benefits have existed for decades.

Check out my book while there is still time.

'Do Not Ignore Your Mortality - Practical Advice From A Funeral & Financial Insider'

https://www.donotignoreyourmortality.com/

Ontario Ontario, Canada

5874323629

greg@DoNotIgnoreYourMortality.com

www.DoNotIgnoreYourMortality.com

Ontario, Canada

5874323629

Rachel Blumenfeld’s practice focuses in the areas of trusts and estates, tax law, and charities and not-for-profit law.Within her practice, Ms. Blumenfeld is often called upon to advise clients on tax and estate planning and estate administration, preparation of wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents, tax matters related to planned giving as well as business succession planning. She also offers advice to charities and trustees on the administration of estates and trusts.Ms. Blumenfeld’s prior experience at a large life insurance company has given her a thorough understanding of her clients’ needs and she is able to offer quick and practical solutions when working with insurance and financial advisors and their clients on estate, retirement and tax planning matters.
Within the charitable and not-for-profit sector, Ms. Blumenfeld assists charities and donors with planned giving and philanthropic programmes, and works with charities with the administration of bequests and other gifts. She is keenly aware of the unique challenges faced by organizations and groups within this sector and is able to assist in a broad range of areas.

Ms. Blumenfeld is a regular contributor of articles to newsletters and other publications and participates in seminars on current legal issues within her areas of practice. She has delivered workshops to insurance and financial advisors, fundraising professionals, and fellow lawyers on topics involving retirement and estate planning, life-insured buy-sell agreements, business succession planning and planned giving. Within the charitable sector, Ms. Blumenfeld frequently delivers seminars on planned giving, bequest administration and tax matters.

Ms. Blumenfeld is committed to her community and is involved with several organizations including the York Region Community Foundation, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. Education

LL.B., University of British Columbia, 1996
B.A., International Relations, University of Toronto, 1983
M.A., International Relations, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 1988
Professional Achievements

Best Lawyers in Canada, 2013
2012 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
Recipient of the 2012 Hoffstein Book Prize award from the Ontario Bar Association for demonstrating leadership in the trusts and estates bar

181 Bay Street , 1800 , Toronto M5J 2T9 , Ontario, Canada

4168653413

rblumenfeld@airdberlis.com

www.airdberlis.com

As a Tax Partner, Paul Coleman, CA, CFE, FEA has over thirty years experience in public accounting, focusing upon the provision of business advisory, family facilitation and transition planning services to owner-managed enterprises and high net worth individuals. Paul has extensive experience in the provision of advisory and tax planning services to a variety of industry sectors including manufacturing and distribution, freight transportation and professional services. Paul is located in the Toronto office of Grant Thornton and is both the leader of the firm’s privately-held business segment in the Southern Ontario Business Unit and the National leader of the firm’s Succession and Estate Planning practice.A chartered accountant (1982), Paul graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics, Co-Operative Accounting Program in May 1981. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the Institute of Family Enterprise Advisors and the Family Firm Institute. As well Paul has completed the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants In-Depth Tax Program and the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business Family Enterprise Advisor Program and holds the FEA (Family Enterprise Advisor) designation.Paul is a frequent presenter at firm sponsored and other events on various succession and estate planning topic matters.

Toronto M5J 2P9 , Ontario, Canada

paul.coleman@ca.gt.com

www.GrantThornton.ca

ERAssure® Estate Risk Protection Plan Inc

Scot Dalton is a 30 year veteran of the property casualty insurance industry. With senior executive level experience in both underwriting and distribution he has focused his efforts on creating and implementing relevant financial solutions for emerging personal and corporate risks, but where insurance has never been contemplated.These new products are marketed using non-traditional distribution models; logical channel partners, quiet integration with their core business processes, and implemented using technologies that compress the distribution effort and expense.ERAssure® is a fine example of a relevant response to significant emerging risk in the pending inter-generational transfer of wealth as baby boomers age. 

Professional qualifications and memberships

• Chartered Insurance Professional, Insurance Institute of Canada
• Diploma, Insurance Administration, Mohawk College, Hamilton, ON (1978) (Dean’s List)
• Canadian Chartered Insurance Broker (CCIB)

Community Involvement

• Member, Finance Committee, Grand River Hospital Foundation, Kitchener, ON

Presentations and publications 

Scot is a frequent speaker to members of the Canadian Bar Association across Canada. He has prepared papers and presented to members of the Law Society of Upper Canada and Law Libraries across Ontario, as well as chapters of the Estates Planning Council and Canadian Association of Farm Advisors.

His presentation material is focused on risk areas for executors and estate trustees during estate administration and the related risk environment for professional advisors to estate administrators.

405-30 Duke St W Kitchener N2H 3W5 , Ontario, Canada

855-636-3777

sdalton@erassure.com

www.erassure.com

Richard Desjardine has been involved in the financial services industry since 2005 and has held the position of Vice President of Development for the Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors since 2011. He has been actively involved in orchestrating the cicea curriculum and ensuring the messages of simplicity and relevance for CEA candidates.Going forward, Richard will be involved in marketing the CEA program with specific focus on on-line program promotion, and ensuring the new generation of Canadian professionals takes on an active role in working with executors and testators.

Peterborough , Ontario,

rdesjardine@cicea.ca

www.cicea.ca

A civil litigator and expert in dispute resolution, Harold advises clients on business disputes and financial issues, including allegations of breaches of contracts, negligence and other financial matters.

Harold has a unique perspective, in that he represents both advisors and their clients. On the one hand, he advises stockbrokers, mutual fund representatives, insurance agents and financial planners (and their respective corporate entities) on liability, compliance, regulatory, errors and omissions insurance and commercial issues. On the other hand, he sues stockbrokers, mutual fund representatives, insurance agents and financial planners to recoup client losses arising from advisor negligence or to recover life insurance, annuities and disability benefits when insurers fail to pay claims.

Harold is a well-known financial industry commentator, a continuing education provider for various insurers, investment and mutual fund dealers, and financial industry licensing organizations. He is a co-administrator of www.foradivsorsonly.com. He is a member of the Financial Planners Standards Council's committee reviewing FPSC's Standards and Ethics. He has been a consultant to the Advocis Best Practices Committee, is a member of the Best Practices Committee for Advocis's Ottawa Chapter and sits on the OSC Investor Advisory Panel.

Harold is also a member of Conference of Advanced Life Underwriting Associate Member and a member of the Financial Planning Standards Council. He is an elected council member of the Canadian Bar Association Ontario and the Regional Representative on the Ontario Bar Association's Class Action Section Executive Committee. He is a member numerous legal associations, including the County of Carleton Law Association.

Harold obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Queen's University, and his law degree from Dalhousie Law School. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1993.

265 Carling Avenue , SUITE 500 , Ottawa K1S 2E1 , Ontario,

6132334474

hgeller@mbclaw.ca

mbclaw.ca

Former Chairman of the Auction Marketing Institute, Barry Gordon is CEO of Gordon’s Downsizing and Estate Services. He has been a Transition Specialist for the past 20 years and a REALTOR® since 1978. He has been on several national and provincial boards in Canada and the USA. He is a founder of MaxSold, an event based online auction company that caters to the needs of seniors downsizing and estate trustees. In 1991, he co-wrote and taught “Certified Estate Specialist”, the first course in the area of estate transitions. Gordon’s Downsizing and Estate Services Ltd. Brokerage’s has an exclusive contract to teach the Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist (CRTS™) course in Canada.

690 Innovation Drive Kingston K7K 7E7 , Ontario, Canada

6135420963

barry@gogordons.com

www.gogordons.com

Heidi Foshay Kimball holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from St. Mary’s University and graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1989. She articled and practiced with Derrick J. Kimball in Wolfville and was appointed by Public Prosecution Service of Nova Scotia as Per Diem – Prosecutor in 1992. She was the solicitor for the Village of New Minas from 1990 to 2005 and has been counsel to the Wolfville Children’s Centre, Wolfville since 1990.Heidi is Member of the Nova Scotia Bar and the Canadian Bar Association, the Kings County Barristers’ Society, and is currently the Secretary/Treasurer for the Kings –County Barristers’ Society. In addition, she is the solicitor for the Red Door, was director of the Wolfville Children’s Centre from 1990 to 1992, and is a past member at large of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Bar Council.Certified in Collaborative Family Law, Heidi is also a Family Law Information Program Facilitator. She was also Board of Director/Executive Member of the Wolfville Business Development Corporation (WBDC) from 1997 to 2002.
Politically active, Heidi is a member of the Kings-Hants Liberal Association and a recognized agent for Scott Brison, MP. She is currently an Executive member of Kings South Women’s Progressive Conservative Association.

Over Heidi’s extensive career, she has practiced before the Small Claims Court of Nova Scotia, Family Court, the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, the Federal Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada

Wolfville B4P 1A6 , Nova Scotia, Canada

hkimball@eastlink.ca

www.kimballbrogan.ca

Joan McAulay is a Senior Trust Program Advisor with Concentra Trust. Joan’s knowledge and familiarity with the related legislation make her a resource for advisors and clients alike, providing them with support and guidance. Joan strives to instill a deeper understanding of estate and trust solutions so clients and advisors across the country feel better-prepared to make critical decisions on planning the preservation and transfer of wealth, or undertaking the role of executor. Concentra Trust is a national trust company and has been providing estate and trust expertise to Canadians for over 65 years. They partner with investment firms, law firms, credit unions and co-operatives from coast to coast. They offer estate and trust solutions for all ages and all asset values and complexities.

Not disclosed Saskatoon S7R0H8 , Saskatchewan, canada

3062906062

joan.mcaulay@shaw.ca

Velma Noble brings a warm, compassionate, and hopeful therapeutic stance to her private counselling practice established in 2004. She employs a holistic approach (mind, body, and soul) that is equally balanced with a practical, strength-based approach. By forming safe therapeutic relationships with her clients, Velma helps facilitates a healing process that brings relief or resolution to distressing emotions or life situations.Primary areas of clinical focus include depression and anxiety, grief and loss, major life transitions, stress management, marital enrichment, divorce care, family communication, spiritual care, empowerment and assertiveness training. Velma also offers individual, couple, family counseling services as well as a number of unique group programs such as: phototherapy and CALM: a unique program for individuals recovering from marital separation.Velma has a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Psychology and Counselling. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In addition, she is a Pastoral Psychotherapist (# 477AB11) with the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors. She completed a BA in Sociology and Economics from Acadia University, and Supportive Counselling diploma from Mount Royal University. Velma brings twenty years of experience as a financial advisor and life coach.

Calgary T3E 5R8 , Alberta, Canada

counsellingconnections@shaw.ca

www.counsellingconnections.net

Edward C. Northwood is the resident U.S. attorney in the Toronto Office of the Firm and heads the private client group. He concentrates his practice in U.S. domestic and international tax matters involving estate planning, family business planning, charitable planned giving, trust and estate administration, and executive compensation. Mr. Northwood is a frequent lecturer and has presented papers relating to cross border planning issues for the Canadian Chapter of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (“STEP”), the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”), the Canadian Bar Association (“CBA”), the American Law Institute – American Bar Association (“ALI-ABA”), the New York State Bar Association (“NYSBA”), and The Canadian Tax Foundation. He is a Fellow of ACTEC, a member of the Executive Council of The International Academy of Estate and Trust Law, a member of the Toronto Estate Planning Council, and a member of the Toronto branch of the STEP, where he serves on the Board of Directors. Mr. Northwood was named as the 2010 Volunteer of the Year of STEP Canada.Mr. Northwood received his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the Law School of the State University of New York at Buffalo, an MA degree from the State University of New York at Albany, and his undergraduate degree from Brown University.Mr. Northwood’s practice is limited to U.S. law.

Toronto M5X 1C8 , Ontario, Canada

ed@ednorthwood.com

www.ruchelaw.com

Mark is president of the Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors (and also of Strategic Edge Chartered Financial Consulting Inc, which provides integrated tax strategies for Canadians through their professional advisors). His career includes senior management positions with national wealth and insurance companies, where he developed innovative business strategies and provided training, marketing materials and case consultation to financial advisors across the country.

A graduate of Ashbury College in Ottawa and Western University in London, Mark is a Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, registered Trust and Estates Practitioner and Certified Executor Advisor.  He is licensed to conduct business in every province and territory in Canada.

In addition to CICEA, he is a member of Advocis (the Financial Advisors Association of Canada), the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).  

Mark has given hundreds of seminars across Canada, to the public, professional associations, study groups, Canadian businesses, industry symposia and aboard continuing education cruise ships around the world. He has been speaking about the important role of executors and on estate tax strategies for more than 25 years.

44 Howe Island Drive Howe Island K7G 2V6 , Ontario, Canada

4163994078

mofarrell@cicea.ca

www.cicea.ca

Owner of Carmquin Property Appraisals in Nova Scotia.Carmel conducts appraisals of commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential properties. She is experienced in other functions in the appraisal of properties such as consultancy, research work, compiling comparable data banks for commercial and residential appraisals, market analysis, computer programming and data entry.Carmel has provided appraisals of large commercial office buildings, retail stores, industrial buildings, nursing homes, motels, hotels, and agricultural properties, as well as fish plants, commercial wharves and vacant land. She has also prepared Valuation Day valuations for capital gains tax, replacement costs and “actual cash value” for insurance purposes, appraisals for mortgage, financing for sales and refinancing, estate sales, assessment appeals, and settling of estates.
Carmel is a member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada, Ottawa and has testified before the Supreme Court of Canada as an expert witness.

Kentville B4N 3C4 , Nova Scotia, Canada

coqc@ns.sympatico.ca

Margot practices in the area of civil litigation, focusing on commercial, construction and estate law related issues. Margot is a member of the firm's Construction Law and Financial Loss Recovery practice groups. Fluently bilingual, Margot represents both Francophone and Anglophone clients and argues matters before the courts in both official languages.

Margot attended the University of Ottawa, where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2007 and graduated from the Faculty of Law in 2010. After articling for Doucet McBride LLP in 2010-2011, she joined the firm as an associate following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2011.

Prior to 2010, Margot developed experience in various legal positions with the federal public service in areas of program delivery and policy, including with the Department of National Defence with the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG), the Office to the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada (OSGG), and Transport Canada (TC).
A proud member of the Ontario Bar Association and the County of Carleton Law Association, Margot also delights in supporting a variety of Eastern Ontario and capital area community groups and events.

Outside the office Margot enjoys golf, volleyball, yoga, entertaining family and friends, as well as spending quality time traveling with her husband.

265 Carling Avenue , SUITE 500 , Ottawa K1S 2E1 , Ontario,

6132334474

mpomerleau@mbclaw.ca

mbclaw.ca

Randall is a senior lawyer with Waterbury Newton and has been with our firm since 1989. Randall’s experience, knowledge and achievements have contributed to his ongoing success as a lawyer who provides outstanding legal services to his clients.

Randall has been a practicing member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 1990.

Education

Dalhousie University 1989, LL.B
University of New Brunswick, 1985, B.Sc. (Forestry)
Presentations & Publications

Has appeared on Global TV’s Maritime Noon Program
Facilitated workshops for Invisible Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia, including videos regarding Canada Pension Plan and Long-Term Disability Appeals
Contributor to “The Sea Has Many Voices” edited by Cynthia Lamson (legal and environmental aspects of oceans policy).

Achievements & Affiliations

Practicing Member Nova Scotia Bar since 1990
Member: MENSA Canada
Member: Real Estate Lawyers’ Association of Nova Scotia
Member: Screening Committee, Bar Admission Examination of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
Certified Lawyer under the Nova Scotia Land Registration System
Member: Provincial Voluntary Planning Committee which brought in Nova Scotia’s first Occupier’s Liability Law
Former Member: Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyers Association

Kentville B4N 3V9 , Nova Scotia, Canada

rprime@wnns.ca

Carl Rumanek is the founder and president of Rumanek & Company Ltd. In 1967 Carl became a Chartered Accountant and practiced for 16 years before becoming interested in the insolvency field. In 1983, he began providing insolvency services and became more and more aware of the personal and emotional toll of debt. He holds a BIA Insolvency Counsellor’s Qualification Certificate and is a licensed Trustee in Bankruptcy and Administrator of Proposals. Carl suspects that many of his clients suffer from what he calls “debt stress”. All aspects of their lives are affected: family, work, and social life. Prior to initial consultations, people feel desperate because they believe there is no hope. He urges anyone with financial problems to take advantage of his firm’s free initial consultation to stop the emotional stress before it becomes a physical/medical problem.Services are offered at various office locations: Toronto Downtown, Toronto Mid – Town, North York, (Head office), Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Niagara Falls, Barrie and Creemore, Ontario.

North York M3J 3K6 , Ontario, Canada

carl@rumanek.com

www.rumanek.com

Founder and president of Acquaint Financial, a firm providing independent and unbiased financial wellness solutions to employees and plan members across North America.

2131 Williams Parkway , Suite 4 , Brampton L6S 5Z4 , Ontario, Canada

905-595-1323 x331

ashad@cicea.ca

www.cicea.ca

For the past 50 years I have helped advise my clients through my law practice, initially as Speal, Viner and then growing over time to Viner, Kennedy, Frederick, Allan & Tobias, commonly known as Viner, Kennedy.

With my experience, and as a creative problem solver, I can assist in any of the following areas:

• Guiding an Executor so as to avoid costly errors and delays.
• Suggesting pitfalls to avoid if considering a Will or Power of Attorney.
• In advising small and family businesses with succession planning.
• As mediator in conflicts and disputes as an alternative to litigation.

My role is to give you confidence and to help facilitate you and your other professionals to obtain the best results.

159 wellington st , Suite 7 , Kingston K7L3E1 , Ontario,

613 5418181

walterviner@gmail.com

walterviner.com

Sally is a certified financial planner with more than 20 years experience assisting all levels of clients on a wide range of financial, wealth and tax planning matters. Having worked in Toronto and Nova Scotia during the course of her career; she has experienced many different and unique financial circumstances. Sally noted through direct personal experiences, that there is a need for better education and access to competence in the area of executor counseling. She was motivated to embark on this literacy quest and in turn work with Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors.

Nova Scotia Wolfville B4P 2K9 , Nova Scotia, Canada

9026797914

sswallace@cicea.ca

www.cicea.ca