CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Catherine Wood

As I look back on my tenure as Chair of the TFAAC Board of Directors for 2022, I consider myself fortunate to have been responsible for the organization during a time of transition and progress. While the pandemic has placed us in a complex and challenging environment, the good news is that the lessons learned have demonstrated the need for Canadians to have a more holistic and inclusive view of their finances –and made professional financial advice ever more important.

Will we continue to remain prepared for new developments? Always. As financial professionals, the evaluation of risk is second nature to us, but I am confident that Advocis’ motto of Non Solis Nobis – Not for Ourselves Alone will remain as true to how we conduct ourselves and support each other as it has ever been.

As we continue to advocate for title protection and other significant regulatory changes, we must be prepared to challenge and reach the high professional bar that we have set for ourselves so that Canadians can achieve better financial outcomes. We must not only raise the bar of professionalism, but also continue to evolve how we deliver financial advice: With more empathy, greater appreciation for the unique and diverse needs of Canadians, an increased emphasis on advice-based conversations, and evolving our practices to incorporate the right balance of digital and in-person interactions.

The past year has also shown the importance of our membership and volunteers, and how community is key to the strength of Advocis. As an association, we are always striving to increase the value of membership, and I would like to encourage our members to continue engaging with the opportunities within their Chapters –especially in-person. Also, take advantage of what National has to offer in terms of CE and designation programs to enhance your experience. The Board is tremendously excited to bring our approved strategic plan for 2023 – 2027 to life, and we cannot do it without you. The future of Advocis is in your capable hands.

Within the Board, we are also continuing our tradition of passing leadership onwards to ensure that our thinking and perspective is continuously renewed. Having worked with him on the Board for several years, I am confident that Eric Lidemark will be an outstanding leader for our association.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our thanks to our member volunteers, the staff at Advocis National, and to all financial professionals who have worked tirelessly in the past year to build better and more secure financial futures for individuals, families, and businesses from coast-to-coast.