STEP Canada Awards

 

CHAIRPERSONS OF THE BOARD

Rachel Blumenfeld, LLB, TEP
Aird & Berlis LLP, Toronto
2023-2025, Chairperson of the Board

Chris Ireland, CPA, CA, TEP
PPI Advisory, Vancouver
2021-2023, Chairperson of the Board

Pamela Cross LLB, TEP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ottawa
2019-2021, Chairperson of the Board

Ruth March CPA, CA, TEP
KPMG LLP, Halifax
2017-2019, Chairperson of the Board

Tim Grieve BA, LLB, TEP
Ottawa
2015-2017, Chairperson of the Board

Ian Worland, LLB, TEP
Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver
2013-2015, Chairperson of the Board

Mary Anne Bueschkens, MBA, LLB, TEP
Miller Thomson LLP, Toronto
2011-2013, Chairperson of the Board

Kim G C Moody, FCPA, FCA, TEP
Moodys Tax / Moodys Private Client, Calgary
2009-2011, Chairperson of the Board

Grace Chow, FCPA, FCA, FCCA (UK), FTIHK, CTA, TEP
Cadesky Tax, Toronto
2007-2009, Chairperson of the Board

Paul LeBreux, LLB, LLM, TEP
Globacor Tax Advisors Professional Corporation, Toronto
2004-2007, Chairperson of the Board

Michael Cadesky, FCPA, FCA, FTIHK, CTA, TEP
Cadesky Tax, Toronto
1998-2004, Chairperson of the Board

 

MICHAEL CADESKY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

This Award is presented to the Canadian member of STEP who best demonstrates magnanimous voluntary contribution.

Corina Weigl, LLB, TEP
Fasken LLP, Toronto
2023, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Brian Cohen, LLB, TEP
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, Toronto
2022, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Chris Ireland, CPA, CA, TEP
PPI Advisory, Vancouver
2021, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Ruth March, CPA, CA, TEP   
KPMG LLP, Halifax   
2020, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Michael Cadesky FCPA, FCA, FTIHK, CTA, TEP  
Cadesky Tax, Toronto   
2019, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Rachel Blumenfeld, BA, MA, LLB, TEP 
Aird & Berlis LLP, Toronto  
2018, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Tim Grieve BA, LLB, TEP
Ottawa
2017, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Peter Weissman, FCPA, FCA, TEP
Cadesky Tax, Toronto
2016, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Christine Van Cauwenberghe, LLB, CFP, TEP
IG Private Wealth Management, Winnipeg
2015, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Pamela Cross, LLB, TEP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ottawa
2014, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Ian Worland, LLB, TEP
Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver
2013, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Awar

Nancy Golding, QC, TEP
Moodys Tax / Moodys Private Client, Calgary
2012, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Paul LeBreux, LLB, LLM, TEP
Globacor Tax Advisors Professional Corporation, Toronto
2011, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Edward Northwood, TEP
Ed Northwood and Associates, Buffalo, USA
2010, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Kathleen Cunningham, BCOMM, LLB, MPS, TEP
North Vancouver
2009, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Margaret O’Sullivan, LLB, TEP
O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers, Toronto
2008, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Grace Chow, FCPA, FCA, FCCA (UK), FTIHK, CTA, TEP
Cadesky Tax, Toronto
2007, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Kim G C Moody, FCPA, FCA, TEP
Moodys Tax / Moodys Private Client, Calgary
2006, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

Larry Frostiak, FCPA, FCA, CFP, TEP
Frostiak & Leslie Chartered Professional Accountants Inc., Winnipeg
2005, Michael Cadesky Volunteer of the Year Award

 

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD - BRANCHES & CHAPTERS

Introduced in 2015, this award recognizes extraordinary voluntary contributions at our regional branch and chapters

Year: 2022

Tanya Butler, LLB, TEP
Touchstone Legal Inc.
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Atlantic)

Katherine Ratcliffe, JD, TEP
Linmac LLP
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Calgary)

Gayle Pederson, MTI, CFP, TEP
BMO Private Wealth
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Diane Hamel, CPA, TEP
Manulife
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Montreal)

Alain Robert, CPA, CA, MTax, CFP, TEP
Robert CPA
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Ottawa)

Ian Lebane, LLM (Tax), TEP
TD Wealth
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Toronto)

Bradley Pashby, CLU, CFP, TEP
Narrative Financial
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Vancouver)

Krista Clendenning, JD, TEP
Tradition Law LLP
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg)

Stephen Sweeney, LLB, TEP
Miller Thomson LLP
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Southwestern Ontario)

Magnus Aaserud, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP
BMO Private Wealth
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Okanagan)

Shawn Baier, MTI, TEP
Amity Trust
2022, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan)

Year: 2021

Darlene Walker, MTI, TEP
RBC Royal Trust
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Atlantic)

Ruth Spetz, LLB, CFP, ICDD, FEA, TEP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Calgary)

Michelle Millard, LLB, TEP
Felesky Flynn LLP
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Nathalie Marchand, LLB, TEP
Miller Thomson LLP
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Montreal)

William Pao, CFP, CIM, TEP
Nicola Wealth
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Okanagan)

Linsey Rains, JD, TEP
Department of Justice Canada
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Ottawa)

Angela Martens, PFP, TEP
Concentra Trust
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan)

Alex Stemmler, CFP, CIM, TEP
TD Wealth
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Southwestern Ontario)

Joan Jung, LLB, TEP
Minden Gross LLP
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Toronto)

Alysha To, CFP, CLU, CHS, MTI, CIM, TEP
Richardson Wealth
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Vancouver)

Mariska Loeppky, CPA, CA CFP, TEP
IG Wealth Management
2021, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg)


Year: 2020

Timothy Matthews, QC, LLB, BCL, TEP
Stewart McKelvey
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Atlantic)

Victoria Schneider, JD, TEP
RBC Wealth Management Financial Services
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Calgary) 

Dennis Trzok, CFP, TEP
Servus Credit Union
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Joel Campagna, CMA, CPA, CFP, TEP
Manulife
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (London & SWO)

Mark Potechin, LLB, TEP  
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP 
2020, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Montreal) 

Braeden Rahn, TEP
Geoffrey W. White Estates & Charity Law & Clark Wilson LLP
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Okanagan)

Nicole Ewing, LLB, CLU, TEP
TD Wealth
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Ottawa)

Lane Zabolotney, JD, TEP
Cuelenaere LLP
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan)

Jeff Halpern, CPA, CA, TEP
TD Wealth
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Toronto)

Fiona Hunter, LLB, LLM, TEP
Horne Coupar LLP
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Vancouver)

Eleanor Wiebe, TEP
Fillmore Riley LLP
2020, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg)


Year: 2019

Ruth March, CPA, CA, TEP
KPMG LLP  
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Atlantic) 

Vance LeCocq, CPA, CA, TEP  
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Calgary) 

Michelle Coleman, CPA, CA, TEP 
MNP LLP 
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Tracy VanPuymbroeck, CPA, CA, TEP  
Bossy Nagy Group Professional Corporation
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (London & SWO) 

Marilyn Piccini Roy, AdE, PhD, LLB, BCL, TEP  
Robinson Sheppard Shapiro LLP  
2019, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Montreal) 

Michael Naito, CPA, CA, TEP
Crowe MacKay LLP (Chartered Professional Accountants) 
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Okanagan) 

Francois JMJ Asselin, CFP 
CIBC Wealth Advisory Services
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Ottawa) 

Faisal Khorshid, CFP, CLU, RRC, CIM, FCSI, TEP  
IG Private Wealth Management  
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan) 

Harris Jones, CPA, CA, CFP, CLU, CHFC, TEP  
Harris Jones Advisory Inc.
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Toronto) 

Lisa Heddema, LLB, TEP  
Heddema Law Corporation
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Vancouver) 

Harmanjit Mavi, JD, TEP  
MLT Aikins LLP  
2019, Volunteer of the Year – Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg) 


Year: 2018

Peggy Gates-Hammond, CPA, CA, CFP
BMO Private Wealth
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Atlantic) 

Laxmee Cundasawmy, FCIS, TEP
RBC Royal Trust 
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Calgary) 

Rhonda Johnson, LLB, MBA ,TEP 
Dentons Canada LLP
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Edmonton) 

Justin Hoffman, CPA, CA, CPA (IL), CFP, TEP 
Davis Martindale LLP
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (London & SWO) 

Daniel Frajman, BCL, LLB, TEP 
Spiegel Sohmer Inc. 
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Montreal) 

Melodie Lind LLB, TEP 
Pushor Mitchell LLP 
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Okanagan) 

Linsey Rains, JD, TEP 
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Ottawa) 

Amanda Doucette, LLM, TEP 
Stevenson Hood Thornton Beaubier LLP 
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan) 

Kimberly Whaley, CS, LLM, TEP 
WEL Partners
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Toronto) 

Yogesh Bhathella, CPA, CGA, CFP, TEP 
KPMG LLP
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Vancouver) 

Tannis Dawson, CPA, CA, CFP, RRC, TEP 
TD Wealth 
2018, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg) 


Year: 2017

Robbie Brown, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP
BMO Wealth Management
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Atlantic)

Gail Black, QC, LLB, TEP
Miller Thomson LLP
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Calgary)

Rhonda Johnson, MBA, LLB, TEP
Dentons Canada LLP
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Christine Cooke, CPA, CGA, MBA, TEP
Lawrence Kinlin School of Business - Fanshawe College
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (London & SWO)

Hélène Marquis, LL.L D.Fisc.PL.Fin, TEP
CIBC Private Wealth Management
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Montreal)

Kelly Watson CA, TEP
KPMG LLP
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Okanagan)

Kyle McDonell, MTI, TEP
RBC Royal Trust
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Ottawa)

Beaty Beaubier, QC, TEP
Stevenson Hood Thornton Beaubier LLP
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan)

Brian Cohen, LLB, TEP
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Toronto)

Sally Dennis, BA, LLM, TEP
Farris LLP
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Vancouver)

Trisha Carver, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP
National Bank Financial
2017, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg)


Year: 2016

Richard Niedermayer, QC, TEP, LLB
Stewart McKelvey
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Atlantic)

Lottie Austin, CFP, CLU
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Calgary)

Dawn Hawley, CFP, CDFA, TEP
The Angus Watt Advisory Group - National Bank Financial
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Michael Bondy, CFP, CA,  TEP
MNP LLP
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (London & SWO)

Nathalie Fisette-Caza, MBA, D.Fisc., F.Pl., TEP
RBC Wealth Management Services
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Montreal)

Melodie Lind, LLB, TEP
Pushor Mitchell LLP
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Okanagan)

Paul Taylor, TEP, RFP
IG Wealth Management
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Ottawa)

Pina Melchionna, PFP, LLB, MBA, TEP
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan)

Elena Hoffstein, JD, TEP
Miller Thomson LLP
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Toronto)

Lisa Heddema, LLB, TEP
Heddema Law Corporation
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Vancouver)

Tim Chimuk, DBA ,CFP, TEP
2016, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg)


Year: 2015

Erin O'Brein Edmonds, QC , TEP
Arcus Legal 
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Atlantic)

Melanie McDonald, LLB , TEP
BMO Trust Comapny
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Calgary)

Christopher Turnbull, CFA , CFP, TEP
The Index House
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Diane Wood, TEP, CPA, CA, CFP
KPMG LLP
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (London & SWO)

Helen Latreille, TEP
Foundation of Greater Montreal
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Montreal)

Dan Basso, LLB, TEP
Crowe MacKay LLP
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Okanagan)

Kyle McDonell, MIT, TEP
RBC Wealth Management
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Ottawa)

Crystal Taylor, LLB, TEP
Felesky Flynn LLP
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Saskatchewan)

Rachel Blumenfeld, BA, MA, LLB, TEP
Aird & Berlis LLP
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Toronto)

Litza Anderson, TEP, LLB
Scotia Wealth Management
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Vancouver)

Norm Promislow, TEP, LLB
Pitblado Law LLP
2015, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg)


Year: 2014

Andree Godbout, LLB, LLM, CFP, TEP
BMO Private Wealth
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Atlantic)

Nadja Ibrahim, LLB, LLM, TEP
PwC
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Calgary)

Kathryn Charr, MTI
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Edmonton)

Chris Delaney, TEP, LLB
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (London & SWO)

Roanne Bratz, BCL, JD
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Montreal)

Alison Oxtoby, LLB, TEP
Balmains Law Corporation
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Okanagan)

Laurie Lord, TEP
TD Wealth Private Investment Counsel
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Ottawa)

Ted Polci, CLU, TEP
First York Insurance Agency Ltd.
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Toronto)

Alison Oxtoby, LLB, TEP
Balmains Law Corporation
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Vancouver)

Lawrence Scarth, CPA, CMA
Scarth Professional Advisors
2014, Volunteer of the Year –Branches & Chapters (Winnipeg)

 

THE GERALD W. OWEN BOOK PRIZE

The Gerald Owen Book Prize stands as the pinnacle of achievement for students pursuing the prestigious TEP designation via the STEP Canada Diploma in Trusts and Estates. Awarded annually to the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in all four rigorous STEP Canada Diploma Courses, this prize is a testament to dedication, intellect, and the pursuit of excellence in the intricate domain of trusts and estates. It symbolizes not only scholarly prowess but also a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in navigating the legal and financial landscapes in the trusts and estates industry. The recipient is selected based on their overall average mark across the four courses, with additional consideration given to the depth of analysis and quality of the essay answers on the final examinations.  Exclusion Criteria: Students with an exemption from a diploma course, and therefore do not have a grade in each of the four courses, are not considered for this award. 

Sponsored by The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company 

Sara Halickman, TEP, CPA, CA
BDO Canada LLP, Montreal
2022, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Laura Peach, JD, TEP
Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver
2021, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Kathryn Balter, TEP
Fogler Rubinoff LLP, Toronto
2020, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Danielle Carter, CPA, CA, TEP  
Baker Tilly KDN, Toronto  
2019, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Dwight Dee, LLB
Miller Thomson LLP, Vancouver 
2018, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Tony Lee, CPA, CA,TEP
Scotia Wealth Management, Burnaby
2017, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Becky Turcotte, CPA, CA, TEP
The Millar Corporation, Ottawa
2016, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Meghan Davis, CPA, CA, TEP
Estate Tax Services Professional Corporation, Kingston
2016, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Justin Hoffman, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP
Davis Martindale LLP, London
2015, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Katy Basi, LLB, MBA (Fin), TEP
Basi Law Professional Corporation, Richmond Hill
2014, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Rishma Jessa, MTAX, CPA, CGA, TEP
RSM Canada LLP, Markham
2013, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Nathalie Malech, CPA, CA
Western Financial Group (Network) Inc, Calgary
2012, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

Nathan Bender, CFP, CIM, CLU, TEP
MB Financial Services, Toronto
2011, Gerald W. Owen Book Prize

 

AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – LAW OF TRUSTS

The Award for Academic Excellence in the Law of Trusts course is bestowed upon the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in the course. This award recognizes mastery of the subject matter, highlighting the recipient's exceptional understanding and application of trust law principles. Student performance is evaluated by their course mark. In the event that two students receive the same mark, additional factors such as the depth of analysis and overall quality of the essay answers in the examination are considered to determine a single winner.

Alexander Alberelli, CPA, CA, MTax
KPMG LLP, Vaughan
2022, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Liana Gannon
MD Private Trust, Toronto
2021, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Marie Hynes
LLF Lawyers LLP, Toronto
2020, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Daniel Stober, LLB  
Torkin Manes LLP, Toronto  
2019, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts 

Jennifer Corak, JD 
Miller Thomson LLP, Toronto 
2018, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts 

Kristina Hyland, JD
TD Private Trust, Toronto
2017, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Dwight Dee, LLB
Miller Thomson LLP, Vancouver
2016, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Sharon Mendonca, CPA, CA
Hilborn LLP, Toronto
2015, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Becky Turcotte, CPA, CA
The Millar Corporation, Ottawa
2014, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Justin Hoffman, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP
Davis Martindale LLP, London
2013, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Katy Basi, LLB, MBA (Fin), TEP
Basi Law Professional Corporation, Richmond Hill
2012, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Sarah Dykema, LLB, TEP
McInnes Cooper, Halifax
2011, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

Natalie Malech, CPA, CA
Western Financial Group (Network) Inc, Calgary
2010, Highest Mark, Law of Trusts

 

AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – TAXATION OF TRUSTS & ESTATES

The Award for Academic Excellence in the Taxation of Trusts & Estates course is bestowed upon the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in the course. This award recognizes mastery of the subject matter, highlighting the recipient's exceptional understanding and application of trust taxation principles. Student performance is evaluated by their course mark. In the event that two students receive the same mark, additional factors such as the depth of analysis and overall quality of the essay answers in the examination are considered to determine a single winner.

Michael Earle, TEP, CPA, CA, CFP, CLU
Owens MacFadyen Group, Moncton
2022, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Catherine Hung, CPA, CA, TEP
PwC Canada, Toronto
2021, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Valerie Chan, CPA, CA, CFP
BMO Wealth Management, Vancouver
2020, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Jessica Litt  
TD Wealth, Okanagan
2019, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Paul Thorne, LLB, LLM, CFP 
Sun Life Financial, Halifax
2018, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Danielle Carter, CPA, CA
Baker Tilly KDN, Peterborough
2017, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Martina Zanetti, JD
Norton Rose Fulbrignt, West Vancouver
2016, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Denika Heaton, JD, TEP
2015, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Justin Hoffman, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP
Davis Martindale LLP, London
2014, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Katy Basi, LLB, MBA (Fin), TEP
Basi Law Professional Corporation, Richmond Hill
2013, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Jody Hatto, CPA, CA, TEP
Wild Hare CPA Inc., Vancouver
2012, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Godfrey Yu, CIM, CFP, CPA, CGA, TEP
JCIC Asset Management, Toronto
2011, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

Ngoc Day, CFP, CIM, R.F.P, TEP
Macdonald Shymko & Co Ltd., Vancouver
2010, Highest Mark, Taxation of Trusts & Estates

 

AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – WILLS, TRUST & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

The Award for Academic Excellence in the Wills, Trust & Estate Administration course is bestowed upon the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in the course. This award recognizes mastery of the subject matter, highlighting the recipient's exceptional understanding and application of the legal principles governing wills, trusts, and estate administration. Student performance is evaluated by their course mark. In the event that two students receive the same mark, additional factors such as the depth of analysis and overall quality of the essay answers in the examination are considered to determine a single winner.

Sayuri Kagami, JD
RBC Royal Trust, Toronto
2022, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Stephanie Battista, JD, TEP
O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers, Toronto
2021, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Peter Mennie
Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver
2020, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Kathryn Balter  
Fogler Rubinoff LLP, Toronto  
2019, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration 

Darryl Antel, LLB, CFP, TEP 
Felesky Flynn LLP, Edmonton 
2018, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration 

Martina Zanetti, JD
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Vancouver
2017, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Denese Espeut-Post, LLB
Avery Law Office, Summerland
2016, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Joanne Golden, JD
Minden Gross LLP, Toronto
2015, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Kenneth Keung, CA, CPA (CO, USA), CFP, TEP, LLB, MTax
Moodys Tax / Moodys Private Client, Calgary
2014, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Claudia Sgro
2013, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Michelle Desrosiers, PFP, SFC, TEP
Scotiabank and Trust (Cayman) Ltd., Georgetown
2012, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

Janice Elmquist, LLB, TEP
Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, Calgary
2011, Highest Mark, Wills, Trust & Estate Administration

 

AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING

The Award for Academic Excellence in the Trust & Estate Planning course is bestowed upon the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in the course. This award recognizes mastery of the subject matter, highlighting the recipient's exceptional ability to analyze complex financial and legal scenarios. Student performance is evaluated by their course mark. In the event that two students receive the same mark, additional factors such as the depth of analysis and overall quality of the essay answers in the examination are considered to determine a single winner.

Alexander Di Lello, TEP, CPA, CA
RLB LLP Chartered Professional Accountants and Business Advisors, Guelph
2022, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Laura Peach, JD, TEP
Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver
2021, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Gillian Crouch, TEP
Law Office of Gillian Crouch, Vancouver
2020, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

David Lin, CPA, CA, TEP 
Southwestern Ontario 
2019, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Sarah Netley, CPA, CA, TEP 
Baker Tilly KDN LLP, Courtice 
2018, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Tony Lee, CPA, CA, TEP
Cinnamon Jang Willoughby & Company, Burnaby
2017, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Meghan Davis, CPA, CA, TEP
Collins Blay LLP, Kingston
2016, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Andrea Payne, MTI, TEP
TD Wealth, London
2015, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Kenneth Keung, CA, CPA (CO, USA), CFP, TEP, LLB, MTax
Moodys Gartner Tax Law LLP, Calgary
2014, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Paul Van Galder, MTI, CFP, CLU, FCSI, TEP
Cayman Fiduciary Ltd., Cayman Islands
2013, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Natalie Malech, CPA, CA
Western Financial Group (Network) Inc, Calgary
2012, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

Jason Rideout, CPA, CA, TEP
Archambault Neathway & Rideout, St. Stephen
2011, Highest Mark, Trust & Estate Planning

 

CETA PROGRAM AWARD

The CETA Program Award is presented to the outstanding student who demonstrates mastery of the subject matter in the specialized field of estate and trust administration throughout the CETA program. This award celebrates not only academic achievements but also a thorough understanding and practical application of estate and trust administration principles. Student performance is evaluated by their overall program average. In the event that two students have the same average, additional factors such as the performance on the CETA 4 exam are considered to determine a single winner.

Alexandra Lyde-Stad, BA
Janine A.S. Thomas Law Corporation, Vancouver
2022, Highest Mark, CETA

Susan Tregunno
BMO Private Wealth, Halifax
2021, Highest Mark, CETA

Victoria Vandevalk
Toronto
2020, Highest Mark, CETA

Yunhong Amy Lin  
Bank of Montreal Private Banking, Ottawa  
2019, Highest Mark, CETA

Braeden James Rahn 
Geoffrey W. White Estates & Charity Law & Clark Wilson LLP, Kelowna 
2018, Highest Mark, CETA

Betty Laidlaw
Fasken Martineau Du Moulin LLP, Toronto
2017, Highest Mark, CETA

 

THE STEP CANADA SCHOLARS AWARD FOR BEST ESSAY

The STEP Canada Scholars Award for Best Essay is a distinguished accolade bestowed upon the author of the most outstanding essay in the Essay Program, an educational pathway to the TEP designation. This annual award represents a fusion of scholarly rigor, insightful analysis, and the art of written expression, showcasing the recipient's exceptional understanding and engagement with complex legal and financial concepts.

Sponsored by RBC Wealth Management

Marina Sadovsky, CPA, CA, MTAX
MNP LLP, Richmond Hill
2022, Highest Mark, Essay Program

Shannon James, JD, TEP
Carscallen LLP, Calgary
2021, Highest Mark, Essay Program

Cecile Ko Brock, JD, LLM
McCarthy Tétrault LLB
2020, Highest Mark, Essay Program

Audrée Sirois, LLB, LLM, CSI, TEP
Desjardins Private Wealth Management, Montreal
2019, Highest Mark, Essay Program 

Ariane Pare-Brass, LLB, DDN, TEP
MD Private Trust Company, Montreal
2018, Highest Mark, QP Essay 

Carla Figliomeni, LLB
KPMG Law, Toronto
2017, Highest Mark, QP Essay

Soheyl Hemati, CPA, CA, TEP
HMS LLP, Toronto
2016, Highest Mark, QP Essay

Daniel Watts, LLB, TEP
Assante Private Client, Winnipeg
2015, Highest Mark, QP Essay

Robert Miedema, TEP
Harbinger Law, Dartmouth
2014, Highest Mark, QP Essay

Jag Gandhi, BA, MA, LLB, TEP
Gluskin Sheff & Associates Inc., Toronto
2013, Highest Mark, QP Essay

Jennifer Tokarek, CA, CPA, TEP
TD Wealth Private Client Group, Vancouver
2012, Highest Mark, QP Essay

 

BEST CONFERENCE PRESENTATON AWARD

First introduced in 2012, this Award honours the speakers who delivered the Best Conference Presentation at the previous year’s conference.

Melanie Yach, LLB, TEP, Toronto: Aird & Berlis LLP
Amanda Stacey, JD, TEP, Vancouver:  Miller Thomson LLP
John Oakey, CPA, CA, TEP, Halifax, Baker Tilly Canada Cooperative
"With the Benefit of Hindsight: Unintended Consequences of Settling a Discretionary Family Trust in the Context of an Estate Freeze"
2022, Highest Rated, Best Conference Presentation

Rhonda Johnson, LLB, MBA ,TEP 
Amanda Doucette, LLM, TEP
Richard Niedermayer, QC, TEP, LLB
“Gift Wrapping: The Pros and Cons of Inter Vivos Gifts”
2021, Highest Rated, Best Conference Presentation

Eddy Burrello, FCPA, FCA
Joan Jung, LLB, TEP
Ruth March, CPA, CA, TEP
“Pipelines and Loss Carrybacks”
2020, Highest Rated, Best Speakers’ Series Presentation

Janet Michelin, BCL, LLB, TEP  
Carmen Thériault, QC, TEP 
"Practitioners’ Update: Trust and Estate Law”
2019, Plenary Winner, Best Conference Presentation 

Ann Elise Alexander, LLB, TEP 
Troy McEachren, BCL, LLB, TEP
Amanda Stacey, JD, TEP
Melanie Yach, LLB, TEP
“Take That to the Bank: Legal, Estate, Beneficiary, and Capacity Issues when Dealing with Financial Institutions and Some Practical Solutions” 
2019, Concurrent Winner, Best Conference Presentation 

Philip Marcovici, TEP 
"International News"
2018, Plenary Winner, Best Conference Presentation 

Kimberly Whaley, LLM, CS, TEP 
Ed Esposto, LLB, TEP
Dr. Kenneth Shulman
Dr. Adrian M. Owen
"Medical-Legal Issues Involving Capacity, Estate and Trust Planning, and Litigation"
2018, Concurrent Winner, Best Conference Presentation 

Janet Michelin, LLB, BCL, TEP
Tim Matthews, QC, LLB, BCL, TEP
"Practitioners’ Update: Trust and Estate Law"
2017, Plenary Winner, Best Conference Presentation

Angela Ross, TEP
Elie Roth, TEP
Grace Chow, FCPA, FCA, FCCA (UK), FTIHK, CTA, TEP
"Taxation of Trusts and Their Beneficiaries: Rarer Tips and Traps"
2017, Concurrent Winner, Best Conference Presentation

Joshua Rubenstein, TEP
“International News: Heads Win; Tails You Lose: Advising Clients in Times of Protracted and Unprecedented Political, Economic, Cultural, and Scientific Change”
2016, Plenary Winner, Best Conference Presentation

Kathleen Burns Kingsbury
Pina Melchionna, PFP, LLB, MBA, TEP
Maria Spanakis
“Gender Implications in Intergenerational Wealth Transfer”
2016, Concurrent Winner, Best Conference Presentation

Ann Elise Alexander, TEP
Katy Basi, LLB, MBA (Fin), TEP
Sara Kinnear, TEP
“Treatment of Registered Assets on Death”
2015, Concurrent Winners, Best Conference Presentation

Benjamin Tal
“International News: Where in the World Are We?”
2015, Plenary Winner, Best Conference Presentation

Tom Grozinger, LLB, CS, TEP
“Practitioners Update: Trust and Estate Law”
2014, Best Conference Presentation

Corina Weigl, LLB, TEP
Stephen Alsace, JD, LLB
Kathleen Cunningham, LLB, MPS, TEP
Kathrine Smirle, LLB
“Capacity and Our Clients – Comments from the Trenches”
2013, Best Conference Presentation

Paul LeBreux, LLB, LLM, TEP
Kim G C Moody, FCPA, FCA, TEP
Michael Cadesky, FCPA, FCA, FTIHK, CTA, TEP
Steve Fron, CPA, CA
Phillip Kohnen, CPA, CMA, TEP
“Canada Revenue Agency Round Table”
2012, Best Conference Presentation

Al Meghji, BSc, LLB, LLM
“Trends in Tax Litigation: A New Approach to Tax Avoidance”
2011, Best Conference Presentation

 

BEST ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN STEP INSIDE

Introduced in 2014, this Award is presented to the author of the best writing published by STEP Canada in its national newsletter, STEP Inside.

Hemal Balsara, TEP, CPA, CA, CFP, FEA, Toronto: Manulife Financial
Glenn Stephens, LLB, FEA, Toronto
"Life Insurance Fit for Purpose" - January 2022 Vol. 21 No. 1
2022, Best Article, STEP Inside

Joyce Lee, KC, TEP
Daphne Chu, LLB
Jeffrey Bichard, JD, TEP
Jay Dyck            
Nancy Golding, QC, TEP
Amanda Doucette, LLM, TEP
Jennifer Leach  
Alex Bainov, LLB, TEP
Susannah Roth, Hon BA, LLB, TEP
Sarah Almon, JD, TEP
"Case Study: Real Estate and Alter Ego Trusts" - May 2021 Vol. 20 No. 2
2021, Best Article, STEP Inside

Catherine Eberl 
“Thorny Income Tax Issues for US Beneficiaries of Canadian Trusts” - January 2020 Vol. 19 No. 1
2020, Best Article, STEP Inside 

Katy Basi, LLB, MBA, TEP 
Albert Oosterhoff 
“Implications of Re Milne Estate: Are Multiple Wills the Tip of the Iceberg?” - January 2019 Vol. 18 No. 1
2019, Best Article, STEP Inside 

Thomas Grozinger 
“Risks in Estate and Trust Administration: Part 2” - October 2018 Vol.17 No. 3
2018, Best Article, STEP Inside 

Anne Saris
“Use of Human Reproductive Material and Embryos After Death” - January 2017 Vol. 16 No. 1
2017, Best Article, STEP Inside

Suzanne Michaud, BCom, LLB, CFP, TEP
Glenn Davis, LL.B, MTI, TEP
“Minor Beneficiaries and Not-So-Minor Consequences: A Case Study" - January 2016 Vol. 15 No. 1
2016, Best Article, STEP Inside

Shelagh Rinald, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP
“Post Mortem Planning for Private Corporation Shares – Part 1" - February 2015 Vol. 14 No. 1
2015, Best Article, STEP Inside

Mark Handelman, BA, LLB, MHSc (bioethics)
“Whose Mistake" – October 2014 Vol. 13 No. 3 
2014, Best Article, STEP Inside

 

STEP CANADA LAW SCHOOL AWARDS

  STEP Canada Trusts & Estates Prize, Dalhousie University, Schulich School of Law
  • Karnveer Samra
    2021-2022
  • Laura Burlock
    2020-2021
  • Zach Geldert
    2019-2020
  • Hilary Gilroy
    2018-2019
  • Matthew Boyd
    2017-2018
  • Madison Veinotte
    2016-2017
  • Lauren Soubolsky
    2015-2016
  • John Boyle
    2014-2015

STEP Canada Award in Trusts in the Faculty of Law, Western University
  • Aleida Prinzen
    2021-2022
  • Aaron Michael Ender
    2020-2021
  • Stephen Carneiro Fernandes
    2019-2020
  • Jacueline Violet Karbi
    2018-2019
  • Eric Vice
    2017-2018
  • William W. Fawcett
    2016-2017
  • Andrew Tam
    2015-2016
  • Jonathan Benjamin Viner
    2014-2015

STEP Canada Prize in Succession, The University of British Columbia, Peter A. Allard School of Law
  • Anna Allyson Holota
    2021-2022
  • Jade Matthies
    2020-2021
  • Selena Chen
    2017-2018
  • Leandra Gupta
    2016-2017
  • James Beaton
    2015-2016
  • Steven Goosen
    2014-2015

STEP Canada Prize in Estate Planning, York University, Osgoode Hall Law School
  • Drake Sullivan
    2022-2023
  • Roy Friedman
    2022-2023
  • Darren Leung
    2021-2022
  • Lauren Chan
    2021-2022
  • Carmen Loh
    2021-2022
  • Tony Zhang
    2020-2021
  • Nilufer Walimohamed
    2020-2021
  • Taylor Schopp
    2019-2020
  • Andrew Coates
    2018-2019
  • Dajena Collaku
    2016-2017
  • Stephanie Ouanounou
    2015-2016

STEP Canada Prize in the College of Law Wills Course, University of Saskatchewan
  • Natalia Montanez
    2021-2022
  • Vanessa Roberts
    2020-2021
  • Merrisa Olliver
    2019-2020
  • Graham Fuga
    2018-2019
  • Bradley Garreth Smith
    2017-2018
  • Thomas Fransoo
    2016-2017

STEP Canada Prize in Wills and Estate, Thompson Rivers University
  • Sarah Yorston
    2022-2023
  • Heidi Esslinger
    2020-2021
  • Rishi Dhillon
    2019-2020
  • Justin Klassen
    2018-2019
  • Jullian Foster
    2018-2019
  • Ariana Savin
    2017-2018
  • Christine Purewal
    2016-2017

STEP Canada Law Prize in Estate Planning and Trusts, University of Calgary
  • Sarah Stumpf
    2023-2024
  • Maria Starko
    2022-2023
  • Gabriel Vrhovac
    2020-2021
  • Ian McDonald Wylie
    2019-2020
  • Lindsay Kvellestad
    2018-2019
  • Therese Lucy Watson
    2018-2019
  • Vanessa Marie Zuchetto
    2017-2018
  • Randolph Wilson Mitchell
    2016-2017

STEP Canada Law Prize in Estate Law, University of Manitoba
  • Jessica Bevilacqua
    2021-2022
  • Nick Noonan
    2020-2021
  • Hillary A. Linden
    2019-2020
  • Zachery A. Rodgers
    2018-2019
  • Kaitlan Buchko
    2017-2018
  • Steven Falkingham
    2016-2017

STEP Canada Prize for Excellence in Wills and the Law of Succession at the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, University of Ottawa
  • Sanika Kulkarni
    2021-2022
  • Trent Abraham
    2020-2021
  • Siera Stampone
    2019-2020
  • Nathlie Grant
    2018-2019
  • Jacob Sazio
    2017-2018
  • Matthew Norton
    2016-2017

STEP Canada Prize in Estate Planning, University of Alberta
  • Ryan Shearer
    2021-2022
  • Monica Tran
    2020-2021
  • Steven Climenhaga
    2019-2020
  • Aimee Ares
    2018-2019
  • Coleman Brinker
    2017-2018
  • Courtney Davidson
    2016-2017
  • Kurtis Letwin
    2015-2016

STEP Canada Award in Equity, Estate, Trusts, McGill University
  • Niamh Leonard
    2021-2022
  • Logan Stack
    2020-2021
  • Power Malaya
    2019-2020
  • Steven Patterson
    2018-2019
  • Khorshid Rad
    2018-2019
  • Adrian Pel
    2017-2018
  • Patrick Baud
    2017-2018

STEP Canada Prize of Excellence in Trust & Estate, University of Windsor
  • Joyce Innocente
    2022-2023
  • Sheldon Leung
    2021-2022
  • Brianna Elliott
    2020-2021
  • Erin Pervin
    2019-2020

STEP Canada Prize in the Trust and Estates Class, University of Montreal
  • Katrina Borodenko
    2021-2022
  • Julien Ouellet
    2021-2022
  • Maëlie Kate Jalali
    2020-2021
  • Vincent-Alexandre Fournier
    2019-2020
  • Madeleine Chalhoub
    2018-2019