The Team

Who we are

Stephen Whipp CFP, Senior Financial Advisor

Steve is an activist. He believes passionately that individuals working together for the common good can change the world, and make it better for everyone.

Before coming to financial planning in 1997. Steve dedicated over 20 years to environmental, justice, community and aboriginal issues in various parts of Canada. He’s worked for aboriginal organizations in northern B.C. and the N.W.T.; covered environmental and aboriginal issues as a journalist and columnist; managed public legal education programs; and advocated on northern and environmental issues on Parliament Hill. Steve was the first executive director of a northern BC-based environmental research organization involved in forestry, oil exploration, and transportation issues, and was one of the first western journalists allowed into China in the 1970’s.

His training as a journalist and his broad experience has taught him a lot about how the world works, and how it needs to change. Steve now brings this powerful experience, his strong sense of personal integrity and social responsibility, and his progressive values, to the practice of financial planning.

At Manulife Securities Incorporated, Steve is the leader of his own team that specializes in ethical investing and values-based financial planning.

Steve lives on Victoria’s West Shore with his wife, Kate, and has three sons, with one still in the nest. He is involved with a variety of non-profit organizations, and is an active member of Victoria’s Values-based Business Network, supporting and promoting green businesses, corporate responsibility, and community-mindedness. Steve is also a member of the Social Investment Organization, a national agency dedicated to the advancement of socially responsible investment in Canada and the Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau. Passionate about playing golf, learning, and fair trade coffee, Steve loves meeting new people who share his values. Email Stephen

Annette Quan, FMA, FCSI Financial Advisor, Life Representative

Annette is a life-long Victoria native, and has been working in the financial services industry for over 24 years. She marries her professional experience with her passion for making our communities better by focussing on socially responsible investing. She helps investors build a financial plan that does not compromise what is important to them. Her passion for making communities better extends beyond her practice. Since 1994 Annette has been a member of the Victoria Chinatown Lioness club, an all-female organization that contributes both time and money to community events and services particularly those serving women and children. Their objective is to work harmoniously towards the goal of serving those in need, while continuing to foster the good spirit of racial harmony, cultural diversity and community relationship. Email Annette

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Christine Shauntz, Client Services Assistant

Originally from the lower mainland, Chris has recently joined our team. She won’t admit to how many years of experience she has within the financial industry, but she has experience in banking, insurance and investments. When she is not hard at work she enjoys spending time with her family or crafting. Email Chris

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Tara Zajac, Marketing Assistant

Tara comes from a diverse educational and professional background. She completed a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria, majoring in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. She has worked in the areas of community relations for private businesses with a focus on corporate culture, grassroots marketing, and volunteering.

Tara has worked in the West Shore for two years including working in fundraising at the Royal Roads University Foundation. She currently enjoys playing sports and volunteering with conservation groups, community organizations and the local food industry. Email Tara

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Dan Wilmshurst, CMA, CFP, Practice Manager

Dan has over 35 years of business ,financial and management consulting and financial planning experience .He has extensive background in business management and operations, having had varied experience as a Comptroller, General Manager and business owner. In these capacities he has developed and monitored business systems and internal controls to ensure strong fiscal management .He has also had extensive experience in developing productive and motivated teams of both staff and volunteers. He possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills and enjoys building relationships both inside and outside the organization.

Dan presently sits as a Director on the Board of two charities, as well as being the Treasurer of his Strata Council. Previously he has also served on the Board of Directors of his golf club as President Designate and Finance Chair.