The Team

Who we are

Stephen Whipp, Senior Financial Planner

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 1996. 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 Inc., 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.

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Cindy Watt, Client Services Assistant

Cindy is our office diva responsible for the overall office management and special projects. She has a broad range of experience that includes careers as a former mutual fund Regional Compliance Auditor and as an Information Management Officer for the Province of BC. She has a passion for customer relationships and enjoys meeting people from all walks of life.
She currently enjoys walking, quilting and volunteering with local charities. Committed to lifelong learning, Cindy’s studies include various business courses and upgrading her financial services education. Email Cindy

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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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