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Monday November 6th, 2025

Terminal City Club, Vancouver

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The 2023 Vancouver Family Office Conference

08:00 – 09:00 AMNetworking Breakfast
09:00 – 09:10 AMOpening Remarks
Ms. Linda Sandström, Director of International Events, DC Finance
Ms. Rebecca Finley-Schidlowsky, Next Gen, Speaker & Facilitator, Finley & Associates – Conference Moderator
09:10 – 09:35 AMCanada’s Current Epidemic of Mental Illness and Addiction among Children and Youth
Ms. Dina Wachtel, Executive Director, Canadian Friends of Hebrew University – Moderator
Dr. Yaron Finkelstein, MD, FACMT, Dip. ABCP, Canada Research Chair in Paediatric Drug Safety and Efficacy Professor of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Toxicology The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto
Ms. Rowena Pinto, President & CEO, Jack.org
09:35 – 09:45 AMSeeking Disruption for a Positive Impact in Life, Workplace, Science and Philanthropy
Ms. Susan Stern, CEO, Weizmann Canada
Some see disruption as a source of turmoil, uncertainty or chaos; others know it is a powerful force for good ― one that drives progress, innovation, and positive change. Science thrives in disruption. In this thought-provoking session, Susan will share examples to illustrate how seeking disruption has become a powerful force for good in philanthropy, in science, in the workplace, and in our everyday lives.
09:45 – 09:55 AMTechnology Investing in Uncertain Markets
Mr. Matthew Cross, Managing Director, Kensington Capital Partners Limited
09:55 – 10:05 AMBudget 2023: The Impact of the New AMT Rules on Philanthropy
Mr. Hugh Woolley, CPA-CA, TEP
With the changes to the AMT in the 2023 Federal Budget effective in 2024, Canadian philanthropists and their Wealth & Tax advisors need to revisit their gifting approaches which may be severely impacted by the new rules. Tax expert Hugh Woolley CPA-CA, TEP will discuss these rules within the context of philanthropy and more broadly.
10:05 – 10:30 AMThe AI Revolution: Risks and Rewards for the High Net Worth Community
Mr. Stephen Ibaraki, Chairman & Managing General Partner, REDDS Capital and Founder, UN AI for Good – Moderator
Mr. Ronald C. Shon, 2nd Generation and President, Shon Group of Companies
Mr. Jamil Dewsi, Startup Operator & Investor
Dr. David Hanson, CEO & Founder, Hanson Robotics
Artificial intelligence and exponential technologies are transforming industries and presenting both unparalleled opportunities and existential risks for businesses, investments, and family offices. Join our panel of experts as they explore the potential impact of AI on wealth management, investment strategies, next-generation planning, and the broader landscape of the high net worth community. Discover how to harness the power of AI to secure long-term prosperity while mitigating challenges that could redefine the future of wealth.
10:30 – 11:00 AMCoffee Break 
11:00 – 11:40 AMFrom Family Management to Non Family Business Panel
Ms. Kim Collins, Co-Founder & Director, Collins Capital – Moderator
Mr. Chuck Sanders, President & CEO, Director, JV Driver Group
Mr. Glen Clark, Former President & COO, The Jim Pattison Group
Mr. Blaine LaBontePresident
A panel discussion about non-family members taking over management of the family business from the perspective of the founder and the “hired gun”. The panel will focus on best practices, advice to founders, how to incentivize non-family CEOs and lessons learned.
11:40 – 11:50 AMUncovering Great Opportunities in a Recessionary Environment
Mr. Elie Nour, CFP, CIM, Founder & CEO, Nour Private Wealth
This lecture will discuss Nour Private Wealth’s best investment ideas using tactical and diversified trading of equities, fixed income, and alternatives to provide absolute returns throughout any economic cycle.
11:50 – 12:00 PMBold Science for Brain Health
Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO, Brain Canada Foundation
An introduction to Brain Canada and the invaluable role it plays in funding innovative brain research in Canada. Uncover the impact of Brain Canada’s unique programs and learn about exciting developments in brain research across the country.
12:00 – 12:30 PMThe Next Gen Panel
Ms. Rebecca Finley-Schidlowsky, Next Gen, Speaker & Facilitator, Finley & Associates – Moderator
Mr. Tim Yeung, Next Gen; Associate Advisor, Next Step Advisors
Ms. Aliya Rota, CPA, NextGen, Cameron Corporation
Mr. Willson Guimont, Next Gen, Speaker
As the up-and-coming generation within families, Next Gens have a unique voice and perspective. Come hear from four Next Gens (25-36yrs old), hailing from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Seattle, as they discuss the biggest challenges they face, how they are building their own identities, and advice for engaging Next Gens within families.
12:30 – 12:50 PMKeynote Speech: What Kind of World do YOU Want to Create – Dare to be a Conscious Cultural Creator!
Ms. Mary Ann ThompsonNext Gen of the 7-Eleven Family; Co-Founder/President, The Memnosyne Institute; General Partner, UTF Holdings; President, Eco-Eco/Green Energy
12:50 – 01:50 PMLunch
01:50 – 02:10 PMFireside Chat: The Importance of Innovation, for Society
Sir Terence Hedley Matthews, Business Leader & Tech Innovator; Chairman, Wesley Clover International
Mr. Owen Matthews, Chairman, Alacrity Canada; General Partner, Wesley Clover – Moderator
A conversation with Sir Terry Matthews about the importance of innovation in society and its impact on sustainability and wealth generation.
02:10 – 02:40 PMThe Real Estate Panel
Mr. Tim Yeung, Next Gen; Associate Advisor, Next Step Advisors – Moderator
Ms. Tina Naqvi-Rota, 2nd Generation; CEO, Cameron Corporation
Mr. Sasha Faris, President & Founder, First Track
Mr. Cyrus Navabi, Managing Director, Qualex-Landmark
Mr. Ryan Berlin, Senior Economist & Director of Intelligence, rennie
02:40 – 03:00 PMPhilanthropy: from Generation to Generation
Mr. Ezra S. Shanken, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Mr. Alex Cristall, Chair, JWest Capital Campaign; President, Cristall Group Investments
Ms. Lana Marks Pulver, Past Annual Campaign Chair and Incoming Board Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Leaders of the Vancouver Jewish community discuss the importance of intergenerational philanthropy and speak to how Jewish culture inspires intergenerational giving.
03:00 – 03:20 PMEmotional Intelligence in a Chat Bot World
Mr. David C. Bentall B. Comm., Founding Principal, Next Step Advisors
03:20 – 04:20 PMCocktail Reception