News and Events

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Manulife Financial recognized Mark as Canada´s Top Living Benefits Advisor in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

2013

• Jan issue Investment Executive, Canada ́s National Newspaper for Financial Advisors, interviewed Mark for an article about using joint ownership as an estate planning tool.   Read "Pitfalls of joint ownership" HERE

2012

• Dec 30 The Financial Post interviewed Mark for an article about financial New Year’s resolutions for 2013. Read "Start the year on the right fiscal foot" HERE
• Nov Mark wrote an article for The TaxLetter® that explains how business owners can pay less income tax and leave a bigger estate for family and charity using a Corporate Insured Annuity. Read Ideal "Exit Strategy" HERE

• Nov 24 The National Post sought Mark's advice on what to do with an unexpected windfall. Read "Hit it Big - Keep it Quiet"HERE

• Nov 20 Mark was invited by The Brant/Norfolk Chapter of Advocis, the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors, to address the 2012 Sales Congress for Durham Region. Mark presented The Critical Path™ and discussed the importance of Living Benefits and becoming a Trusted Advisor.

• Nov 14 The Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation hosted Mark at a special evening presented by The Strategic Planning Committee. The event gathered dedicated leaders on both the Hospital and Foundation Boards, Campaign Cabinet, Hospital staff and physician leaders, dedicated volunteers and special friends who have been an important part of the fundraising success to date.The current expansion campaign has raised 75% of the $50 million goal. You can help by donating online here

• Nov 14 Mark appeared as an expert panelist at the Canadian Living Benefits Seminar held at the Mississauga Convention Centre. This industry-only event was attended by marketers, underwriters and claims adjudicators from across the country. The primary focus is critical illness insurance, disability insurance, and long term care insurance. 

• Sep 23 September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month!

  illnessPROTECTION.com was a proud sponsor of the GTA Ovarian Cancer Peer Support Network event:

  "Living with Ovarian Cancer" - a one day forum for survivors, their family, friends, allies!

  "Information, Hope, Strength, Community"

  See Poster here

  See Program here

• Sep 21 Mark was the keynote speaker at the Atlantic Sales Congress for Sun Life Financial in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He presented "The Critical Path™" and discussed the importance of Critical Illness insurance and other living benefits to more than 200 insurance professionals. See Program HERE

• Sep 13 Mark was interviewed by the Canadian Press on the subject of Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).

  Read "Health-care spending accounts offer flexibility": experts" HERE

•  Sep 11 Mark was invited by B'nai Brith Canada to present " The Critical Path™ - The Top 6 Mistakes Seniors Must Avoid in Estate Planning" to a group of seniors at the Glassman Centre in Toronto.
•  Aug issue Mark contributed an article for The TaxLetter® that contains an Estate Planning Checklist that can be used to eliminate a tax bill.. Read it HERE
• Aug   Mark was asked to be a faculty member at the 58th Advocis Banff School, to be held in Banff, AB.
• Jun 22   Mark will attend the 2012 National Conference of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP Canada) . The conference will focus on the latest developments in trust and estate practice, providing insightful and practical commentary from experts in tax, trust law, trust administration, insurance and financial planning.
• Jun 18   Mark will present "The Critical Path™ at the Ontario Sales Congress for Sun Life Financial in Mississauga, Ontario. He will discuss the importance of Critical Illness insurance and other living benefits to approximately 1,000 insurance professionals.

• May 30  The National Post quoted Mark in an article about critical illness insurance rates increasing by up to 30% in JuneRead "Manulife to raise cost of critical illness coverage by up to 30%: broker" HERE
• May 29  Mark was interviewed by Canadian Family for an article about Life Insurance for childrenRead "Should You Consider Children's Insurance? HERE
• May 23 Mark was interviewed by the Financial Post for an article about the importance of employee benefits.Read " Raining on your benefits parade" HERE
• Apr 25  Mark presented 'The Critical Path™ - Strategies for Charitable Giving' to The Allied Professional Council of The Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation to assist them with Planned Giving initiatives during their $50 Million expansion.
• Apr issue   Mark contributed an article for The TaxLetter® that explains the Estate Bond and how the tax benefits of life insurance can be used to maximize estate values.Read it HERE
• Apr 4   Mark became an accredited Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) recognized by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the leading international organization for trust and estates professionals. Headquartered in London, England, it has more than 16,500 members worldwide in 66 countries.
• Mar 21   Mark presented "The Critical Path™" to key distribution wholesalers at Sun Life Financial's Partner Appreciation Day.

  He discussed the importance of professional training and continuing education for insurance advisors about Critical Illness insurance and other living benefits.

• Mar 20  Morningstar Research interviewed Mark for an article about making the right choices when shopping for term insurance

  Read "Life insurance: Should you go for 10 years or 20?" HERE

• Mar 15   Investment Executive, Canada's National Newspaper for Financial Advisors, interviewed Mark for a 2 part article about helping clients through a sudden illness. Read "Dealing with a clients sudden illness" HERE

  Read "Soften the blow of a client's illness" HERE

• Mar 15   Mark participated in an online discussion with readers of The Globe and Mail - The event title was "Are you financially ready for life's curveballs?" Read the transcript HERE
• Mar 8   Manulife Financial recognized Mark as their Top Living Benefits Advisor. He was presented with the Tradition of Excellence award at a Toronto event.
• Mar 1   Mark was in interviewed by the Globe and Mail for an article and video about the importance of planning for an unexpected illness

  Read "Lessons learned from a tragic game of touch football" HERE Watch the video "Planning for an unexpected illness" HERE

• Jan 29   Mark completed the ING Half-Marathon in Miami in support

  of Chai Lifeline, an amazing charity that takes kids with life threatening illnesses to a summer camp designed to meet their unique needs. Many thanks to our clients and friends whose generous support helped Mark exceed his fundraising goal of $18,000!

  Mark was the top fundraiser in Canada and #2 across North America. (he finished 12, 521 overall as a runner - see photo HERE)

• Jan 23  Mark was invited to join the Concert Committee of Chai Lifeline, an amazing charity that takes kids with life threatening illnesses to a summer camp designed to meet their unique needs. Art Garfunkel will perform at Roy Thomson Hall on March 19, 2102 in support of Chai Lifeline. See this
• Jan 18  The Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation asked Mark to join The Allied Professional Council and assist them with Planned Giving initiatives during their $50 Million expansion.

2011

• Nov 29  Mark was invited by Equitable Life of Canada to meet key distribution wholesalers. They discussed The Critical Path™ and the importance of professional training and continuing education for insurance advisors about Critical Illness insurance and other living benefits.
• Nov issue  Mark contributed an article for The TaxLetter® that explains the S.O.S.™ Shared Ownership Strategy for Critical Illness Insurance. Company owners and executives can now get important protection while enjoying guaranteed pre-tax returns in excess of 30%.
• Oct 29  The National Post sought Mark's ideas on how to share an inheritance with loved ones while you are still alive.Read "Giving it away sooner, not later" HERE
• Oct Issue  Mark contributed an article for The TaxLetter® that describes how life insurance can be used to reduce tax bills while growing estate values. Read "Overlooked Strategy" HERE
• Oct 13 The Globe & Mail interviewed Mark for an article on rising insuring rates.

  Read "The cost of life insurance set to jump" HERE

• Oct 5 Mark was interviewed by the Financial Post for an article on the rising cost of life insurance.

  Read "The time to buy insurance is now" HERE

• September 12  Mark was invited by the Kingston Chapter of Advocis, the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors to deliver the keynote address at their annual sales congress. "Back to Business" was be held at the Days Inn & Conference Centre in Kingston ON. Mark discussed the importance of Critical Illness Insurance and Living Benefits in financial planning.
• Aug Mark contributed an article for Profitable Practice Magazine, a publication read by Ontario's 9,200 dental professionals. Read "How to increase profitability while helping patients get the treatments they need" HERE
• Aug 21-23  Mark was a featured speaker at The Atlantic School, a professional development conference presented by ADVOCIS,the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors in Prince Edward Island.
• July 30  The Financial Post interviewed Mark for an article about Insurance and young people. Read "Insurance for young a tough sell" HERE
• May Issue Mark contributed an article for Profitable Practice Magazine, a publication read by Ontario's 9,200 dental professionals.

  Read "How your personal Life Insurance can put money in your pocket right now" HERE

• May 31  Mark appeared as an expert panelist at the Munich Re Living Benefits Conference at The Intercontinental Hotel in Toronto. The event was presented by Munich Re, Canada's largest reinsurance company. Mark discussed the importance of Critical Illness and Living Benefits in group plans.

  Read "Group Critical Illness earns goodwill for employers" HERE

• May 2  Mark attended the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) Annual Meeting in Ottawa, ON. The event gathers Canada's leading practitioners in the fields of Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Executive Compensation, Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Charitable Giving, and Employee Benefits.
• May 7  The Globe & Mail and ctv.ca quoted Mark in an article about Long Term Care insurance, our aging population, and why people need to consider Long Term Care insurance in their financial planning
• April 7  Mark addressed the Golden Triangle Chapter of Advocis, the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors, in Cambridge, ON. He discussed the importance of Critical Illness Insurance in financial planning.
• April 4  Mark attended Manulife Financial's 2011 Life Elite Forum in Boston, Massachusetts. This exclusive annual event gathers Canada's top advisors for high level and in-depth sessions on key topics of insurance, tax, and estate planning
• March 5 Mark attended the "Tradition of Excellence" dinner hosted by Manulife Financial at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto where he was recognized

  as one of only 300 Master Builders for Manulife Financial across Canada.

• Feb issue  Mark contributed an article for Profitable Practice Magazine, a publication read by Ontario's 9,200 dental professionals.

  Read "What Every Dentist Needs To Know - a look at the differences between Critical illness and Long Term Disability Insurance" HERE

• Feb issue The Insurance & Investment Journal interviewed Mark for an article about living benefits for groups and why

  adding group critical illness to a benefits plan is an excellent employee relations investment for an employer.

  Read "Group Critical Illness earns goodwill for employers" HERE

• Jan 13  Mark was a main platform speaker at the 8th World Critical Illness Insurance Conference held at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria BC.

2010

• Dec 29  The Wall Street Journal interviewed Mark for an article about ELITE U.S. Healthcare™ Read "GETTING PERSONAL CANADA: ELITE U.S. Healthcare Offers Canadians A Second Opinion" here.
• Nov 15  Mark discussed the importance of Critical Illness insurance and other living benefits in an interview with Hugh Reilly on ThatChannel.com Watch it here
• Nov 19   Bankrate.ca, a leading source of financial advice for Canadians, interviewed Mark for an article on the importance of Critical Illness Insurance. Read “Hedging your bets with critical illness insurance” here.
• October issue  eDialogue Magazine, a leading information source for independent advisors in Manulife's Canadian operations, featured Mark in a

  story about consumer-friendly branding, and how a discussion of living benefits helps him become a trusted advisor.

• Oct 18  The Wall Street Journal interviewed Mark for an article about the importance of Critical Illness Insurance. Read " GETTING PERSONAL CANADA: Protecting Against Critical Illness” here.
• Sep 27  Mark spoke at the Manulife Financial Regional Advanced Marketing Seminar held at the Kingsbridge Conference Centre & Institute in King City, ON. He presented Marketing Strategies and the Benefits of Branding.
• Sep 17  Bankrate.ca, a leading source of financial advice for Canadians, interviewed Mark for an article on Life Insurance for children.

  Read “Buying child life insurance” here.

• Aug 9  The Wall Street Journal interviewed Mark for an article about the use of life insurance as an investment and wealth creator. Read " GETTING PERSONAL CANADA: Using Estate Bonds as Investments” here.
• July 21  Mark was invited by The Co-operators Group to deliver the closing address at the 4th Annual Ontario Wealth & Estate Planning Symposium at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston ON. Mark presented 'The Critical Path™ - the importance of Living Benefits in becoming a Trusted Advisor'.
• June 15 Investment Executive TV, the multimedia news source for Canada ́s Financial Advisors, interviewed Mark about the importance of critical illness insurance and why financial advisors have an obligation to inform their clients about it.
• June 15  Mark was a keynote speaker at 8th Annual National Conference of The Canadian Institute of Financial Planners (CIFPs) at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel & Conference Center in Niagara Falls, ON. The association is an independent advocate for the financial planning profession in Canada.
• May 29  The Financial Post interviewed Mark for an article about Life Insurance for children. Read "Put life Insurance on your kid?" here.
• May issue Investment Executive, Canada ́s National Newspaper for Financial Advisors, interviewed Mark for an article about common life insurance policy riders. Read “Assessing accidental death and CI riders” here.
• May 2-5 Mark attended the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) Annual Meeting in Ottawa, ON. and participated in a main platform panel discussion about innovation.

  The event gathers Canada's leading practitioners in the fields of Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Executive Compensation, Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Charitable Giving, and Employee Benefits.

• Apr 26  Mark was a main platform speaker at the World Critical Illness Insurance Conference held at the Allstream Centre in Toronto.
• Apr 9   Mark addressed The Durham Chapter of Advocis, the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors, at the 9th Annual Professional Conference "Critical Perspective", at the Ajax Convention Centre in Ajax ON. Mark discussed the importance of Critical Illness Insurance in financial planning.
• Mar 5  Mark was interviewed by The Canadian Press for an article about the importance of planning for every Canadian. Read "Financial umbrellas help indebted Canadians weather sudden personal disasters" here.
• Mar 4   Mark was a keynote speaker at the Critical Illness Symposium presented by HUB Financial, Canada's largest national MGA. Mark discussed the importance of Critical Illness Insurance and Living Benefits.
• Jan 27   The Globe and Mail sought Mark´s opinion for an article about risk free investment options. Read "Seeking peace of mind in a low-interest-rate era" here.
• Jan issue<  Advisor´s Edge, Canada´s Magazine for Financial Professionals, sought Mark´s advice for a cover story article on ideas for new advisors entering the profession. Read "New To The Game" here.
• Jan issue  The Insurance & Investment Journal published an article about Mark´s participation at Canada´s First Long Term Care Conference held in October 2009 at the Mississauga Convention Centre. Attended by more than 400 financial professionals, the event was organized by Munich Re, a global provider of reinsurance and Canada´s largest reinsurer. Mark is a member of the Munich Re Advisory Council.
• Apr 9   Mark´s presentation at the World Critical Illness Conference was adopted for the curriculum of the Registered Critical Insurance Specialist Course. Read the congratulatory letter here.

2009

• Dec issue  Investment Executive, Canada´s National Newspaper for Financial Advisors, interviewed Mark for “Young Guns”, an article describing strategies that can help those new to the financial services industry achieve enduring success.
• Nov 18  Manulife Financial recognized Mark as Canada ́s Top Living Benefits Advisor for 2008 and 2007 at the National Education Conference held in Puerto Rico.
• Oct 21  Mark was a featured speaker at Canada´s First Long Term Care Conference at the Mississauga Convention Centre. The event was organized by Munich Re, a global provider of reinsurance and Canada's largest reinsurer. Mark is a member of the Munich Re Advisory Council.
• Oct  Advisor Today, the official publication of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, published an article based on Mark’s presentation at the 2009 MDRT Annual Meeting held in Indianapolis. The presentation topic was the importance of Critical Illness Insurance and why advisors need to talk about it.  Founded in 1906 as Life Association News, Advisor Today has the largest circulation among insurance and financial advising magazines in the United States. It provides practical information, sales ideas, resources and business strategies to help insurance and financial advisors succeed.
• Oct 5  The Globe & Mail sought Mark´s advice for an article on money-saving tips. Read "How to nix the impulse purchase" here.
• Sept 22  Mark was a speaker at the 2009 Critical Illness Insurance Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida. This was the first time that an advisor has been invited to speak. The industry conference is sponsored by LIMRA, LOMA, NACII, and the Society of Actuaries.
• Aug 5 – 7  Mark was a speaker at The Ontario School , a professional development conference presented by ADVOCIS, the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors in Collingwood, Ontario.
• Aug issue  Round The Table, the official publication of The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), published an article based on Mark’s presentation at the Annual Meeting held in Indianapolis, Indiana titled "Living Benefits: Help your clients prepare for the new reality with Critical Illness Insurance." MDRT is the Premier Global Association of Financial Professionals.
• Jul 17 contributed a feature article to EverBetter.ca about the importance of Long Term Care Insurance. EverBetter.ca is a new Rogers Media property intended for an audience 50 years old and beyond. Read "Planning for a Cloudy Day" here.
• Jul 9  Mark was interviewed by the Globe & Mail for an article about the importance of updating a personal insurance portfolio. Read "Getting married? Having a baby? Time to check your insurance" here.
• June  The International Medical Travel Journal described ELITE U.S. Healthcare™ in a story about unique insurance products. "Read HEALTH INSURANCE: Unique medical tourism and insurance products" here.
• June 7-11  Mark was a Focus Session speaker at the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Annual Meeting held in Indianapolis, Indiana. MDRT is the Premier Global Association of Financial Professionals. This exclusive gathering recognizes only the top 1% of all insurance advisors worldwide and facilitates the sharing of ideas and creative solutions.
• May 23 The Financial Post interviewed Mark for an article about making financial decisions based on superstitions Read "Indemnity of magical thinking" here.
• May 2-5  Mark attended the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) Annual Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario. The event gathers Canada's leading practitioners in the fields of Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Executive Compensation, Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Charitable Giving, and Employee Benefits.
• May  Mark was recognized by Manulife Financial as their Top Living Benefits Advisor for Canada in 2008. Living Benefits includes Critical Illness Insurance, Disability Insurance and Long Term Care Insurance.
• Apr 20  The Wall Street Journal interviewed Mark for an article about the launch of ELITE U.S. Healthcare™ and growing wait times for medical treatments in Canada. Read " GETTING PERSONAL CANADA: When Waiting Isn´t An Option” here.
• Apr Mark was invited to be a main platform speaker at the 6th World Critical Illness Conference in Montreal, Quebec
• Apr Parkinson´s Disease is one of more than 20 conditions covered by Critical Illness Insurance (see full list).

  April is Parkinson´s Awareness Month. illnessPROTECTION.com proudly supports Parkinson Society Canada and encourages everyone to give generously to fund research and help find a cure.

• Apr 3 Investment Executive TV, the multimedia news source for Canada´s Financial Advisors, interviewed Mark about the launch of ELITE U.S. Healthcare™
• Mar 30 Advisor.ca, Canada´s website for Financial Professionals, sought Mark´s opinion for an article on niche insurance products.
• Mar issue  Mark wrote a feature article for Advisors Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals. Mark described new opportunities for advisors to assist their clients in difficult economic times. Read "A New Era" here.
• Mar 17  ELITE U.S. Healthcare™ launched nationally and is now available for sale across Canada by insurance advisors, wealth managers and financial institutions. Read the Press Release here.
• Mar 14  Mark was recognized as the top living benefits advisor in Ontario by Manulife Financial at a regional event titled "A Taste of Excellence" held at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto.
• Mar 2  Manulife Financial recognized Mark as Canada´s Top Living Benefits Advisor in 2008.

  Living Benefits includes Critical Illness Insurance, Disability Insurance and Long Term Care Insurance.

• Feb 17  The Wall Street Journal interviewed Mark for an article about registered disability savings plans, and the importance of such plans for loved ones with a disability. Read "GETTING PERSONAL CANADA: Fitting An RDSP Into A Financial Plan" here.
• Feb 9 The Wall Street Journal interviewed Mark for an article on the importance of a Power of Attorney. Read "GETTING PERSONAL CANADA: Prioritize Power Of Attorney" here.
• Jan 31 Mark was interviewed by The Globe and Mail for an article on coping with the financial challenges of aging parents. Read "The Parent Trap" here.
• Jan 12 Mark joined the Advisory Board of Chai Lifeline Canada to assist in the promotion of the annual concert on March 16, 2009 at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. This not for profit organization is dedicated to helping Canadian families with children suffering from serious illness.
• Jan 9 Mark joined the Advisory Board of charitybids.org to assist in the development of new relationships with worthy causes, brand development and marketing.

2008

• Dec 2  ELITE U.S. Healthcare™ was launched. Developed in a strategic alliance with Cleveland Clinic Canada, this unique protection product will provide Canadians with immediate access to information, funding and treatment at the top medical Centers of Excellence in the U.S.
• Nov 28 Mark was interviewed for an article in the National Post on the high cost of dying. Read "Even in eternity, it's location, location, location" here.
• Nov  illnessPROTECTION.com will support the efforts of Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada with a multi media campaign to fight prostate cancer and change the face of men's health - grow a mustache and visit www.movember.com for more information.
• Oct 28  Investment Executive, Canada's National Newspaper for Financial Advisors, published an article describing how Mark influenced Jason Abbott, a Toronto-based advisor, who became more successful in his own practice as a result of Mark's mentoring. Read "Advisor Comes Out Swinging" here.
• Oct issue  Advisors Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, interviewed Mark for an article called "Your clients are dying... make plans for your boomer clients long before the requiem"
• Oct issue  Investment Executive, Canada's national newspaper for Financial Advisors, published an article describing how illnessPROTECTION.com uses Group Benefits to work with business executives.
• Sep  illnessPROTECTION.com proudly supported Parkinson Society Canada and encouraged everyone to participate in the 80 SuperWalks across Canada. Please visit www.superwalk.com
• Sep issue  Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, interviewed Mark for an article on money laundering and coping with compliance. Read "Chasing Dirty Money" here
• Sep 23  Metro News published an interview with Mark in city editions across Canada on why university students and recent graduates need the right insurance protection in place. Read "The Great Protector" here
• Sep Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, published Mark's article "Giving the insurance industry a makeover ". The article includes five suggestions for how the insurance industry can rejuvenate its image and values. Read it here
• Aug  Mark was interviewed by Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, for a report on the use of personality tests to help financial firms recruit the right types of employees.
• Aug  NewsCanada.com recognized illnessPROTECTION.com as a destination site for Canadians in an article "Reduce stress if you control the controllable."Read it here
• July  Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, sought Mark's opinion for an article "Money laundering and coping with compliance". Read it here
• June June is ALS Awareness Month - illnessPROTECTION.com will proudly support ALS Society of Canada with a multimedia campaign during June.
• May 31  Mark was invited by the Chairman of the Board to address the next bi-annual meeting of The Retired Employees ofDe Havilland Aircraft and Bombardier. The presentation will focus on the importance of financial planning and why long term care insurance makes sense.
• May 14  Mark was invited by Munich RE Group, www.munichre.ca, to join a select group of advisors to help them in the future pricing, design and marketing of insurance products. Munich RE is a global company and the largest reinsurance company in Canada that serves Canadians both here and in the Caribbean. This very exciting opportunity affords Mark an "insiders" perspective on the future of insurance products and programs in Canada and worldwide, while also helping to shape the initiatives.
• May 11  The Winnipeg Free Press sought Mark's opinion in an article entitled "Retire Wisely, Make sure you are getting the best pension plan for you".  The interview deals with an often overlooked strategy called "Pension Maximization" that anyone with a defined benefit pension plan needs to know about.  Read it here
• May 9 Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, asked Mark's opinion on why so few advisors are selling critical illness insurance and what can be done to help get the word out to more vulnerable Canadians.
• May 4 The Winnipeg Free Press sought Mark's views on the pitfalls of buying automobile loan, life, and disability insurance from an auto dealer versus dealing with a professional financial advisor. Read "In the driver's seat" here.
• May 1 LIMRA International, www.limra.com, a global organization of more than 850 insurance companies, invited Mark to address the Canadian Living Benefits Study Group meeting at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. The study group is an opportunity to network with peers and provides guidance to LIMRA on research of interest to Canadian companies selling living benefit products. Mark shared his ideas on Critical Illness, Disability Insurance, and Long Term Care Insurance.
• May 1  Mark addressed Manulife Financial's top young advisors at the Associate Advisor Conference to be held in Toronto.
• Apr 30  Mark addressed the Annual Meeting of the No Frills National Franchisees Association in Toronto. He discussed the launch of Guaranteed Issue Critical Illness Insurance for all franchisees and their families across Canada.
• Apr 28-30  Mark was a main platform speaker at the 5th World Critical Illness Conference held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto.
• Apr 18  Mark was welcomed as the newest member of the Issue Group on Life Insurance and Living Benefits for the Conference of Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) www.calu.com for the 2008/09 program year. This group will be meeting regularly throughout the year to discuss issues on Life Insurance and Living Benefits, tax topics, newsletter information and seminars for members.
• Apr 16 ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) is one of more than 20 conditions covered by Critical Illness Insurance (see full list). The ALS Society of Canada published an article by Mark in their Spring 2008 newsletter "Coast to Coast" (read it here, on page 13).
• Apr issue Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, produced a special feature "Report on Critical Illness Insurance". The issue contained several articles with Mark's opinion and advice on best practices and how he helps clients.
• Apr 3 Canwest News Service sought Mark's opinions for an article on why consumers should avoid mortgage life insurance and get term life insurance instead. "Get professional advice before buying insurance" The article was published in the National Post, the Vancouver Sun, and the Edmonton Journal. Read it here
• Apr issue Forum Magazine, the pre-eminent industry publication for Financial Advisors in Canada, published "Seize the Day", an article by Mark on the importance of becoming a trusted advisor. Read it here
• Apr 1  Mark was invited by Investors Group to address the Tri-Region Planners Conference at the White Oaks Inn at Niagara on the Lake, ON. Consultants from three regions learned from industry experts and proven performers how they can take their practice to the next level. Mark shared his insights on the importance of critical illness insurance and other living benefits for financial advisors and their clients.
• Mar 29 Mark attended the "Tradition of Excellence" dinner hosted by Manulife Financial at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Toronto. He was presented with an award as the Top Living Benefits advisor in Ontario.
• Mar 24  illnessPROTECTION.com expands to Northern Ontario with a radio campaign launched in Sudbury, Ontario.
• Mar 17,18 Mark addressed university students from the University of Toronto and York University participating in The Maimonides Leaders Fellowship program. He discussed the importance of business ethics.
• JMar issue Forum Magazine, the pre-eminent industry publication for Financial Advisors in Canada, sought Mark's opinion for an educational article on all-time favourite sales books.
• Feb 24 The Winnipeg Free Press sought Mark's opinion for "Is it Worth It?" an article on Mortgage Life Insurance. Read it here
• Feb issue Mark was the sole insurance expert featured in "Your Guide to Caregiving," a Long Term Care supplement produced for Canadian Living Magazine. Read it here, and visit the website
• Feb 15 Biz B.C., an online resource center for business people in British Columbia and around the world, recommended illnessPROTECTION.com in an article "Reduce stress if you control the controllable". Read it here
• Feb 13 Mark was interviewed by Cleo Yu and Bei Jin, graduating students in the Business Program at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, for their research thesis "Critical Illness Insurance Marketing Obstacles in Canada".
• Jan 24 Mark was invited by The Toronto Chapter of Advocis, the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors, to address the 2008 Kickoff Breakfast at The Bayview Golf & Country Club in Thornhill, ON. Mark discussed the importance of Marketing for successful Financial Advisors.
• Jan 8  attended a meeting of The Toronto Estate Planning Council. This exclusive group of leading tax and estate planning professionals convenes regularly to exchange ideas and expertise.

2007

• Dec 5  The National Post's ,Marni Soupcoff, declared illnessPROTECTION.com "a site Canadians should check out simply as a worthwhile reminder that people will always find a way to bypass burdensome government regulations that don't make sense." Read it here
• Nov 28 Mark joined the Advisory Board of The Canadian Institute of Bariatric Options (CIBO) (www.ciboclinic.com) to initiate risk management programs and assist in brand development and marketing.
• Nov 25 Mark was invited to develop a planned giving strategy for Beth Jacob Seminary of Toronto. The first event was attended by accountants, lawyers, and business owners. Mark presented "Smarter Giving: New ways to multiply Charitable Giving using the Same Dollars".
• Nov issue  Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, published "Real Value," a case study authored by Mark, that described how a simple call about a critical illness policy led to a complex estate planning case. Read it here
• Nov 13  Mark addressed university students from the University of Toronto and York University participating in The Maimonides Leaders Fellowship program. He discussed the importance of business ethics.
• Mid Nov issue  Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion for an article "Annuities can ease retiree clients' concerns". Read it here
• Nov issue  Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion for an article on recent enhancements to variable annuity products. Read it here
• Oct 16-18  Mark attended The Top of the Table Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. This exclusive gathering recognizes only the top 1% of all insurance advisors worldwide and facilitates the sharing of ideas and creative solutions under the auspices of MDRT (The Million Dollar Round Table) www.mdrt.org the Premier Global Association of Financial Professionals.
• Oct issue  Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion for an article on how to buy life insurance using corporate leveraging. Read it here
• Sept issue Dialogue Magazine, a leading information source for independent advisors in Manulife's Canadian operations, featured Mark in a cover story about long term care insurance and practice management. Read it here
• Sep 29 issue Electronic Watchdog, a weekly online publication devoted to Air Canada crew members, recommended our free Estate Planner to its readers. Get your free copy here
• Sep 19-20  Mark addressed fellow insurance professionals at two Group Critical Illness seminars hosted by ACE INA Life Insurance in Toronto and Mississauga. He shared his insights on the importance of Critical Illness Insurance for group benefit plans and why advisors mustn't neglect it.
• Sep 14  Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, described Mark's use of radio and the web to reach young and affluent clients.
• Sept 2  Syndicated columnist, Ellen Roseman, of the Toronto Star, featured Mark in her article "The pitfalls of choosing not to buy insurance". Read it here
• Sept issue Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion and insights on the importance of protecting client privacy and how to achieve it.
• Aug issue  Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, quoted Mark in an article on the importance of Wills in estate planning.
• Aug issue  Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion on a new Critical Illness offering launched by RBC Insurance. Read it here
• July 27 Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, quoted Mark in an article on the importance of getting appropriate travel insurance. Read it here
• July 4 Mark was invited to join The Toronto Estate Planning Council. This exclusive group of leading tax and estate planning professionals convenes regularly to exchange ideas and expertise.
• June 28 Mark was interviewed by host, Pat Bolland, on the Portfolio Builder program of nationally broadcast BNN TV (formerly Report on Business Television (ROBtv) www.bnn.ca. Canada's leading business network sought Mark's insights on how portfolio protection is as important as growth. Mark described a unique defensive strategy using Critical Illness insurance that investors need to know about. (Click here to watch)
• June 22  Saul Korman of Korry's Clothiers To Gentlemen

  (www.korrys.com) describes Mark's recent visit to the store and explains why he is Mark's client.

• June 18   Mark was invited to join an international CI Study Group devoted to the advancement of Critical Illness Insurance. Leading advisors from around the world (UK, Australia, Canada, and U.S.) convene on a bi-monthly basis to study product innovation, analyze trends, and share marketing ideas. A meeting in Toronto is planned for November 2007.
• June 10 Syndicated columnist, Ellen Roseman, of the Toronto Star, (www.ellenroseman.com) featured Mark in her article "Long-term health insurance options for seniors". Read it here
• June Issue Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, sought Mark's opinion on a new Critical Illness offering launched by RBC Insurance. Read it here
• May/June Issue  An article in "Round the Table" magazine published by the Million Dollar Round Table (www.mdrt.org) featured Mark's use of e-newsletters to communicate with clients and prospects. Have you subscribed yet? Do it here
• May 13  Syndicated columnist Ellen Roseman of the Toronto Star featured Mark in her article "Insurance policies that benefit the living". Read it here
• May 11  Manulife Financial confirmed that Mark placed the largest Critical Illness insurance policy in their history.
• May 6-9  Mark attended the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) Annual Meeting (www.CALU.com) in Ottawa, Ontario. The event gathers Canada's leading practitioners in the fields of Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Executive Compensation, Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Charitable Giving, and Employee Benefits. Mark shared insights from his practice on the main platform at the popular "Meet the Producers" session.
• Mar Issue  Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, produced a bonus section on Living Benefits in their March issue. Mark was quoted from his presentation at the World CI Conference on how to make sense of critical illness insurance policies.
• Mar 5-8   Mark joined 9 fellow advisors from across Canada at Manulife Financial's Platinum Elite Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. This annual event recognizes only the top 10 professionals nationwide in order to share knowledge and insights.
• Mar 2  The Globe and Mail featured Mark in a special report on Financial Life Stages produced for the Report on Business. This article featured the estate advantages of spousal trusts, probate tax planning, and using life insurance to enhance charitable giving and reduce taxes. Read it here
• Mar Issue  Chatelaine magazine interviewed Mark for an article that examined health care options for women. They also met with Mark’s 51 year-old client who recently received a large payout following her mild heart attack.
• Feb 23  The Globe and Mail featured Mark and a client in a special report on Financial Life Stages produced for the Report on Business. The topic was Empty Nesters and Health Care Insurance. Read it here
• Feb 22  Manulife Financial recognized Mark as the Top Producing Advisor in 2006 in the Independent Advisor Channel for Life Insurance and Living Benefits, combined across Canada.
• Feb 12  illnessPROTECTION.com expands to Western Canada with a radio campaign launched in Calgary, Alberta.

• Jan 25- 27   Mark was a featured speaker at the 4th Annual World Critical Illness Conference held at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, BC.
• Jan 22  Mark was invited by Rogers Communications to address their National Sales Conference at the Marriot Hotel in downtown Toronto. The conference was attended by 350 people under the theme "The Power in You". With a panel of 4 respected business leaders, Mark shared his insights on becoming successful in life as a whole person.
• Jan 22 Charles Adler, a client and national broadcaster, became a national spokesman for illnessPROTECTION.com.
• Jan 17   The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) invited Mark to address 30 key business account holders who attended a Special Client Evening at the Premier Ballroom in Markham ON. He presented "What Every Business Owner Needs to Know".
• Jan 2 Mark was recognized again by Manulife Financial as the #1 Living Benefits Advisor in Canada for 2006. Living Benefits includes Critical Illness insurance, Disability Insurance (LTD), and Long Term Care Insurance.

2006

• Dec 2  Investment Executive, Canada’s Newspaper for Financial Advisors, produced a special section in advance of the World Critical Illness Conference and profiled Mark and illnessPROTECTION.com.
• Nov 2  Mark joined the 4 member Advisory Panel at the Canadian Living Benefits Seminar in Toronto, an industry-only event attended by marketers, underwriters and claims adjudicators from across the country. Their focus was critical illness insurance, disability insurance, and long term care insurance. Mark was the first advisor ever invited to attend and address the gathering.
• Oct 27  Mark was interviewed on television by Bob Cowan on CH Morning Live. The topic was Critical Illness Insurance and why every healthy person needs to know about it. (Click here to watch)
• Oct 17-22 Mark attended The Top Of The Table Annual Meeting in Palm Desert, California. This exclusive gathering recognizes only the top 1% of all insurance advisors worldwide and encourages the sharing of ideas and creative solutions under the auspices of MDRT (The Million Dollar Round Table) www.mdrt.orgthe Premier Global Association of Financial Professionals.Mark was a main platform speaker at The Top Of The Table Annual Meeting. There have only been two previous speakers on the topic of Critical Illness insurance: Dr. Marius Barnard (its inventor) and Alphonso Franco, founder of The World Critical Illness Conference.
• Oct 5   The Toronto Star featured Mark in a special Wealth Management section. The article dealt with aging parents and the costs of care-giving “The last taboo: Talking about finances with elderly parents “. Read it here
• Sep 21 The CBC and 21 major newspapers across Canada published Mark’s report on why consumers should buy Life Insurance instead of Mortgage Insurance. Read it here
• Sep 18 Mark addressed the 4th Annual Sun Life Practice Development Retreat in Montebello, Quebec. The Retreat was attended by top insurance specialists for the major banks and financial institutions who are strategic partners with Sun Life. Mark shared his insights on Critical Illness Insurance and how he became the Top Living Benefits Advisor in Canada.
• Sep 15 Mark was a featured speaker at the 2006 National Living Benefits Symposium presented by Manulife Financial in Toronto
• Sep 7 Mark delivered the keynote address at Manulife Financial’s Fall Kickoff Meeting at the Radisson Hotel in Markham, ON. Mark presented an Advisors Perspective on Critical Illness and Marketing.
• Aug 29  Mark was interviewed on television by Bob Cowan on CH Morning Live. They discussed Aging Parents and sought Mark’s advice on how to ensure that aging parents have sufficient financial resources.(Click here to watch) (Click here to read Mark’s article)
• Aug 23 Mark was interviewed by Amanda Lang on national Report on Business Television (ROBtv), Taking Stock www.robtv.com. Canada’s leading business network sought Mark’s insights following the election of a new President by the Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Brian Day operates private medical clinics and is a vocal advocate of private healthcare. Mark explained how Critical Illness insurance gets consumers to the front of line for private healthcare.

  (Click here to watch)

• Aug 15 Marketing Director, Phil Halpern, presented "Critical Illness Insurance - What Every Business Owner Needs To Know" at the Annual
• July 18 Mark was interviewed on television by Annette Hamm of CH Morning Live. They discussed Strategies for Keeping the Cottage in the Family and sought Mark’s insights and advice on how insurance can be used for estate preservation and tax reduction.(Click here to watch)(Click here to read Mark’s article: Keeping the Cottage in the Family)
• July 4< Mark was interviewed by Bridgitte Anderson on national Report on Business Television (ROBtv), AM Business. www.robtv.com. Canada’s leading business network sought Mark’s insights and advice on how insurance can be used for estate preservation and tax reduction.

  (Click here to watch)

  (Click here to read Mark’s article: Keeping the Cottage in the Family)

• June 15 - 18 Mark attended the 2006 Life Elite Forum at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whistler BC. This exclusive annual event gathers only the top advisors in Canada for high level and in-depth sessions on key topics of insurance, tax, and estate planning.
• May 10 Mark addressed the biannual meeting of the No Frills Ontario Franchisees Association at the Montecassino Hotel in Toronto. More than 70 business operators appreciated his insights on Critical Illness insurance and financial crash-testing. Mark was invited to address their National Association Annual Meeting to be held in Niagara Falls in August 2006.
• May 8 Mark was invited to be a main platform speaker at The Top Of The Table Annual Meeting for the Million Dollar Round Table (www.MDRT.org) in October 2006. This is the highest level of international industry recognition. This is the first time that a newly qualified member has been invited to address this exclusive gathering.
• May 7-10 Mark attended the CALU Annual Meeting (www.CALU.com) in Ottawa, Ontario. The event brings together Canada’s leading practitioners in such fields as Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Executive Compensation, Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Charitable Giving, and Employee Benefits.
• Apr 24 Mark was invited to join The Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU), a professional development program under the auspices of the Financial Advisors Association of Canada (www.CALU.com) Membership in CALU is restricted to the top 300 insurance professionals in Canada.
• Apr 7 Mark attended the Spring Clinic of the Ontario Dental Association with Dr. Howard Rocket at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
• Apr 1 Dr. Howard Rocket joined illnessPROTECTION.com as a marketing consultant. Dr. Rocket is a sought after international speaker and a passionate advocate of Critical Illness insurance, having suffered a stroke in his late 40s.
• Feb 14-17  Mark joined fellow Top 10 Advisors from across Canada in Scottsdale, Arizona for a three day conference to share insights and knowledge.The annual event recognizes only the top 10 advisors in Canada.
• Feb 8 Mark addressed the partners and lawyers of Blaney McMurtry LLP ( target="_blank" title="www.blaney.com">www.blaney.com) in a Lunch and Learn presentation about Critical Illness Insurance.
• Jan 27 Mark delivered keynote address at IDC Financial Kickoff Meeting at Mississauga Living Arts Centre. Mark presented a Critical Illness sales seminar to more than 250 insurance professionals at the IDC 2006 Kickoff Meeting held at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga in the RBC Theatre.
• Jan 23 Mark was recognized by Manulife Financial as the #1 Living Benefits Advisor in Canada for 2005. Living Benefits includes Critical Illness insurance, Disability Insurance (LTD), and Long Term Care Insurance.
• Jan 9Mark was recognized by Manulife Financial as one of Canada’s

  top 10 Insurance Advisors for the year 2005. Mark was invited to attend the exclusive "Elite Platinum Summit".

2005

• Dec 17 Saul Korman of Korry’s Clothiers To Gentlemen (www.korrys.com) describes Mark’s recent visit to the store and explains how the Return of Premium works.

• Sept 14-17Mark was the keynote speaker in Kelowna, B.C. Sept 14-17, 2005 for the Regional Advanced Marketing Seminar for Manulife Financial. The top 35 financial advisors from across Western Canada benefited from Mark’s expertise in Critical Illness insurance and the importance of living benefits for clients.
• Sept 10Due to popular demand, Mark was invited back by Jerry White to participate in an extended "Money Talks" program.
• Aug23Mark addressed real estate agents from Prudential Sadie Moranis Realtyat the Toronto Real Estate Board.He explained the myths and realities of Disability insurance and what every commissioned sales person (regardless of industry) needs to know about Critical Illness insurance.
• Aug 18  James Munroe of 680 NEWS interviews Mark about how the Return of Premium works.

• Aug 10   Mark appeared on "Money Talks", a nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Jerry White.

  Recognized as Canada’s leading authority on Critical Illness insurance, Mark shared his insights with listeners across Canada.

• July 10Mark Halpern featured in article by syndicated columnist, Ellen Roseman, in the Toronto Star. Read the article
• July 10Mark and Rhonda Halpern proudly welcome a new baby daughter into the world!!!!!
• June 21Mark addressed the product managers for all Canadian Insurance Companies in Toronto at their annual Living Benefits Study Group under the auspices of LIMRAThey wanted Mark’s opinions and insights on the future of Critical Illness insurance in Canada. Mark was the first advisor ever invited to share information at their meetings.
• Apr 15Mark Halpern presented a Critical Illness sales seminar to top Manulife advisors from across Canada at Manulife's National Education Conference in Cancun, Mexico.
• Apr 7-9Mark Halpern was a featured speaker at the 3rd Annual World Critical lIlness Conference. Approximately 1,000 insurance specialists from around the world gathered in Toronto.Mark was declared a “critical illness expert” by FORUM, the pre-eminent industry publication for Financial Advisors in Canada.

  See the article in the April 2005 issue.

• Mar 2Radio campaign launched across southern Ontario with Gord Stellick (a national sports broadcaster and client) on 680NEWS and The FAN590. You can hear all the ads here

2004

Mark was named a CFP Media Ambassador by the Financial Planners Standards Council.