A word from our event partner
Warren Shaw Head of Mortgage Broker Distribution Westpac Group
Awards in order of presentation
What to expect on the night
2023 Sponsors
Broker of the Year (Regional – AB)
The Canadian Mortgage Awards were bigger and better than ever in 2023, with over 600 mortgage professionals in attendance at the new venue of Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle for an unforgettable night on April 20. Winners were named across 27 categories as the biggest names in Canada’s mortgage industry came together to raise a glass to the outstanding performers of the past 12 months. Expertly hosted by renowned Etalk anchor Tyrone Edwards, the event – which marked the CMA’s 17th year – is one that will live long in the memory of attendees.
Event Partner
Award sponsors
Official media
Organizer
Methodology
more
Nominations The call for nominations was open to all mortgage professionals and organizations – including brokers, brokerages, lenders, BDMs, underwriters, agents, and service providers – from across Canada. Nominations were open from November 21, 2022, to January 13, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET.
Excellence Awardees Once all nominations were considered and research was complete, Excellence Awardees were selected in each category (except the Lifetime Achievement category) and notified via email or phone. All Excellence Awardees were then invited to complete a detailed submission, which is an opportunity to address the category criteria in more detail. All submissions remain confidential unless otherwise marked and are not shared with any third parties other than the judges. Excellence Awardees were officially announced in March 2023 on the event website and promoted in CMP magazine.
Judging All submissions from our Excellence Awardees were forwarded to the independent judging panel comprising mortgage and finance industry leaders and senior representatives. The panel assessed submissions and voted for the winners in each category according to the relevant category criteria.
Winners Using a simple points system to aggregate judges' votes, the Excellence Awardees with the top score in a category were named as the winner. Winners were announced at the awards event last April 20, 2023, at the Westin, Harbour Castle and on the awards website.
Find out more
Broker of the Year (Regional – Atlantic)
Broker of the Year (Regional – BC)
Broker of the Year (Regional – ON)
Broker of the Year (Regional – Prairies)
Broker of the Year (Regional – QC)
The Equitable Bank Award for Canadian Broker of the Year
Industry Service Provider of the Year
Lender BDM of the Year (Alternative Lending)
Lender BDM of the Year (Prime)
Lender BDM of the Year (Private Lending)
Lender Underwriter of the Year (Alternative Lending)
CMAs return for a landmark 17th year
Debuting in a new venue for 2023, this year’s CMAs saw hundreds of mortgage professionals from across the country gather to toast the industry cream of the crop
Australians trust and value the independent service mortgage brokers provide. We support and celebrate this as we come together to recognise an industry of hard-working and high-achieving professionals at this year’s AMAs. Congratulations to all the excellence awardees – we applaud your achievements and wish you all the very best of luck.
The Avison Young Award for Broker of the Year – Commercial
The Canadian Mortgages Inc. Award for Broker of the Year – Private Lending
The Centum Financial Award for Young Achiever of the Year
The Community Trust Award for Alternative Broker Specialist of the Year
The CWB Optimum Mortgage Award for Brokerage of the Year (25 Employees or More)
The Citadel Mortgages Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Mortgage Industry
The Home Trust Award for Woman of Distinction
The MCAN Award for New Brokerage of the Year
The RFA Award for Excellence in Philanthropy & Community Service
The Scarlett Network Award for Digital Innovation in a Brokerage
Matthew McWatters, executive vice president of Avison Young (sponsors of the Broker of the Year – Commercial award) described the annual gala dinner and awards ceremony as the perfect way for mortgage professionals from across the country to mingle, reconnect, and celebrate the industry’s performance over the previous year. “It’s a good way to give back, make some connections, and it’s always a good event,” he told CMP. “[It gets] everybody in one spot, not only people from Toronto but across the country. It’s great to see them honoured every year, and it’s fun to be here.” Axiom Innovations sponsored the Scarlett Network Award for Digital Innovation in a Brokerage. Its president and CEO, Joe Fakhri, said the importance of recognizing excellence in the industry was reflected in the awards, with the evening providing the chance for mortgage professionals to toast the best and brightest in the mortgage space. “The industry can only move forward with innovation and healthy competition,” he said. “Congratulations to all the nominees, congratulations to the winners, and thank you, CMP, for organizing such a great event.” An important night for the mortgage industry For Canadian Mortgages Inc. (CMI), sponsoring the Broker of the Year – Private Lending award continues to be an important gesture, according to its director, mortgage operations and strategic partnerships, Taylor Lewis. “We really take pride in our relationships with our brokers and just wanted the chance to recognize them and all their talents,” he said. “There are so many talented brokers, especially in the private lending space where that niche is increasingly needed in today’s economy, and we wanted a chance to recognize the greatness.” MCAN Home director of sales Leanne Conroy paid tribute to the performance of mortgage brokers throughout the year, describing them as the “stewards for mortgages” across the country. “Any time that we can relay that message to homeowners, that they need to use a mortgage broker, that’s their first path to creating the solution and building their dream,” said the MCAN executive, whose company sponsored the New Brokerage of the Year award. The Lifetime Achievement Award in the Mortgage Industry allowed sponsor Citadel Mortgages to recognize the “true heroes” of the industry, the company’s regional VP – Ontario, Robert Ip, told CMP. “We want to make sure that we’re front and centre in terms of being able to understand where the talent is, what the talent is doing, and what we’re doing with the Canadian general public – how we’re helping them every day,” he said. Community Trust sponsored the Alternative Broker Specialist of the Year award, a category that chief mortgage operations officer Eric Larocque said was a “privilege and honour” to back. “It’s absolutely important that we stand here shoulder to shoulder with [brokers], appreciate their efforts, and recognize them for all they’re doing out here,” he said. Meaningful moments aplenty for attendees Elizabeth Cescon, vice president of residential underwriting at Home Trust – sponsors of the prestigious Woman of Distinction award – paid tribute to the huge number of inspirational women throughout the mortgage space. “There are so many wonderful and strong female leaders across the industry, and recognizing a whole group of those individuals is so critical to the growth and development of the industry and our profession,” she said. “Thank you for a wonderful evening. It’s been an honour to be a part of the event.” Sponsoring the award for Young Achiever of the Year was a meaningful moment for Centum Financial and its president, Chris Turcotte, who recalled his own past experiences as a broker at the CMAs. “I specifically remember all the memories of being nominated for a CMA and how nervous I was,” he said. “To be able to present to the Young Achiever is something near and dear, and something really special.” Excellence in philanthropy and community service, meanwhile, are key priorities at RFA – part of the reason the company was so privileged to sponsor that award at the CMAs, according to Marina Bournas, president and CEO of RFA Mortgage Corporation. “It’s a big part of our culture. We do this on a day-to-day basis within the organization, so it’s a real honour to recognize someone within the industry who does the same,” she told CMP. Ultimately, the event showed the vitality of the Canadian mortgage industry and the important role its professionals play in helping Canadians achieve their financial and homeownership goals, according to Frank Giacomini, AVP and national sales manager at CWB Optimum Mortgage, sponsors of the award for Brokerage of the Year (25 Employees or More). “I’ve been in this industry 25 years, and I have to tell you – the value of having these experts being able to help Canadians is incredible,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of that.”
Research The Canadian Mortgage Awards team conducted research and drew on knowledge and information gained through Canadian Mortgage Professional magazine to support and supplement nominations received and ensure that no one deserving of recognition was missed. Excellence Awardees were determined from both pools of information. A corresponding announcement was then made across our media outlets.
Matthew McWatters, executive vice president of Avison Young (sponsors of the Broker of the Year – Commercial award) described the annual gala dinner and awards ceremony as the perfect way for mortgage professionals from across the country to mingle, reconnect, and celebrate the industry’s performance over the previous year. “It’s a good way to give back, make some connections, and it’s always a good event,” he told CMP. “[It gets] everybody in one spot, not only people from Toronto but across the country. It’s great to see them honoured every year, and it’s fun to be here.” Axiom Innovations sponsored the Scarlett Network Award for Digital Innovation in a Brokerage. Its president and CEO Joe Fakhri said the importance of recognizing excellence in the industry was reflected in the awards, with the evening providing the chance for mortgage professionals to toast the best and brightest in the mortgage space. “The industry can only move forward with innovation and healthy competition,” he said. “Congratulations to all the nominees, congratulations to the winners, and thank you, CMP, for organizing such a great event.” An important night for the mortgage industry For Canadian Mortgages Inc. (CMI), sponsoring the Broker of the Year – Private Lending award continues to be an important gesture, according to its director, mortgage operations and strategic partnerships, Taylor Lewis. “We really take pride in our relationships with our brokers and just wanted the chance to recognize them and all their talents,” he said. “There are so many talented brokers, especially in the private lending space where that niche is increasingly needed in today’s economy, and we wanted a chance to recognize the greatness.” MCAN Home director of sales Leanne Conroy paid tribute to the performance of mortgage brokers throughout the year, describing them as the “stewards for mortgages” across the country. “Any time that we can relay that message to homeowners, that they need to use a mortgage broker, that’s their first path to creating the solution and building their dream,” said the MCAN executive, whose company sponsored the New Brokerage of the Year award. The Lifetime Achievement Award in the Mortgage Industry allowed sponsor Citadel Mortgages to recognize the “true heroes” of the industry, the company’s regional VP – Ontario, Robert Ip, told CMP. “We want to make sure that we’re front and centre in terms of being able to understand where the talent is, what the talent is doing, and what we’re doing with the Canadian general public – how we’re helping them every day,” he said. Community Trust sponsored the Alternative Broker Specialist of the Year award, a category that chief mortgage operations officer Eric Larocque said was a “privilege and honour” to back. “It’s absolutely important that we stand here shoulder to shoulder with [brokers], appreciate their efforts and recognize them for all they’re doing out here,” he said. Meaningful moments aplenty for attendees Elizabeth Cescon, vice president of residential underwriting at Home Trust – sponsors of the prestigious Woman of Distinction award – paid tribute to the huge number of inspirational women throughout the mortgage space. “There are so many wonderful and strong female leaders across the industry and recognizing a whole group of those individuals is so critical to the growth and development of the industry and our profession,” she said. “Thank you for a wonderful evening. It’s been an honour to be a part of the event.” Sponsoring the award for Young Achiever of the Year was a meaningful moment for Centum Financial and its president Chris Turcotte, who recalled his own past experiences as a broker at the CMAs. “I specifically remember all the memories of being nominated for a CMA and how nervous I was,” he said. “To be able to present to the Young Achiever is something near and dear, and something really special.” Excellence in philanthropy and community service, meanwhile, are key priorities at RFA – part of the reason the company was so privileged to sponsor that award at the CMAs, according to Marina Bournas, president and CEO of RFA Mortgage Corporation. “It’s a big part of our culture. We do this on a day-to-day basis within the organization, so it’s a real honour to recognize someone within the industry who does the same,” she told CMP. Ultimately, the event showed the vitality of the Canadian mortgage industry and the important role its professionals play in helping Canadians achieve their financial and homeownership goals, according to Frank Giacomini, AVP and national sales manager at CWB Optimum Mortgage, sponsors of the award for brokerage of the year (25 employees or more). “I’ve been in this industry 25 years and I have to tell you – the value of having these experts being able to help Canadians is incredible,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of that.”
The Canadian Mortgage Awards were bigger and better than ever in 2023, with over 600 mortgage professionals in attendance at the new venue of Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle for an unforgettable night on April 20. Winners were named across 27 categories as the biggest names in Canada’s mortgage industry came together to raise a glass to the outstanding performers of the past 12 months. Expertly hosted by renowned Etalk anchor Tyrone Edwards, the event – which marked the CMAs’ 17th year – is one that will live long in the memory of attendees.
Awards
National Broker Network of the Year
Mortgage Industry Employer of Choice
Lender Underwriter of the Year (Private Lending)
Lender Underwriter of the Year (Prime)
Brokerage of the Year (Fewer than 25 Employees)
Joseph White
Ed Steel
Tsur Somerville
Lisa Patel
Tom Lebour
Christelle Francois
Candace Cooper
Stefanie Coleman
Ross Cadastre
Andria Barrett
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognize and celebrate excellence in the mortgage industry.
2023 Judging panel
Avison Young creates economic, social, and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people. At Avison Young, we believe in creating positive impact wherever we go. There is a vital role for commercial real estate to create healthy, productive workplaces for employees, cities that are centres of prosperity for its citizens, and built spaces and places that create a net benefit to the economy, the environment and the community. Our nimble, agile team has global insight, local market expertise and access to some of the smartest technology in the commercial real estate industry – all at the ready to work on creating your competitive advantage. As a private company, you will collaborate with an empowered partner who is invested in your success as much as you are. Avison Young Valuation Services offers a comprehensive range of commercial real estate valuation and consulting services dealing with all property types and sizes. Together with our team, we provide a full-service offering to our clients, ranging from local to multi-national organizations. Our Principal-led, client-centric approach to doing business means that we are always focused on finding the best solutions for each client’s particular needs. Website: www.avisonyoung.ca
Award Sponsor
CMI Canadian Mortgages Inc. (CMI) is a private mortgage lender, working exclusively through the mortgage broker channel. With roots as a mortgage brokerage, and a reputation for transparency, professionalism, ethical lending and exceptional service, CMI takes a common-sense approach to partnering with brokers to serve a diverse range of borrowers, ensuring accessible solutions available to all. Widely recognized as a tech-forward and innovative industry leader, CMI is one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies and one of the country’s largest private lenders by new originations, with over $1.8 billion in mortgage fundings since inception. CMI was recognized by industry peers as Private Lender of the Year at the 2022 Mortgage Awards of Excellence. Website: www.canadianlending.ca
Federally incorporated in 2002, the CENTUM Family is home to over 200 franchised mortgage offices with more than 2,500 mortgage professionals across Canada. As a division of the Charlwood Pacific Group, our network benefits from over 40 years of global franchising expertise of recognized brands, which include financial services, real estate, travel service, property management and hotel accommodations. CENTUM provides its franchises with the systems, technology, training, support and financial products necessary to have a competitive advantage and succeed in the mortgage broker industry today. CENTUM is also a proud member of the Canadian Franchise Association. We provide the security of knowing that we are always Looking Out For Your Best Interest®. Website: www.thecentumnetwork.ca
Citadel Mortgages is one of the largest full-service Mortgage Brokerages with professional Mortgage Agents & Mortgage Brokers servicing GTA, Toronto, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, PEI, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, Canada. We are changing the way mortgages are being done by providing our clients with sound advice and products to help our clients become mortgage-free sooner or with some of the lowest mortgage rates in Canada. Citadel Mortgages’ whole client-first model was built around what is Called “Your Mortgage Journey.” See each client mortgage is a journey and Citadel Mortgages ensures this journey is mapped out with all steps and actions along the way. Citadel Mortgages clients love this client-first model as it allows them to quickly fix any issues that may prevent them from achieving their mortgage goals. Website: www.citadelmortgages.ca/
Community Trust is a flexible alternative to larger, more traditional financial institutions. We have been working with our valued partners for many years to help Canadians achieve the security of owning their home. We were acquired in 2019 by Questrade Financial Group (QFG), one of Canada’s leading FinTech companies, and remain 100% committed to serving the mortgage broker community. We are regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). We are a leader in the alternative lending space. We are also leaders when it comes to service and technology, with a firm commitment to providing brokers with innovative solutions to make working with us easier and faster, giving them all the support they need to succeed with their clients. Above all, we genuinely care about the partners we work with, their clients, and about helping Canadians become more financially successful and secure. That underlying motivation is what drives everything we do, and is why we are so passionate about building relationships based on trust, collaboration, integrity and responsiveness. Website: www.communitytrust.com/better
CWB Optimum Mortgage is a full-service lender providing personalized borrowing solutions to meet your needs. We offer a variety of products, including flexible alternative mortgage solutions,for clients who may not fit within traditional guidelines, including those who are self-employed, commissioned or with bruised credit. As industry experts, our policy always is to confirm that you can afford the mortgage first. Our experienced and dedicated team then work hard to find customized solutions for you, while providing exceptional personal service with a common sense approach. Website: www.optimummortgage.ca
For more than 50 years, Equitable Bank has taken an entrepreneurial approach to carving niches and thriving as Canada’s Challenger Bank™. Equitable Bank builds strong relationships with brokers and credit unions and offers innovative products and exceptional service to diverse personal and commercial clients nationwide. Website: www.equitablebank.ca/
We have been saying “Welcome Home” since the very first day we opened for business. For decades, our team of dedicated professionals has helped people put down roots, even when they thought it wasn’t possible. We have changed the way lending is done in this country and changed countless lives along the way. Home Trust began in 1977 with a goal to help all Canadians achieve their goals. We have grown to become a leading financial services institution in Canada, but that’s not what matters most to us. What matters is the mortgage broker who was able to help someone who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a mortgage to purchase their first home. Or the business for self customer who was able to expand their operations. Or the newcomer to Canada with big dreams of building a new life. The stories of our customers — those who turn to us, who put their hopes in us, who rely on us every day to find a way forward — are our motivation to succeed. Website: www.hometrust.ca
MCAN Mortgage Corporation (TSX: MKP), a federally regulated mortgage investment corporation, funded by CDIC-eligible term deposits, invests primarily in Canadian single-family and residential construction mortgages. Website: www.mcanfinancial.com
Founded in 1996, RFA (Realty Financial Advisors) is a Canadian-owned real estate investment firm grounded in the Commercial and Asset Management segments. RFA and its investment partners are active participants in a wide array of real estate focused portfolios, including debt financing transactions, REITs, retirement homes, and direct investments in office, retail, industrial and multifamily residential properties. Combined, the RFA group of companies have over $65 Billion in assets under management and an additional $25+ Billion in assets under administration. RFA’s residential mortgage lending business is operated by RFA Mortgage Corporation and RFA Bank of Canada, a federally regulated Schedule I Bank. RFA Mortgage Corporation specializes in Prime lending (Insured, Insurable, Uninsurable), while RFA Bank of Canada is a balance sheet based Alternative mortgage lender (Alt-A and B lending). Combined, RFA offers mortgage brokers a one-stop shop with our full suite of competitive Prime and Alternative mortgages. RFA’s strategic vision is to be a long-term leader in the residential lending segment by offering a value proposition beyond just rate and compensation. Through building a competitive broker experience and solutions-oriented product suite, RFA’s goal is to be recognized and recommended by our mortgage broker partners, mortgagors, and other strategic partners, for our financing solutions and broker/client experience. Visit brokersfirst.ca to become a registered broker with RFA. Visit www.rfa.ca or www.brokersfirst.ca to learn more about our Products, Promotions and Broker Status Program. Website: www.rfa.ca/prime
Axiom Innovations is a technology company that specializes in identifying synergies to help clients accelerate their business. The organization has a range of solutions and services to allow users to automate their workflow including Scarlett Network, an industry-leading platform for providing technology for mortgage brokers and lenders across Canada’s mortgage industry. Website: www.scarlettnetwork.com
HomeEquity Bank is the leading provider of reverse mortgages in Canada dedicated to helping Canadian homeowners 55+ live retirement their way by providing a safe, secure, and simple way to access the equity they’ve built up in their homes through financial solutions like the CHIP Reverse Mortgage®, CHIP MAX®, Income Advantage® and CHIP Open®. Since 1986, HomeEquity bank has offered solutions that allow Canadians to access up to 55% of the value of their home without the stress of monthly payments. Whether Canadians are looking to pay off debt, take a vacation, or simply to have a steady stream of income to supplement their CPP and OAS throughout their retirement, HomeEquity Bank offers financial solutions to meet their unique needs. HomeEquity Bank has helped tens of thousands of Canadians by offering financial solutions designed specifically for homeowners age 55+ so that they can live retirement their way in the home they love. Website: www.chipadvisor.ca
Andria Barrett Community Advocate Founder, Diversity Agency
Ross Cadastre President, Black Business Professional Association (BBPA)
Stefanie Coleman Marketing and Business Development Manager, Building Knowledge Canada
Candace Cooper Partner and Practice Lead, Daoust Vukovich LLP Real Estate Development, Financing, Acquisitions & Dispositions
Christelle Francois Executive Vice President Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Skills for Change
Tom Lebour Former Director, Real Estate Broker, Ontario Real Estate Association Royal LePage
Lisa Patel Founder, The Lisa Patel Team 2020–2021 President, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Tsur Somerville Associate Professor, Strategy and Business Economics Division, University of British Columbia – Real Estate Division
Ed Steel Executive Director Mortgage and Title Insurance, Industry Association of Canada
Joseph White President, Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada Inc. (REMIC); President, Association of Mortgage Investment Professionals (AMIPROS)
A word from Key Media
Justin Kennedy Managing Director - APAC Key Media
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognise and celebrate excellence in the mortgage industry.
2023 Judging Panel
Stefanie Coleman HMarketing and Business Development Manager, Building Knowledge Canada
Christelle Francois Executive Vice President, Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Skills for Change
Photobooth sponsor
Media partners
Photobooth Sponsor
Media Partners
Chad Mooney
Chad Mooney SR VP of Mortgage Operations, MCF Mortgage Investment Corp
Champagne sponsor
The Coalition of Independent Mortgage Brokers of Canada (CIMBC) was created to help entrepreneurial brokerages transition to building a genuine independent brand, with a solid structure and a stronger bottom line for the independent, not the network. CIMBC’s main ambition is to create more consistency in the mortgage market, from the initial touchpoint to the application and funding of a mortgage transaction. The coalition works to create more meaningful, mutually beneficial long-term partnerships and to improve profitability for member brokers, their agents and the CIMBC’s lender partners. Being a member of CIMBC gives brokers access to the best comp structure in the industry. The CIMBC model is truly a very unique and disruptive model that those seeking to build value for their business and personal brand should seriously explore. Website: www.cimbc.ca
Champagne Sponsor
Paul Lucas Global editor Insurance and mortgage
As global editor of Canadian Mortgage Professional, I would like to extend the warmest of congratulations to the Excellence Awardees and winners of the Canadian Mortgage Awards. Here at Key Media, we’re proud that the Canadian Mortgage Awards is established as the premier independent awards event for the nation’s mortgage industry – and this year we were thrilled to bring you one of our most exciting awards line-ups yet. It was back in 2022 that we introduced Regional Broker titles, alongside a Canadian Broker of the Year title, and the response was fantastic. The awards mean that individual successes can be appreciated regardless of the size of the market and emphasize that, while we may be Ontario-based, our awards recognition is truly national with everyone deserving acknowledgement – from the Prairies, to the Atlantic, to the West coast. Indeed, the awards are truly inclusive, and, with so many women and people of different ethnic backgrounds celebrated, it seems our industry is finally beginning to embrace inclusivity. While there is a long way to go yet, we want to blaze that trail. Above all, though, the entire mortgage industry deserves to be celebrating on the back of what has been such a challenging period amid the rigours of a cost-of-living crisis, rising interest rates, and inflation. It has been each of you that have had to have difficult conversations with clients, holding them by the hand and guiding them through one of the most testing periods of their lives – all while keeping your own business’ wheels turning. Your effort, your hard work, and your inspiration in going above and beyond has not gone unnoticed. That is why we gathered to celebrate YOU. We wholeheartedly thank you for joining us and hope that you enjoyed the Canadian Mortgage Awards 2023 – see you in 2024!
Agenda
Attire: Formal (tuxedo/business suit/long gown/cocktail dress) Drop off: The Westin Harbour Castle Conference Center Metropolitan Ballroom 11 Bay Street, Toronto, ON , M5J 1A6, Canada, Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada Please note this address if taking an uber or taxi which will take you directly to the ballroom entrance rather than the hotel. Parking: Only valet parking is available at Westin, it costs $55 per day and is on a first come, first served basis. Below are some surround parking lots in the area: 24 HR OUTDOOR LOTS: SP PLUS Parking —7 Queens Quay E, Toronto, ON, M5A 1B9 CANADA AUTO PARKS Parking — 30 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5J TARGET Park—39 Queens Quay E, Toronto, ON, M5E 0A5 24 HR INDOOR GARAGE: Precise ParkLink (located in TELUS Harbour) — 25 York St, Toronto, ON, M5J 2V5 Pinnacle Centre Car Parking — 4627 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON, M5E 1W7 IMPARK One York— 1 York St, Toronto, ON, M5J 2L9
Post-Party Celebration
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Cocktail Reception
7:30pm – 10:30pm
Awards Ceremony and Dinner Banquet
10:30pm onwards
Menu
Appetizer: Roasted beetroot salad, cotton candy grapes, Niagara goat cheese, baby herb salad, maple and mustard vinaigrette (GF, NF, V) Main Course: ROASTED CHICKEN SUPREME, Wild mushroom stuffing, olive oil whipped potato, tarragon and Chardonnay chicken jus (DF, GF, NF, halal) Dessert: Brooklyn cheesecake, whipped cream, raspberry purée, chocolate pearls (NF, V) Drinks: Tea & Coffee
Hosted By Tyrone Edwards Anchor, Etalk
Entertainment
With his extensive pop culture knowledge and an innate ability to ease his guests into intimate and candid conversation, Tyrone Edwards brings his expertise to Canada’s most-watched entertainment program as the anchor of Etalk. A versatile presenter and interviewer, he brings a passion for connecting with people and helping them to share their stories with the world. Edwards began his television career as the host of RapCity, before becoming a host on Much and E!, where he also hosted the Much ICONS social media series and co-hosted the Golden Globes for E!. Among his various roles since then, Edwards was an Etalk reporter, co-hosted the TSN original social media series 6IX Degrees, and hosted CTV Life Channel’s original cooking series, DNA Dinners. In addition to his years of hosting experience, Edwards has also interviewed some of the world’s most talked-about celebrities, including Spike Lee, Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more. Off screen, Tyrone is heavily involved in mental health advocacy and his community. Besides acting as a mentor and coach for underserved youth, he is also an ambassador for the walk-in mental health clinic at Yorktown Family Services. Having grown up the same Toronto neighbourhood that the organization serves, he recognizes its important role in the community. Most recently, in collaboration with Lifetime Developments’ Brian Brown and graphic artist Ben Johnston, Edwards kickstarted See You Soon Toronto— a charitable organization offering limited edition apparel and art, with all of the proceeds going back to COVID-19 relief efforts. Prior to that, Edwards founded Concrete Hoops, a not-for-profit basketball camp that aims to incorporate life skills with the love of the game. In honour of his work as a television host and with numerous charities and foundations supporting underserved youth, Edwards received the 2016 Mandela Legacy Hope, Success, and Empowerment Award, alongside Naomi Campbell, and Reverend Al Sharpton.
Anchor, Etalk
Tyrone Edwards
Ascension Groove Band delivers high energy, show stopping live musical entertainment for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, private and corporate events. Simply put they ROCK THE HOUSE! Founded and led by Joe Palawan, they are comprised of some of the best singers and talent in the Toronto music industry and regarded as one of the city’s premiere wedding and corporate bands. They have performed on Broadway and have had club and chart success Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to the luxury cruise lines of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska Panhandle. Known for the authentic sounds of Motown, R&B, Soul Funk, Jazz and Rock, they are also on the pulse of what’s new and current in today’s market. Ascension Groove Band also performs in Italian and Spanish. They strive to create an immersed experience for clients that are of the highest caliber. Whether you want a soloist or an 11 piece superband fronted by 3 stellar vocalists and a “killer” horn section for your wedding or event, Ascension Groove Band not only provides great music but will cater to your specific needs and create a customized package for you which includes a photographer/videographer at a preferred rate, professional sound, lighting and DJ services so you don’t have to hire another music provider. We can make a playlist of the songs that you want to hear between breaks.
Band
Ascension Groove
Music By Ascension Groove Band
Paul Lucas Global Editor Insurance and Mortgage
As global editor of Canadian Mortgage Professional, I would like to extend the warmest of congratulations to the excellence awardees and winners of the Canadian Mortgage Awards. Here at Key Media, we’re proud that the Canadian Mortgage Awards is established as the premier independent awards event for the nation’s mortgage industry – and this year we were thrilled to bring you one of our most exciting awards line-ups yet. It was back in 2022 that we introduced regional broker titles, alongside a Canadian Broker of the Year title, and the response was fantastic. The awards meant that individual successes could be celebrated regardless of the size of the market, and emphasized that while we may be Ontario-based, our awards recognition is truly national with everyone deserving of celebration – from the Prairies, to the Atlantic, to the West coast. Indeed the awards are truly inclusive, and with so many women and people of different ethnic backgrounds celebrated – it seems our industry is finally beginning to embrace inclusivity. While there is a long way to go yet, we want to blaze that trail. Above all though, the entire mortgage industry deserves celebrating on the back of what has been such a challenging period amid the rigours of a cost-of-living crisis, rising interest rates and inflation. It has been each of you that have had to have difficult conversations with clients, holding them by the hand and guiding them through one of the most testing periods of their lives – all while keeping your own business’s wheels turning. Your effort, your hard work, and your inspiration in going above and beyond has not gone unnoticed. That is why we gathered to celebrate YOU. We wholeheartedly thank you for joining us and hope that you enjoyed the Canadian Mortgage Awards 2023 – see you in 2024!
Hosted By Ascension Groove Band
THURSDAY APRIL 20, 2023 | WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE, TORONTO
THURSDAY APRIL 20, 2023 WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE, TORONTO
Commemorative Guide
METHODOLOGY
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD CATEGORIES
SPONSORS
AGENDA
BACK
This award recognizes the most outstanding mortgage broker in each of the six following regions – BC, Alberta, Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan), Ontario, Atlantic Canada, and Quebec – who has demonstrated excellence within their respective regional market while delivering an exceptional experience for their clients.
Excellence Awardees
Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Mentors
Collin Bruce
WINNER
Bob Reader, Canadian Mortgage Professionals
Crystal Mamchur, Flare Mortgage Group
Nadeem Keshavjee, GreenBirch Capital
Gert Martens, HT Mortgage Group
Sarah Strauss, Mortgage Alliance, The Place to Mortgage
Kim Nguyen, Vine Group - Mortgage Alliance
Cyrus Habibi, MCC Premiere Mortgage Centre
Jonah Wright, Mortgage Intelligence
David Clarke, TMG The Mortgage Group Atlantic
Stacey Collett, TMG Mortgage Group Atlantic
Rob Jennings, Verico East Coast Mortgage Brokers
MCC Premiere Mortgage Centre
Scott Bentley
Geoff Lee, GLM Mortgage Group, DLC
Dan Miller, TMG - Miller Mortgages
Kyle Green, Origin Mortgages, DLC
Lev Keselman, Peak Mortgage Company
Mackenzie Gartside, Select Mortgage
VERICO Superior Mortgage
Sharnjit Singh Gill
Sabeena Bubber, Verico Xeva-Integre Mortgage Partners
Luisa Hough, Verico Xeva Mortgage
Zaheed Valli-Hasham, City Wide Mortgage Services-VH Mortgage Group
Anthony Venuto, Centum Intouch Mortgage Solutions
Anne Brill, Centum Metrocapp Wealth Solutions
Shawn Stillman, CIMBC Mortgage Outlet
David Griffin, DLC Griffin Financial Group
Rakhi Madan, Key Mortgage Partners (Mortgage Intelligence)
Rakhee Dhingra, Mortgage Savvy
Joanna Lang, Outline Financial
Chris Allard, Smart Debt Mortgages (Mortgage Intelligence)
Streetwise Mortgages
Dalia Barsoum
Kent Bittner, Axiom Mortgage Solutions
Chad Wilson, Ideal Mortgage Solutions
Lisa Gryba, One-Link Mortgage
Viktor Schaefer, One-Link Mortgage
Shirl Funk, Shirl Funk Mortgages Powered by The Mortgage Centre
Shawna MacDonald, The Mortgage Associates
Mortgage Intelligence
Lisa Helfrick
Isabelle Gendron, CENTUM Boulevard Hypothécaire
Véronique Caron, Multi-Prêts Hypothèques
Pierre-Charles Jolicoeur, Multi-Prêts Hypothèques
Sammy Hammouda, Orbis Mortgage Group
Christina Montesano, Orbis Mortgage Group
Georges Tsovikian, Orbis Mortgage Group
Planiprêt
Ryan La Haye
Sandra Allard, Planiprêt
Award sponsor
Winners of the six specific regional broker awards will automatically progress to become excellence awardees for this category. The recipient of this award will be announced at the Canadian Mortgage Awards gala.
Winners of the six-specific regional broker awards will automatically progress to become excellence awardees for this category. The recipient of this award will be announced at the Canadian Mortgage Awards gala.
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“Equitable Bank is a proud partner of the broker community. We congratulate all 2023 Canadian Mortgage Award nominees. We appreciate your partnership in helping us to offer alternative, prime, and reverse mortgage solutions and facilitate success for your clients.”
Damon Knights, Vice President, Sales and Distribution, Personal Banking
Matthew McWatters, Principal, Executive Vice President & Canadian Leader, Valuation & Advisory Services, Avison Young
Collin Bruce, Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Mentors
Scott Bentley, MCC Premiere Mortgage Centre
Lisa Helfrick, Mortgage Intelligence
Ryan La Haye, Planiprêt
Sharnjit Singh Gill, VERICO Superior Mortgage
Brokerage of the Year (Fewer Than 25 Employees)
This award recognizes the brokerage operation with fewer than 25 staff (or full-time equivalents) that has displayed excellence over the past 12–18 months.
Bespoke Mortgage Group
Homewise Solutions
Jayman Financial
Mortgage Outlet
Mortgage Savvy
The Mortgage Minds
Centum One Financial Group
Verico East Coast Mortgage Brokers
This award recognizes the brokerage operation with fewer than 25 staff (or full-time equivalents) that has displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months.
This award recognizes the service provider that adds the most value to its customers’ businesses. Eligible service providers include, but are not limited to, software and technology, legal, compliance, training, and education.
Industry Servce Provider of the Year
BHBTV
BluMortgage
Brokeredge
Intellifi
Lendesk
M3 Tech (BOSS)
Mortgage Automator
Newton (Velocity)
FundMore
Teranet
This award recognizes the service provider that adds the most value to its customers’ businesses. Eligible service providers include, but are not limited to, software and technology, legal, compliance, training and education.
This award recognizes a leading lender BDM specializing in alternative lending who has displayed excellence over the past 12–18 months. BDMs may nominate themselves and the CMA team also reviews nominations from lenders.
Greg Delahunty, AVEO - CMLS Financial
Haroon Royan, B2B Bank
Steve Leishman, Bridgewater Bank
Candace Wood, Community Trust
Trupti Patel, CWB Optimum Mortgage
Matt Sheriff, CWB Optimum Mortgage
Lisa Alentejano, Equitable Bank
Roberto Blanco, Equitable Bank
Excalibur, First National Financial LP
Natasha Alli
Sandy Pandolfi, Haventree Bank
Chris Hoeppner, HomeEquity Bank
Cam Delli Pizzi, MCAN
Nitin Grover, NPX
This award recognizes a leading lender BDM specializing in alternative lending who has displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months. BDMs may nominate themselves and the CMA team will also review nominations from lenders.
This award recognizes a leading lender BDM specializing in prime lending who has displayed excellence over the past 12–18 months. BDMs may nominate themselves and the CMA team also review nominations from lenders.
Richard Richards, First National Financial LP
Corey Cox, MERIX Financial
Nicole Thomson, MERIX Financial
Sophia Jessa, MERIX Financial
Jina McInerney, MERIX Financial
Dario Carpino Jr., RFA Mortgage Corporation
John Papadopoulos, RMG Mortgages
Chris Woodhouse, Strive
Trish Medeiros
Strive
Tiffany Pedersen
This award recognizes a leading lender BDM specializing in prime lending who has displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months. BDMs may nominate themselves and the CMA team will also review nominations from lenders.
This award recognizes the lender BDM specializing in private lending who has displayed excellence over the past 12–18 months. BDMs may nominate themselves and the CMA team also reviews nominations from lenders.
Francis Lee, Alta West Capital
Justin Theriault, Alta West Capital
Rachel Rogerson
Travis Allinott, Canadian Mortgages Inc.
Kyle Williams, First Circle Financial
Reaza Ali, Fisgard Asset Management
Amy Chen, Fisgard Asset Management
Jerry Wieliczko, Hosper Mortgage
Alex Lewicki, JV Capital
Canadian Mortgages Inc.
Laura Cruz
Christine Perkins, Sequence Capital
Pratheesan Rathnapala, VWR Capital Corp.
This award recognizes the lender BDM specializing in private lending who has displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months. BDMs may nominate themselves and the CMA team will also review nominations from lenders.
This award recognizes the lender underwriter, specializing in alternative lending, whose expertise and outstanding service to brokers helps ensure their deals are funded quickly and efficiently and has guided them in the right direction to improve their funding ratios in the last 12–18 months.
Andrea Spratt, Bridgewater Bank
Darren Schienbein, CWB Optimum Mortgage
Melissa Pololos, Equitable Bank
Brendan Pringle, Excalibur, First National Financial LP
Max Kharkov, Haventree Bank
Jason Comstock, Home Trust Company
Sarah Roscoe, Home Trust Company
Ghazal Omer, MCAN Home
Rubin Rahman, Paradigm Quest
HomeEquity Bank
Nicole Roe
This award recognizes the lender underwriter, specializing in alternative lending, whose expertise and outstanding service to brokers helps ensure their deals are funded quickly and efficiently and has guided them in the right direction to improve their funding ratios in the last 12-18 months.
This award recognizes the lender underwriter specializing in prime lending whose expertise and outstanding service to brokers helps ensure their deals are funded quickly and efficiently and has guided them in the right direction to improve their funding ratios in the last 12–18 months.
Ajopana Mahalingam, First National Financial LP
Rosy Auld, MCAP Service Corp
Traci Merkel, MCAP Service Corp
Geoff Charkow, MERIX Financial
Deidre Wise, MERIX Financial
Róisín Gaffney, RFA Mortgage Corporation
Andrew Huang, RMG Mortgages
Danny Wang, Strive
Angela Molyneaux, TDMS
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Joanka Martinez
This award recognizes the lender underwriter specializing in prime lending whose expertise and outstanding service to brokers helps ensure their deals are funded quickly and efficiently and has guided them in the right direction to improve their funding ratios in the last 12-18 months.
This award recognizes the lender underwriter specializing in private lending whose expertise and outstanding service to brokers helps ensure their deals are funded quickly and efficiently and has guided them in the right direction to improve their funding ratios in the last 12–18 months.
Catalin Popa
Hillmount Capital
Michael Diseri, Alta West Capital
Rupinder Saini, Alta West Capital
Josie Milanetti, Canadian Mortgages Inc.
Cory Himmel, Firm Capital Corporation
Arvin Darred, Gentai Capital Corp.
Grant Plunkie, Shelter Lending Corp
Olga Bondari, Tembo Financial
Daniela Peeva, TriLend Inc.
Ian Tam, VAULT Mortgage Corporation
This award recognizes the lender underwriter specializing in private lending whose expertise and outstanding service to brokers helps ensure their deals are funded quickly and efficiently and has guided them in the right direction to improve their funding ratios in the last 12-18 months.
This award recognizes the commitment of a company with over 50 employees in Canada to building a workplace that recognizes excellence and supports career growth for all. This award acknowledges the company that has won the reputation to be called an employer of choice within the mortgage industry. Eligible nominees are brokerages, networks, lenders, and service providers.
Invis Mortgage Intelligence
Home Trust Company
Community Trust
Centum Financial Group
Bridgewater Bank
TMG The Mortgage Group
Lend At Ease
Manulife Bank
MCAN
Ratehub.ca
This award recognizes the commitment of a company with over 50 employees in Canada to building a workplace that recognizes excellence and supports career growth for all. This award acknowledges the company that has won the reputation to be called an employer of choice within the mortgage industry. Eligible nominees are brokerages, networks, lenders and service providers.
This award recognizes the most outstanding national broker network that has displayed excellence and commitment to brokers, agents, support staff, and the mortgage industry over the past 12–18 months.
Dominion Lending Centres
Mortgage Architects
Mortgage Centre Canada
Multi-Prêts Hypothèques
Verico Financial Group
Mortgage Alliance
This award recognizes the most outstanding national broker network that has displayed excellence, commitment to brokers, agents and support staff and the mortgage industry over the past 12-18 months.
This award recognizes a leading mortgage agent/broker who specializes in commercial mortgages, real estate, investment finance, SME/debtor finance, and asset and leasing finance, and who has built a solid business in this field and displayed excellence over the past 12–18 months.
Avison Young creates economic, social, and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people. At Avison Young, we believe in creating positive impact wherever we go. There is a vital role for commercial real estate to create healthy, productive workplaces for employees, cities that are centres of prosperity for its citizens, and built spaces and places that create a net benefit to the economy, the environment, and the community. Our nimble, agile team has global insight, local market expertise, and access to some of the smartest technology in the commercial real estate industry – all at the ready to work on creating your competitive advantage. As a private company, you will collaborate with an empowered partner who is invested in your success as much as you are. Avison Young Valuation Services offers a comprehensive range of commercial real estate valuation and consulting services dealing with all property types and sizes. Together with our team, we provide a full-service offering to our clients, ranging from local to multinational organizations. Our principal-led, client-centric approach to doing business means that we are always focused on finding the best solutions for each client’s particular needs. Website: www.avisonyoung.ca
“Avison Young is proud to sponsor the 2023 Canadian Mortgage Awards. We’re excited to share an amazing night with talented commercial and residential mortgage brokers across the country and celebrate the success these individuals had throughout the year. At Avison Young, we believe in creating positive impact wherever we go, and consider ourselves very fortunate to work with the people who power this industry, every day. Congratulations to all the nominees across the various award categories!”
CORY BANNISTER, CHIEF LENDING OFFICER, LA TROBE FINANCIAL
Vic Cotton, Avenue Financial
Ahmed Hatata, Green Mortgage Solutions
Michel Durand, Mcommercial
Christine Xu, MoneyBroker Canada
Jonathan Gagnon, Orbis Mortgage Group
Stephen Thomas, TMG Black Capital | HALO Advisory
Almira Namvar, Uptown Commercial Mortgages
Jason Sohl, Verico Fair Mortgage Solutions
Peter Quinn
Anne Ananda, Pineapple Financial Inc.
This award recognizes a leading mortgage agent/broker who specializes in commercial mortgages, real estate, investment finance, SME/debtor finance, asset and leasing finance, and who has built a solid business in this field and displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months.
CMI Canadian Mortgages Inc. (CMI) is a private mortgage lender, working exclusively through the mortgage broker channel. With roots as a mortgage brokerage, and a reputation for transparency, professionalism, ethical lending, and exceptional service, CMI takes a common-sense approach to partnering with brokers to serve a diverse range of borrowers, ensuring accessible solutions available to all. Widely recognized as a tech-forward and innovative industry leader, CMI is one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies and one of the country’s largest private lenders by new originations, with over $1.8 billion in mortgage fundings since inception. CMI was recognized by industry peers as Private Lender of the Year at the 2022 Mortgage Awards of Excellence. Website: www.canadianlending.ca
“The mortgage industry fuels the economy, brings dreams to life, and supports Canadians when making the most important financial decision of their lives. CMI is proud to partner with the Canadian Mortgage Awards and support this important platform to recognize the incredible contributions of mortgage professionals in every capacity across our industry.”
The Canadian Mortgages Inc.
This award recognizes an HR leader who has demonstrated excellence at the executive level over the past 12 months. Eligible finalists were senior-level leaders who report to the CEO and manage an HR team. Finalists were judged on their leadership, communication, strategy, drive, and results.
“The mortgage industry fuels the economy, brings dreams to life and supports Canadians when making the most important financial decision of their lives. CMI is proud to partner with the Canadian Mortgage Awards and support this important platform to recognize the incredible contributions of mortgage professionals in every capacity across our industry.”
Mission35 Mortgages
Teresa Franciosa
Davinder Powar, AKAL Mortgages
Joe Giannola, Mission35 Mortgages
Clyde Jr. Bryant, Dominion Lending Centres Uptown Financial Mortgages
Pip Dhaliwal, Freedom Capital
Tyson Gobind, GoldTree Mortgage
Reza Ghazi, Greenflow Financial
Andre Deleo, Morgix
Raghav Manchanda, Seven Lending
Tim Hurlbut, TNT Mortgages
This award recognises an HR leader who has demonstrated excellence at the executive level over the past 12 months. Eligible finalists were senior-level leaders who report to the CEO and manage an HR team. Finalists were judged on their leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
This award recognizes an outstanding broker or agent who is 40 years old or younger, as of December 31, 2022.
Federally incorporated in 2002, the CENTUM Family is home to over 200 franchised mortgage offices with more than 2,500 mortgage professionals across Canada. As a division of the Charlwood Pacific Group, our network benefits from over 40 years of global franchising expertise of recognized brands, which include financial services, real estate, travel service, property management, and hotel accommodations. CENTUM provides its franchises with the systems, technology, training, support, and financial products necessary to have a competitive advantage and succeed in the mortgage broker industry today. CENTUM is also a proud member of the Canadian Franchise Association. We provide the security of knowing that we are always Looking Out For Your Best Interest®. Website: www.thecentumnetwork.caw
“At CENTUM, we believe that smaller but mighty brokerages are the backbone of our industry, and we’re proud to sponsor the Canadian Mortgage Award for Young Achiever of the Year. This award celebrates the hard work and dedication of mortgage brokers and agents who go above and beyond for their clients, and we’re thrilled to recognize their outstanding achievements.”
Chris Turcotte, President, Centum Financial Group Inc.
Federally incorporated in 2002, the CENTUM Family is home to over 200 franchised mortgage offices with more than 2,500 mortgage professionals across Canada. As a division of the Charlwood Pacific Group, our network benefits from over 40 years of global franchising expertise of recognized brands, which include financial services, real estate, travel service, property management and hotel accommodations. CENTUM provides its franchises with the systems, technology, training, support and financial products necessary to have a competitive advantage and succeed in the mortgage broker industry today. CENTUM is also a proud member of the Canadian Franchise Association. We provide the security of knowing that we are always Looking Out For Your Best Interest®. Website: www.thecentumnetwork.caw
“At CENTUM, we believe that smaller but mighty brokerages are the backbone of our industry, and we're proud to sponsor the Canadian Mortgage Award for Young Achiever of the Year. This award celebrates the hard work and dedication of mortgage brokers and Agents who go above and beyond for their clients, and we're thrilled to recognize their outstanding achievements.”
Charles-Antoine Boudreau
Rashmeet Kaur, AKAL Mortgages
Kevin Huynh, Empire Mortgage Group
Michelle Farrugia, Mortgage Outlet Inc.
Peter Martens, One-Link Mortgage
Chelsea Bedard, Mission35 Mortgages
Tracy Regier, The Mortgage Minds
Dionne King, TMG - King Mortgages
Leslie Penney, Verico East Coast Mortgage Brokers
Joanna Zhou, TMG The Mortgage Group
This award recognizes the mortgage agent/broker who has displayed excellence over the past 12–18 months in alternative lending.
Community Trust is a flexible alternative to larger, more traditional financial institutions. We have been working with our valued partners for many years to help Canadians achieve the security of owning their home. We were acquired in 2019 by Questrade Financial Group (QFG), one of Canada’s leading fintech companies, and remain 100% committed to serving the mortgage broker community. We are regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). We are a leader in the alternative lending space. We are also leaders when it comes to service and technology, with a firm commitment to providing brokers with innovative solutions to make working with us easier and faster, giving them all the support they need to succeed with their clients. Above all, we genuinely care about the partners we work with, their clients, and about helping Canadians become more financially successful and secure. That underlying motivation is what drives everything we do, and is why we are so passionate about building relationships based on trust, collaboration, integrity, and responsiveness. Website: www.communitytrust.com/better
“Community Trust is a huge supporter of the Canadian Mortgage Awards. And as a leader in the alternative lending space, it is fitting for us to be proud sponsors of the Alternative Broker Specialist of the Year category! We are privileged to work in an industry with so many incredible people, and we join in celebrating all those being recognized for their excellence at this year’s awards.”
“Community Trust is a huge supporter of the Canadian Mortgage Awards. And as a leader in the alternative lending space, it is fitting for us to be proud sponsors of the Alternative Broker Specialist of the Year category! We are privileged to work in an industry with so many incredible people, and we join in celebrating all those being recognized for their excellence at this year's awards.”
Moneybroker Canada
Christine Xu
Gogi Luthra, AKAL Mortgages
Yvonne Choi, Citadel Mortgages
Jason Anbara, Mortgage Alliance
Denise Laframboise, Mortgage Architects
Kamaljeet Bhumber, Verico Xeva Mortgage
Max Escrogin, Vine Group
Gurpreet Ubhi, J&G Mortgages
This award recognizes the mortgage agent/broker who has displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months in alternative lending.
This award recognizes the brokerage operation with 25 staff (or full-time equivalents) or more that has displayed excellence over the past 12–18 months. The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches.
CWB Optimum Mortgage is a full-service lender providing personalized borrowing solutions to meet your needs. We offer a variety of products, including flexible alternative mortgage solutions, for clients who may not fit within traditional guidelines, including those who are self-employed, commissioned, or with bruised credit. As industry experts, our policy always is to confirm that you can afford the mortgage first. Our experienced and dedicated team then work hard to find customized solutions for you, while providing exceptional personal service with a common-sense approach. Website: www.optimummortgage.ca
“CWB Optimum Mortgage is a proud partner and sponsor of the 2023 Annual Canadian Mortgage Awards. The Canadian Mortgage Awards is more than just an awards show; it’s about our great community coming together to celebrate tremendous growth and achievement over the past year. Together, we set an unparalleled standard for quality service and care across the industry.”
Rejean Roberge, Vice President, CWB Optimum Mortgage
Axiom Mortgage Solutions
Blue Pearl Mortgage Group
Centum Metrocapp Wealth Solutions
GNE Mortgages Inc.
Safebridge Financial Group
Tango Financial
True North Mortgage
Sherwood Mortgage Group
Verico Xeva Mortgage
This award recognizes the brokerage operation with 25 staff (or full-time equivalents) or more that has displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months. The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches.
This is the highest honour and most coveted award at the Canadian Mortgage Awards. This award recognizes and celebrates a leading figure who has contributed much to the advancement of the mortgage industry in Canada. This award acknowledges an individual with an established history and reputation of distinguished service to the mortgage and real estate profession. They have exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others, while putting the interests of the industry at the top of their priorities throughout their career.
This is the highest honour and most coveted award at the Canadian Mortgage Awards. This award recognizes and celebrates a leading figure who has contributed much to the advancement of the mortgage industry in Canada. This award will acknowledge an individual with an established history and reputation of distinguished service to the mortgage and real estate profession. They have exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others, while putting the interests of the industry at the top of their priorities throughout their career.
Citadel Mortgages is one of the largest full-service mortgage brokerages with professional mortgage agents & mortgage brokers servicing GTA, Toronto, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, PEI, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, Canada. We are changing the way mortgages are being done by providing our clients with sound advice and products to help our clients become mortgage-free sooner or with some of the lowest mortgage rates in Canada. Citadel Mortgages’ whole client-first model was built around what is called “Your Mortgage Journey.” Each client mortgage is a journey and Citadel Mortgages ensures this journey is mapped out with all steps and actions along the way. Citadel Mortgages clients love this client-first model as it allows them to quickly fix any issues that may prevent them from achieving their mortgage goals. Website: www.citadelmortgages.ca/
“We are eagerly anticipating the Canadian Mortgage Awards ceremony, where we will join industry professionals in celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of our colleagues. It is a night to recognize excellence, network, and share in the success of the Canadian mortgage industry. As the sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Award, we are especially excited to honour the recipient of this prestigious award, who has dedicated their life to the industry and has made a significant impact on the mortgage landscape. It is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and admiration for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence.”
Tristan Kirk, Principal Broker | Managing Partner, Citadel Mortgages
“We are eagerly anticipating the Canadian Mortgage Awards ceremony, where we will join industry professionals in celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of our colleagues. It is a night to recognize excellence, network, and share in the success of the Canadian mortgage industry. As the sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Award, we are especially excited to honor the recipient of this prestigious award, who has dedicated their life to the industry and has made a significant impact on the mortgage landscape. It is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and admiration for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence.”
Manulife
Fiona Campbell
“Home Trust is proud to support the mortgage community through our partnership with the Canadian Mortgage Awards. We believe in helping everyone who calls Canada achieve homeownership and save for the future, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with the community to help us reach this goal.”
Home Trust
“Home Trust is proud to support the mortgage community through our partnership with the Canadian Mortgage Awards. We believe in helping everyone who calls Canada achieve homeownership and save for the future, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with the community to help us reach this goal. ”
This award recognizes an outstanding female trailblazer, in any facet of the mortgage industry, whose astounding personal and professional achievements have earned them a place among the industry’s best.
Elizabeth Wood, Canadian Mortgages Inc.
Leanne Myles, Centum Home Lenders
Hali Noble, Fisgard Asset Management
Kelly Neuber, KN Marketing
Elaine Taylor, Mortgage Alliance
Christine Buemann, The Collective Mortgage Group
Barbara Cook, The Mortgage Centre
Meaghan Hastings, The Mortgage Coach
Kristy Maxwell
Diana Lee, The Mortgage Minds
Marina Bournas, RFA Mortgage Corporation
This award recognizes the best brokerage office or branch that has been in operation for 1–3 years. To be eligible, the business must have started trading between December 2019 and January 2022. Brokers may nominate their own businesses, and our researchers will also contact lenders and major franchises to submit details of their standout performers.
“Celebrating excellence is a powerful way to recognize the hard work and dedication of the individuals and organizations making outstanding achievements in our industry. MCAN is invested in nurturing the new voices who drive positive change in our own organization, in our communities, and beyond. We are dedicated to empowering all future leaders to realize their full potential and make a meaningful impact.”
Avish Buck, President, MCAN Home, SVP & COO, MCAN Financial Group
“La Trobe Financial is delighted to support this prestigious award for Broker of the Year – Commercial, an incredibly important segment of the market and economy. The finalists are very worthy winners in their own right, and wish them all the best on the night.”
Anchor Mortgages Canada
BRX Mortgage
Dominion Lending Centres Next Generation Mortgage
GoldTree Mortgage
Synergy Mortgage Group
TMG Black Capital | Halo Advisory
This award recognizes the best brokerage office or branch that has been in operation for between 1 – 3 years. To be eligible, the business must have started trading between December 2019 and January 2022. Brokers may nominate their own businesses, and our researchers will also contact lenders and major franchises to submit details of their standout performers.
Founded in 1996, RFA (Realty Financial Advisors) is a Canadian-owned real estate investment firm grounded in the Commercial and Asset Management segments. RFA and its investment partners are active participants in a wide array of real estate-focused portfolios, including debt financing transactions, REITs, retirement homes, and direct investments in office, retail, industrial, and multifamily residential properties. Combined, the RFA group of companies have over $65 billion in assets under management and an additional $25+ billion in assets under administration. RFA’s residential mortgage lending business is operated by RFA Mortgage Corporation and RFA Bank of Canada, a federally regulated Schedule I Bank. RFA Mortgage Corporation specializes in prime lending (Insured, Insurable, Uninsurable), while RFA Bank of Canada is a balance sheet-based alternative mortgage lender (Alt-A and B lending). Combined, RFA offers mortgage brokers a one-stop shop with its full suite of competitive prime and alternative mortgages. RFA’s strategic vision is to be a long-term leader in the residential lending segment by offering a value proposition beyond just rate and compensation. Through building a competitive broker experience and solutions-oriented product suite, RFA’s goal is to be recognized and recommended by its mortgage broker partners, mortgagors, and other strategic partners, for its financing solutions and broker/client experience. Visit brokersfirst.ca to become a registered broker with RFA. Visit www.rfa.ca or www.brokersfirst.ca to learn more about RFA's products, promotions, and Broker Status Program. Website: www.rfa.ca/prime
“RFA is proud to sponsor the Canadian Mortgage Awards and celebrate the best and brightest in our industry. The CMAs allow us to recognize the achievements of our peers, brokers, and industry partners and the impact each nominee has in moving our industry forward. Congratulations to all nominees – best of luck!”
RFA
This award recognizes the individual, company, organization, brokerage, branch, or office whose outstanding contribution of time, leadership, and financial support over a sustained period of time, beyond normal expectations, has made significant impacts on the receiving causes or communities.
“RFA is proud to sponsor the Canadian Mortgage Awards and celebrate the best and brightest in our industry. The CMAs allow us to recognize the achievements of our peers, brokers, and industry partners and the impact each nominee has in moving our industry forward. Congratulations to all nominees—best of luck!”
8Twelve Mortgage
Kuljit Singh, AKAL Mortgages
Sadiq Boodoo, Approved Financial Services
Andrew Young, Axiom Mortgage Solutions
Empire Mortgage Group
Flare Mortgage Group
Cheryl Sanguinetti, Invis
SafeBridge Financial Group
Kristen Dias, Mission35 Mortgages
This award recognizes the individual, company, organization, brokerage, branch or office whose outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support over a sustained period of time, beyond normal expectations, has made significant impacts on the receiving causes or communities.
Axiom Innovations is a technology company that specializes in identifying synergies to help clients accelerate their businesses. The organization has a range of solutions and services to allow users to automate their workflow, including Scarlett Network, an industry-leading platform for providing technology for mortgage brokers and lenders across Canada’s mortgage industry. Website: www.scarlettnetwork.com
“Axiom Innovations is proud to be the sponsor of the CMP 2023 Scarlett Network Award for Digital Innovation in a Brokerage. Over the past decade, mortgage origination software has continued to take a front seat for the industry’s growth, simplifying the application process for thousands of Canadians while helping mortgage brokers and agents run their businesses more effectively and efficiently. Remember, don’t let your business run you, run your business!”
Joe Fakhri, President and CEO, Axiom Innovations
This award is given to the brokerage or network that has best harnessed technology and digital solutions to improve their business, aid their brokers, and leverage overall client experience over the last 12–18 months. This category looks at the organization's use of digital platform/solution/resource/software such as (but not limited to) CRM, digital marketing, mobile technology, electronic document management, connectivity platforms, and collaboration tools.
“Axiom Innovations is proud to be the sponsor of the CMP 2023 for Digital Innovation in a Brokerage. Over the past decade mortgage origination software has continued to take a front seat for the industry's growth, simplifying the application process for thousands of Canadians while helping Mortgage Brokers and Agent run their business more effectively and efficiently. Remember, don’t let your business run you, run your business!”
Pineapple Financial
Citadel Mortgages
This award is given to the brokerage or network that has best harnessed technology and digital solutions to improve their business, aid their brokers, and leverage overall client experience over the last 12-18 months. This category looks at the organizations use of digital platform/solution/resource/software/ such as (but not limited to) CRM, digital marketing, mobile technology, electronic document management, connectivity platforms, and collaboration tools.
