In this timely episode, Gary Mar, President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation and former Alberta Cabinet Minister, joins Ben Jang, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Nicola Wealth, to discuss the recent Canadian federal election and what the results could mean for the economy, energy, and national unity.

The conversation explores the potential for cross-party cooperation, the evolving relationship with the United States, and how Canada can strengthen its position through productivity, infrastructure, and Arctic strategy. Together, they offer a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion on the decisions that could shape Canada’s economic future.

What does it take to build a firm that lasts—and a culture that grows with it? In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 Private Wealth Canada West Forum, Nicola Wealth Chairman and CEO John Nicola joins board member and Rethink Founder Tom Shepansky for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, growth, and the value of sharing success. 

From the early influences that shaped his thinking to Nicola Wealth’s “Share the Pie” philosophy, John offers insights on building a resilient business, investing in people, and staying focused on the long game. For entrepreneurs, executives, and investors alike, it’s a valuable perspective on what sustainable success really looks like.

2:04 - The importance of a strong network

7:03 - Authors of significance 

8:51 - Where Share the Pie originated

14:00 - Growing your company, by sharing it 

18:24 - How to play the long game

22:47 - The importance of giving back to your community

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Ben Jang, Portfolio Manager at Nicola Wealth, joins host Jasmine Maricic to discuss key developments from the first quarter of 2025 and the potential implications for the global economy.

They review market reactions to U.S. tariffs and their broader impact on trade dynamics, including Canada’s positioning in a shifting global landscape. Ben also shares perspectives on Canadian and U.S. equity valuations, diverging labour market trends, and the return of terms like “stagflation” to economic discourse.

The conversation touches on European equity performance, inflation and interest rate expectations, and the evolving role of fiscal and monetary policy. Ben also outlines how Nicola Wealth’s multi-asset portfolios are managed to stay diversified and respond to changing conditions across public and private markets.

Highlights

1:02 - How much has Trump shaken up the Global Economic landscape with the recent tariff threats?

6:35 - European Union x Canadian Trade

11:04 - U.S Exceptionalism

12:51 - Trade tensions and how they are impacting the Canadian interest rate

15:10 - Why have European stocks outperformed US stocks this last quarter?

18:00 - The importance of a diversified portfolio

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Secondaries have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments within private capital, offering investors potential access to liquidity and flexibility in an asset class traditionally known for long holding periods. In this episode, Rob Olsen is joined by Nicola Wealth’s Tori Buffrey and Adrian Millan, Partner at PJT Park Hill in New York, to explore how this market is evolving and what it means for today’s investors.

Together, they explain the fundamentals of LP- and GP-led secondaries, discuss the increase in transaction volume, and examine the structural and market trends shaping the space. Tori shares how Nicola Wealth approaches GP-led secondaries, while Adrian offers a global view informed by years of experience advising institutional clients.

They also discuss the role of innovation in deal execution, recent shifts in capital flows, including interest from retail and insurance investors, and the unique position Canadian investors hold in the broader market.

Host Ethan Astaneh speaks with Dan Wurtele and Ryan Dash, partners at The Vancouver Life Real Estate Group. Dan and Ryan lead a team of award-winning real estate advisors helping clients navigate the evolving Greater Vancouver market—and beyond.

In this episode, they offer a timely and comprehensive overview of the Canadian residential real estate landscape, from buyer, balanced, and seller market dynamics to the ripple effects of the mortgage maturity wall. They discuss how major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Victoria are faring, and why condo markets in particular are facing headwinds. The conversation also explores Vancouver’s landmark multiplex rezoning changes and how they’re creating a new sub-asset class—and new opportunities—for homeowners, developers, and investors alike.

Dan and Ryan also share strategic advice for buyers navigating the presale market and offer perspective on what to expect as interest rates and economic uncertainty continue to shape activity in 2025.

Highlights 

2:20 – Are we in a buyers, sellers, or balanced market?

7:56 – Price dynamics in real estate markets across Canada

14:03 – Spring market forecast

20:41 – Mortgage renewal situation in Canada

28:07 – Bill 44 multiplex rezoning

35:33 – Thoughts on the pre-sale marketplace

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In this episode, host Robert Olsen and co-host Sunny Lee from Nicola Wealth speak with Aly Champsi, Managing Director at DW Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm focused on healthcare investments with offices in Toronto and Park City, Utah.

The conversation explores healthcare-focused private equity, highlighting how sector specialization and operational expertise create a competitive edge in a crowded market. Aly explains why healthcare, comprising 17% of U.S. GDP, presents attractive investment opportunities across multiple subsectors. They also discuss challenges like tariffs and protectionist policies, offering insights on how healthcare investments may be partially insulated from these pressures.

Highlights 

4:44 - Early career beginnings and personal background

10:22 – The journey from investment banking at BMO to strategy consulting at Oliver Wyman

17:25 – DW Healthcare Partners and their offices in Toronto & Utah

20:00 - Aly explains why healthcare is an attractive sector

27:31 – Deal at DW Healthcare that stands out

31:30 – USA, Trump and Tariffs

41:52 - Outlook for private equity over the next 24 months

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You’ve worked hard to build your business and accumulate wealth, so how do you ensure your legacy is protected for future generations? Jasmine Marichic, Wealth Advisor | Client Relationship Manager, outlines key estate planning strategies for business owners, including trusts, direct distributions, and Letters of Wishes. Learn how to safeguard your assets, prepare your heirs for financial responsibility, and leverage tools like private giving foundations to create a lasting philanthropic impact.

Highlights 

1:40 - How and when to distribute wealth

1:55 - The use of trusts

4:20 - The importance of a Letter of Wishes

6:00 - A will can be equal but not fair, and fair but not equal

7:00 - Are your heirs prepared to manage their inheritance?

7:55 - Charitable giving and leaving a philanthropic legacy

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Women are increasingly taking the lead in managing their families' finances, but many still face challenges in feeling confident about their financial decisions. In this episode, Wealth Advisors Cassandra Cross and Dami Gittens explore the crucial role of financial literacy and empowerment, and why it’s so important for women to take control of their financial futures.

Drawing from their own experiences growing up in households with traditional financial roles, Cassandra and Dami share practical tools and strategies for women to feel more confident in their financial decisions. They also discuss the impact of financial literacy, managing stress, and the unique approach to legacy planning that they find resonate with many women.

In this episode, host Robert Olson sits down with veteran finance leader and entrepreneur David Rogers, who shares his remarkable journey from corporate roles at Cooper's and Lybrand and TD Bank to creating Caledon Capital, which grew to manage $10 billion in assets under management.

David offers candid insights into his career transitions, from joining FirstService in its infancy as Vice President and CFO to building OMERS' private equity program and ultimately launching his own successful investment firm. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes how his people-first leadership philosophy shaped his success, the importance of trusted mentors, and finding the right strategic partners for business growth. Now semi-retired and serving on Nicola Wealth's private capital investment committee, David reflects on balancing professional accomplishments with personal fulfillment.

Highlights 

3:40 - Early career beginnings

10:45 - Creating OMERS' private equity program and investment approach 

14:40 - Lessons in leadership and building a people-first culture

16:00 - Identifying market gaps and launching a business

22:15 - Strategic partnerships and business evolution

24:50 - Balancing advisory roles and achieving work-life balance 

29:00 - Career reflections

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In this episode of The Wealth Exchange, Timothy Stranks gives us an update on the deadline extension for the charitable giving deadline. 

Canadian charitable donors received a deadline extension this tax season—but important limitations apply. Tim Stranks, Wealth Advisor | Client Relationship Manager, and a Director of the Nicola Wealth Private Giving Foundation, examines the recent extension to Canada's charitable donation deadline. He provides clarity on the extension's limited application to cash donations, discusses implications for year-end tax planning, and contextualizes this change within broader developments affecting Canadian investors. 

Highlights

1:00 - Overview of the charitable donation deadline extension 1:25 - Status of proposed capital gains inclusion rate changes 2:15 - Important distinctions between donations

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