Team Members

Christine D. Fortin B.Com., FCSI, PFP, FMA

Vice-President

Senior Wealth Advisor

Financial Planner

T: 604.535.4306

TF: 1.800.665.1442

E:  Christine D. Fortin

Christine is the Team Leader of our group. She has passionately gained experiences from almost 25 years in the Global Financial Markets.

Christine was born and partially raised in Montreal. Hailing from a Railroader family she had the opportunity to live across various parts of Canada growing up. However, she didn't learn of the west coast until she decided on UBC as her alma mater.

After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the University of British Columbia, Christine spent time in Taipei developing a portfolio for institutional investors. She then joined a major Canadian Investment Dealer in Toronto working with Institutional Clients and Multinational Corporations in managing their fixed income, currency, and hedge strategies in the domestic and global capital markets. Christine joined BMO Nesbitt Burns in 1998.

Christine feels the Fortin Wealth Advisory Group has partnered with the best firm for implementing Wealth Management Strategies. Nimble and adaptable in nature, Nesbitt Burns, who has been industry leading for over 100 years, has the product innovation that is years ahead of their competitors. They invest and reinvest in technology (during good times and challenging times), whereby without such technology, the Group would be unable to deliver an exceptional client experience. The culture is such that it makes the office, both to work in and visit, a pleasurable, comforting experience.

She is a fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute demonstrating her status as a trusted advisor in the Canadian Wealth Advisory market place. The FCSI is the most esteemed honour in the Canadian investment industry. She is a passionate advocate for educationg and mentoring young women in careers in finance. Currently she is the Nesbitt Burns Ambassador for the 'BMO for Women' Divisional Council of BC.

Christine has been a member of the Rotary Club of White Rock for many years where she has served in officer positions. Christine is a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Foundation. Christine spearheaded the club's major project of working with thePeace Arch Hospital and Community Foundation with the clubs commitment of $250,000 to support the construction of the new Integrated Centre for Health Improvement. This will enhance the services of the current cardiac Rehabilitation centre of the Peace Arch Hospital. Christine is past Chairperson of the highly regarded Surrey Board of Trade 'Business Excellence Awards'where she played an integral role in developing the current format.

Christine has been involved with the Surrey Animal Shelter by fostering injured and unwanted animals until they find a permanent home.

Christine accepts new clients on a referral basis only, from a national network of accountants, attorneys, commercial and private bankers, and other professional advisors, as well as her existing clients.

Christine resides in South Surrey and loves the beach life of her adopted home. She travels with her partner, Kent, who is originally a 'Winnipegger' and her toddler son, Kase. She is an avid Cyclist and 'gourmand' whipping up fancy meals for her family and dragging them to farmers markets! You may just spot her cycling by with a baguette strapped to her back. She also enjoys historical literature, good humour, great wine, and grand debate.


 

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 Tim Newton, BBA, CIM

 Associate Investment Advisor

 T: 604.535.4324

 F: 604.535.4324

 TF: 1.800.665.1442

 E:  Timothy.Newton@nbpcd.com

Tim was born in Alberta but grew up in the City of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. After high school, Tim returned to his original roots in Alberta to work in the oil patch for four years, demonstrating that he is not afraid of hard labour. Realizing this was not his dream career, he decided to pursue a University education where he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with concentration in Finance. Upon completing his degree, he worked for a year in Tokyo, Japan, for a private wealth management firm. Tim would eventually end up in Vancouver where he started his 10 year career in Finance, beginning with boots on the ground retail banking at Vancity Credit Union before moving onto the Investment side.

Tim’s roles just prior to joining the Fortin Wealth Advisory Group at BMO Nesbitt Burns were with a National Full Service Investment firm which most recently saw him manage money for clients from across Canada, and previously work on a high volume trade desk executing orders for Portfolio Management firms. Tim is very passionate about assisting clients in defining, and articulating their goals. Then, creating a plan that is integrated and carried through.

Most recently, Tim earned his Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.

Outside of work Tim enjoys spending time with his Wife of 5 years, Olga, and their two daughters, Sophia & Olivia. Having recently relocated to South Surrey from Vancouver’s vibrant Commercial Drive area, Tim and his family are enjoying the quieter family centric community feel of White Rock. Tim is an avid motorcyclist, traveller, whisky aficionado, and aspiring tennis player.

 

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 Sofia Smith

 Administrative Assistant

 T: 604.535.4360

 F: 604.535.4324

 TF: 1.800.665.1442

 E:  Sofia.Smith@nbpcd.com

Sofia joined us from Canadian Western Bank where she has worked for the past few years since returning to work after a hiatus while her children were young. Prior to that, she worked with BMO for 7 years. Sofia plays a critical role on the Fortin Wealth Management Group, assisting with account related and other administrative processes in an accurate and timely manner, such as issuing cheques, electronic payments to your bank, account opening & documentation, address changes, account balance inquires, RRSP contributions, RIF payments, and scheduling meetings. She ensures all clients’ request are handled efficiently and professionally.

Sofia likes going for hikes on nature trails and exploring our beautiful province with her two kids and husband. Sofia is slowly meeting each of you as you arrive for meetings, and looks forward to carrying on our devoted service commitment.

Our Partners

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Our High Net Worth Team 
 

Our Wealth Counselling Specialist

Christina Nishiyama, CFP®

Wealth Management Consultant

Christina works closely with our team as we are positioned as our clients' CFO by helping identify and address the needs and goals our high net worth clientele. Christina brings together the knowledge and experience of our in-house tax and estate professionals and works with us and our clients to develop sounds wealth management plans. She provides Advisor direction about complex issues such as retirement and distribution planning, tax planning, cash management, estate and gift planning, transition planning and charitable giving. Christina has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Before jointing BMO Nesbitt Burns, she worked for some full service brokerage firms and banks where she supported internal and external clients with all aspects of financial planning.

Christina completed her diploma in Investment and Financial Planning from Trend College in Vancouver. Christina is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. In addition, she is a Trust and Estate Practitioner with STEP Canada.

 

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Our Tax Specialist

Holly Castle, CPA, CA, TEP

Director, Tax Planning at BMO Wealth Management

Holly provides tax and estate planning expertise to high net worth families and business owners, as part of an integrated team of wealth planning professionals.  Drawing on almost two decades of tax consulting experience, clients benefit from her ability to first understand their specific goals and objectives and then to incorporate and communicate the related tax and estate planning complexities in an easily understood manner. Holly offers guidance on tax structuring, estate planning, post-mortem planning, business succession and charitable giving, creating tailored solutions for a diverse group of clients.

Holly joined BMO Wealth Management in 2017 after an extensive career in public accounting, including progressively senior tax roles at Deloitte and Grant Thornton LLP.  During this time Holly focused on tax and estate planning issues related to individuals, privately held corporations, trusts and estates.

 

 

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Our Trust and Estate Specialists

Irit Gertzbein, B.A., D.C.S., B.Ed., LL.B.

Director, Trusts and Estates

Irit provides estate and trust planning support. Irit, as our estate and trust planning in-house counsel, helps review the goals and needs of our High Net Worth clients.

Irit has extensive experience in Will and trust interpretation, the preparation of Wills, powers of attorney and trusts and in assisting clients with the implementation of a variety of estate planning strategies emphasizing key factors such as family dynamics, tax and business considerations, and capacity and fiduciary issues.

Before joining BMO Nesbitt Burns, Irit was employed by a major Toronto law firm.  She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Statutory Review, Capacity Law Working Group sub-committees of the Ontario Bar Association and an assistant editor of the Ontario Bar Association's Trusts and Estates Section newsletter Deadbeat.

 

John Waters, CPA, CA, CFP®, TEP

VP & Head of Tax, Estate and Trust

John provides additional tax planning support and writes technical articles that are used nationaly.

Before joining BMO Nesbitt Burns, John was employed by a large, international accounting firm as a senior member of the Toronto High Net Worth tax practice. John's areas of expertise include personal tax, and financial and estate planning for High Net Worth individuals, executives, and entrepreneurs. John has also assisted in the design and execution of executive compensation plans and has experience in a wide range of issues concerning the taxation of individuals, corporations, trusts and partnerships.

John is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® , Chartered Accountant (CA) and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP). He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) from Queen's University.

 

Linda Leung, CPA, TEP

Director, US Tax Planning

When we have clients with US tax implications Linda steps in.

Before Joining BMO Nesbitt Burns, Linda was a member of a global tax team at a large consulting firm where she assisted individuals in understanding the Canadian, US and international tax implications of their various forms of compensation. Prior to that, she was employed by a large international accounting firm in their International Assignment Services and Small Business tax groups.

Linda has expertise in US personal tax matters and can provide guidance on cross-border personal income tax issues. In her previous role, Linda was also involved in the design and execution of global executive compensation and share plans.

Linda is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP). 

 

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Our Business Succession Planning Specialist

Todd Coleman, MBA, CPA, CGA, FEA

VP, Business Advisory & Succession Planning

Many of our clients are entreprenuers, and as such, need guidance and expertise in  planning for complex business owner needs. Jim offers this expertise in areas such as tax planning, estate planning, succession planning, wealth transfer and corporate reorganizations.

Prior to joining BMO Private Banking in 2010, Todd was a Vice President at PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance. He has acted as an advisor to mid-market companies on mergers and acquisitions transactions across a wide variety of industries. In addition, Todd previously served as the President of a family-owned distribution company operating in the sporting goods industry for five years.

Todd has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant and has earned the Family Enterprise Advisor designation from the Institute of Family Enterprise Advisors. He currently serves as President of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE), Calgary Chapter, and he has delivered workshops on family business topics at regional and national events for CAFE. Todd has coached youth basketball teams for over 10 years.

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Our Estate and Insurance Specialist

Jamie S. Wilson

Estate and Insurance Advisor

Jamie’s objective is to review, analyze and provide insurance-based tax and estate planning strategies. Specializing in providing solutions tailored for our high net worth clients, Jamie provides customized strategies for individuals, as well as privately owned Canadian corporations and shareholders.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Jamie began his career in the financial industry in 2000. He previously worked as a Sr. Insurance Consultant at a major bank owned brokerage firm for 13 years.

Outside of work, Jamie is an avid athlete, playing competitive hockey and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle Vancouver has to offer. Jamie is married to his wife, Laura.