Growing Your Wealth & Protecting Your Estate
- Methodical
- Organized
- Precise
- Efficient
- Detailed
GROW YOUR WEALTH WITH THE LIFESTEP PROCESS®
The Discovery
Process
The Strategy
Builder
The Strategic
Implementor
The Performance
Optimizer
Westward offers Canadians tax and estate planning solutions through customized life insurance. Our LifeStep Process® empowers clients to increase, safeguard, and transfer their wealth to beneficiaries or charities with optimal tax efficiency.
Westward is a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals, their families, and their advisors, thanks to our meticulous attention to detail, technical accuracy, and commitment to delivering lifelong results in tax and estate planning.
HOW YOU’LL BENEFIT FROM A WESTWARD TAX & ESTATE PLAN
We blend technical expertise and creative thinking with a streamlined process to maximize the benefits of insurance planning. A Westward tax & estate plan can accomplish:
- Guaranteed tax-free life insurance pay out to fund estate liquidity
- Opportunity to make a significant contribution to a charity
- Ability to transfer wealth on a tax efficient basis
We are a Climate Smart Certified company! This is one way we’re supporting the planet while futureproofing our business. Learn more about the Climate Smart Training & Certification program. Find Out More.
THE WESTWARD EXPERIENCE
“Working with Westward has been a great experience. Their use of technology, like DocuSign, has really streamlined processes and made everything much easier.”
CC, ClientVancouver, BC | Nov 2024
“The support package we received from Westward to help us reply to CRA audit queries was over the top. It was incredibly thorough and complete, tracking the plan from day 1 to present day with supporting documentation. We really appreciate the investment you make in supporting the plan.”
DM, AdvisorToronto, ON | Sep 2024
“Westward’s guidance and support over the years has been much appreciated.”
RT, ClientCalgary, AB | Sep 2024
“Thank you for your AMT calculator. It is quick and easy, and the results are bang on with our own tax software.”
TC, PwCToronto, ON | Aug 2024
“When we implemented the plan in 2013, I was very skeptical that Westward would follow through with promises to manage the plan years down the road. You have proved me wrong and you have done an excellent job on that front.”
ES, Client CFOToronto, ON | Aug 2024
“Thank you so much for your help. We really appreciate the Westward level of service!”
AL, Private BankerVancouver, BC | Aug 2024
“My experience with Westward has been very positive, they've always given excellent guidance and responded promptly.”
TN, VP of FinanceVancouver, BC | Jul 2024
“Nothing but good things to say about Westward. Your team is very helpful in collecting information and documents from clients and providing us with the required insurance policy information. Makes our job a lot easier! Appreciate the communication and partnership.”
TD, Private BankerKelowna, BC | Mar 2024
“Thank you for your precious help and great communication.”
MP, ClientMontreal, QC | Mar 2024
“I have thoroughly enjoyed dealing with Westward. I am extremely grateful with how organized and prepared you always are. It makes my job much easier, which in turn makes it seamless for our mutual clients. I hope to continue our relationship for years to come.”
CM, Private BankerCalgary, AB | Mar 2024
“I always receive prompt responses with helpful answers and information. Excellent service!”
EJ, Client OfficeVancouver, BC | Mar 2024
“Always a great experience working with Westward. Your prompt responses and knowledge are always appreciated.”
JC, Private BankerVancouver, BC | Feb 2024
“I have found the services very good at Westward. Everything happens in a timely manner, no confusion when it comes to instructions. If I do have any questions, you are very approachable and reachable. I will always have a reply within 24 hours.”
CH, Client OfficeVancouver, BC | Feb 2024
“Just a quick note to say how much I appreciate your time and your expertise. Your knowledge of the subject matter is second to none and your presentation was excellent. Again, thank you for all your support.”
JY, ClientVancouver, BC | Feb 2024
“I really appreciate your summary emails and follow-up. Your team is great to work with.”
BS, Scotia Private BankerCalgary, AB | Feb 2024
“Thank you for delivering my plan’s annual report for the corporate year-end 3 weeks early. It is appreciated.”
SR, ClientEdmonton, AB | Jan 2024
“I admire the level of oversight and dedication Westward demonstrates in managing client loan facilities. The meticulous approach you bring to the table is impressive and greatly contributes to our shared objectives. Few of the advisors I work with have the level of oversight that I see with the Westward team.”
GC, Private BankerMontreal, QC | Dec 2023
“Thanks very much for the overview. Your quick response is really appreciated.”
CC, ClientMontreal, QC | Dec 2023
“I love the way Westward presents to the client and us. It keeps all parties on the same page.”
JH, Private BankerCalgary AB | Dec 2023
“Thank you so much for all your help, you’ve been amazing as always! I really appreciate how clearly you put it all together in the email for our mutual client, so they know exactly how to proceed.”
BS, Private BankerCalgary, AB | Dec 2023
“Westward’s process each year is straightforward, and you guys proactively let me know about things ahead of time.”
KO, CFOCalgary, AB | Dec 2023
“Timely and professional service. We appreciate working with you and your team.”
CM, ClientAbbottsford, BC | Nov 2023
“Your firm provides both the client and partners with the sequence of events, what is required of each party and the expected outcomes. The information provided to us is accurate and straight forward. If there needs to be a discussion about different outcomes then an answer is always supplied in a timely manner. You guys make my life easier so I am grateful to be able to continue to work with you and your firm.”
CD, Private BankerVancouver, BC | Nov 2023
“My experience with Westward has been great. Very responsive and clear instructions with requests”
EC, Scotia Private Banker | Nov 2023
“I thought the information and presentation you did was very useful, and helped me understand further the insurance plan. You and your team are always very helpful and quick to provide any information we need.”
KP, AdvisorKelowna, BC | Oct 2023
“Working with the team at Westward is wonderful. Communications and expectations are very clear.”
AL, Private BankerKelowna, BC | Oct 2023
“I really appreciate you pro-actively advising me of the loan terms available from other banks.”
JG, ClientVancouver, BC | Jul 2023
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. It helped us understand the process you are going through each year as well as updating us on the status of the policies. Much appreciated.”
JK, Client CFOVancouver, BC | Jul 2023
“Excellent summary of my plan and I appreciate the prompt response from Westward. It will be quite helpful in my meetings with RBC next week. Thanks!”
DD, ClientVancouver, BC | Jun 2023
“The material you provide is always very helpful. We appreciate your prompt responses.”
CS, AdvisorMarkham, ON | May 2023
“Your guidance and communication to our common clients explaining the loan management process and benefits is very hands on. There are no surprises or missing information and that makes the annual transactions easy to execute.”
CD, Private BankerVancouver, BC | Apr 2023
“We speak the same financial language so when I request a certain report or document you know what I want and are always prompt about getting it back to me. Your great record keeping and reporting to support loan disbursements and annual reviews lifts that weight off my back.”
CD, Private BankerVancouver, BC | Apr 2023
“I give my experience with Westward and The LifeStep Process a five star rating!”
DS, ClientVancouver, BC | Jan 2023
“You have been very helpful in clarifying certain aspects of my policy which were changing and confusing.”
DM, ClientToronto, ON | Jan 2023
“There is really only one Westward. Nobody does anything close to this anywhere. Impressive work. Thank you for your usual professionalism.”
PC, AdvisorMontreal, QC | Dec 2022
“Thank you very much for keeping me up to date about the bank loan option. It was very helpful when we met in September. It was also very interesting for my son. I wish you all the best for 2023.”
DC, ClientToronto, ON | Dec 2022
“Very well laid out. You are exceedingly good at your job. That is for sure.”
JY, ClientVancouver, BC | Nov 2022
“I have always had very positive experiences with you and all the crew at Westward. You provide the answers I need in a timely manner and I appreciate the interactions you have not only with me but with my accountant and lawyers as well. The plan that Westward developed for us is working well and meeting both our long and short term goals. I have no complaints and we greatly appreciate all your crew has done for us.”
MN, ClientVancouver BC | Nov 2022
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate you for providing the projected annual interest expense so quickly.”
RH, AdvisorVancouver, BC | Oct 2022
“Thanks for taking care of us and our contingent owner designations because it’s a hassle if it goes through the estate.”
HS, ClientVancouver, BC | Oct 2022
“My Account Manager at Westward is very patient, diligent, and polite. I’m not sure if I’d have the same tolerance for clients like me. Top marks for customer service!”
PG, ClientToronto, ON | Oct 2022
“Thanks to Westward and the RBC private banking team, another policy anniversary made simple!”
AM, ClientVancouver, BC | Oct 2022
“It has been a great experience dealing with Westward. Your Team is very organized, knowledgeable, professional and does a great job keeping clients on track and helping us complete our Annual Reviews on time. I wish all our clients dealt with you.”
CS, Private BankerKelowna, BC | Sep 2022
“Thank you for taking the time to go through my insurance structure again. I appreciate you including my son in the meeting. It was great to see you again.”
DC, ClientToronto, ON | Sep 2022
“Fantastic presentation, as always. This plan is a huge benefit to us and our estate. The family meeting was very beneficial and I really appreciate your input and support. We retreated after the meeting to the club and had a really productive family session that moved us ahead nicely and proved to me we are all on the same page. Thanks again.”
JY, ClientVancouver, BC | Sep 2022
“Westward laid out the steps involved in switching to a bank loan very well and in basic terms, which is what I needed.”
MV, ClientSurrey, BC | Sep 2022
“I pay Westward to manage my loan and the fee is well worth it. One thing I like is that they are bank agnostic, on top of what many lenders are offering, making sure that my loan is with the best lender.”
PC, ClientToronto, ON | Sep 2022
“I have really enjoyed working with Westward. Everyone at Westward I have dealt with has been professional, friendly and detailed oriented. Looking forward to our continued work together.”
LI, Private BankerToronto, ON | Sep 2022
“Thank you for your patience dealing with older clients like me!”
DC, Client (Age 73)Toronto, ON | Aug 2022
“As per usual, everything happened without a hitch. I appreciate your help with the process.”
RT, ClientCalgary, AB | Aug 2022
“We very much appreciate your excellent presentations of our plan. Every question we have is magically followed by the explanation on the next slide. Very easy to follow and understand.”
DW and LW, ClientSurrey, BC | Aug 2022
“All is good to date with the leveraged life insurance plan you launched for me in 2012. Thank you!”
BR, ClientSunshine Coast, BC | Aug 2022
“Thank you for Westward’s prompt response and assistance to coordinate with our mutual clients.”
JC, Private BankerVancouver, BC | Jul 2022
“The information Westward provide is great, I have never seen that before. The tracking of all the transactions was great to see.”
JJ, Scotia Estate and Trust ConsultantCalgary, AB | May 2022
“Thank you for your timely, careful and diligent handling of your client's claim. It has been a pleasure working with you.”
Oxfam, Manager of PhilanthropyOttawa, ON | Mar 2022
“You have a very efficient, client oriented team. Your process is very streamlined. Great job!”
NR, Private BankerEdmonton, AB | Feb 2022
“We very much appreciate all the support you provide, and your prompt response and assistance when required!”
SC & SE, Wealth ManagersVancouver, BC | Feb 2022
“I just want to express my sincere thanks again for your help. I didn’t realize I would be dependant on so many people as I got older and I really appreciate you taking the time to help.”
Len Remple, ClientVancouver, BC | Feb 2022
“The annual process on my side has become so routine, that it’s relatively easy to do. A few signatures, a few cheques and the courier comes and gets it. The financial summary, especially the net cash effect is very helpful.”
CC, ClientVancouver, BC | Jan 2022
“Very positive experience with Westward. Very pro-active and follow up frequently with respect to deadlines. Communication and explanations are always very clear. Thanks for your support!”
FC, Client VP FinanceToronto, ON | Jan 2022
“Thank you very much for all of your help and being so on top of all of the details!”
MM, Private BankerVancouver, BC | Dec 2021
“Thank you very much for all your assistance, everything worked out really well. Death catches you off guard and I was very appreciative of all your help.”
GB, ClientVancouver, BC | Dec 2021
“I appreciate how you always respond quickly. Your explanations and direction are always excellent. I appreciate your patience with my questions about the plan. You have done very well again this year.”
SA, ClientSurrey, BC | Dec 2021
“Everything to process our death benefit claim was done in a fast and efficient manner. I rate excellent.”
TN, Client ControllerVancouver, BC | Dec 2021
“Westward has been amazing over the years, always showing lots of patience with me, especially with my repetitive questions. Thank you!.”
LL, Client ControllerVancouver, BC | Dec 2021
“Thank you for following up and ensuring the transaction follows our plan.”
NM, CFOVancouver, BC | Nov 2021
“Wonderful! I appreciate the information you provide as it helps us plan dividends from the holding company. Thanks again.”
KP, Tax AdvisorKelowna, BC | Nov 2021
“Thank you for the very informative presentation. It is extremely comforting to know the family has advisors that know the insurance plans as well as your team has demonstrated.”
NM, Client Family OfficeVancouver, BC | Nov 2021
“I’ve found your firm to be very organized and efficient to work with, and the communication from your team to be excellent. We welcome the opportunity to work more closely.”
AM, Private BankerVictoria, BC | Nov 2021
“Thank you for the excellent plan review. It is performing much better than we originally expected when we first set it up.”
AL, Client Family OfficeVancouver, BC | Oct 2021
“Westward is outstanding! Your presentations are extremely helpful and you have an amazing ability to make something so complex understandable. You help us every step of the way when we have to execute annually and make it straight forward for us. Thanks so much again and we look forward to the continued partnership.”
MH, Client CFOWindsor, ON | Oct 2021
“Thanks for the September 30 policy statements. You are a miracle worker – it is only October 1!”
JH, AdvisorVancouver | Oct 2021
“You guys are great! You always provide clear directions and make sense of all the small details and I really appreciate it.”
BV, ClientSarnia, ON | Oct 2021
“We have been completing our plan anniversary transactions for many years now. The process is very efficient.”
TC, ClientVancouver | Sep 2021
““The processes are very well laid out and understandable. The loan renewal package has clear instructions. The final year end package is easy to follow from a personal and corporate perspective regarding the inputs needed for the T1 and the company’s accounting records.””
LB, AdvisorVancouver | Sep 2021
““Your team is great to deal with. Everyone is always quick to respond and you all do a great job of communicating expectations.””
JS, Private BankerOsoyoos, BC | Sep 2021
““We very much appreciate your annual policy management services. You do such a good job and take away all the stress.””
JD, ClientVancouver | Sep 2021
““Your services are always good, giving us clear instructions well ahead of the due date so that we have plenty of time to prepare it; also providing prompt responses to our financial/tax related requests.””
JG, ClientVancouver | Sep 2021
“I found the presentation informative and easy to follow.”
KM, Client's executorSurrey | Aug 2021
“Everything about the management of my account is perfect!”
HS, ClientVancouver | Aug 2021
“Experience has been very good. No issues on this end. The team has always been available to answer questions and assist with analysis we need to make longer term decisions.”
DH, ClientOntario | Aug 2021
“Doing fine, plan is in place and functioning as it should. Its cash flow positive overall”
AA, ClientVancouver, BC | Aug 2021
“Your firm has a fantastic process for managing client loans. Your systems are really impressive. It’s a pleasure working with you.”
DR, Scotia Private BankerOntario | Jul 2021
“Thank you for the very clear presentation. The plan changes you propose are attractive and it looks like everything is moving in the right direction.”
LM, ClientVancouver, BC | Jun 2021
““Just wanted to thank you for a job well done on the call with the bank. We felt that you did an excellent job and that the bankers really got a confident vibe from you and for the plan. Thanks again much appreciated.””
DD, ClientVancouver, BC | Apr 2021
“Thanks for the detail. Really appreciate the quick response and great service.”
LH, ClientAbbotsford, BC | Feb 2021
VIEWPOINTS
Westward’s opinion on timely and topical issues related to tax and estate planning.
US Insurer Financial Strength
Q4 2024 update on the financial strength of U.S. insurers.
Canadian Insurer Financial Strength
Q4 2024 update on the financial strength of Canadian insurers.