Our councils offer the best expertise, strong peace of mind and a commitment to the diverse needs of donors
Advisory Councils
At WCPD Inc., we believe in the power of people. Reputation matters.
It is with this principle in mind that we are pleased to present our exclusive Advisory Councils.
Our founding Philanthropic Advisory Council, featuring some of the top financial professionals in Canada, specialize in tax, government policy and philanthropy. In addition, we are fortunate to offer exclusive advisory councils for culture, women, mining and the National Hockey League (NHL), each representing some of the very best minds and reputations in their respected disciplines.
With every sector having its own unique challenges and interests, our councils are just another way in which WCPD Inc. is committed to providing top performance and accountability for our clients.
The Philanthropic Advisory Council is the firm’s original body of trusted advisors. Spanning the disciplines of tax, government policy, accounting, natural resources, media and foundational work, this council represents some of Canada’s most experienced business leaders. Members of this council seek to maximize and empower donors and foundations across the country through their unique business acumen and dedication to philanthropic works.
Council Members:


Chairman of The Foundation WCPD’s Philanthropic Advisory Council. Previously he was the inaugural President of the Council of Canadian Academies (now retired) and was Deputy Chief of Staff for policy in the office of Prime Minister Paul Martin. Other past positions include advisor to the OECD in Paris, Chief Strategy Officer for BCE and Senior Vice- President to the Chairman of Scotiabank. In 2020, Nicholson was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices. He is a member of the Order of Canada, awarded in recognition for his contributions to business.


Retired Senior Tax Advisor with Norton Rose Fulbright in Ottawa. Previously, Mr. Farber was General Director of Tax Policy responsible for all tax legislation developed by the Federal Department of Finance. At Norton Rose, Mr. Farber advises clients on tax policy issues, assists in the resolution of tax disputes and provides a valuable resource to members of the firm’s tax practice in connection with tax planning advice.


Noella Milne is a Senior Partner with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP where she practices Corporate Real Estate. A community leader, she is also the Chancellor of George Brown College in Toronto. Noella is a past Chair of the Board of UNICEF Canada, a Director of St. Michael’s Hospital, a Director of the George Brown College Foundation, an Honourary Life Director of the Canadian Club of Toronto, and a member of the Order of Ontario Advisory Council. She was appointed to the Order of Ontario and has been honoured by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, among other honours and distinctions. Born in Mumbai, India, Noella is the mother of 3 children. She holds an LLB from the University of Toronto.


Kathy is Chair of the Board of The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Co-Chair of its Investment Committee; in addition, she served as the Foundation’s Interim President in 2017. She also sits on the Council for Services to Children and Adolescents, which is the advisory council for the hospital, and its Executive Committee. Kathy is a Board member of UNICEF Canada and Chair of its Governance Committee. At McGill University, she serves on the McGill Faculty of Law Advisory Board and is its Planned Giving Ambassador. She also sits on the Governing Board of Mackay Centre School and on a Selection Committee for the McCall MacBain Foundation. Prior to that, she was Corporate Secretary and Vice-President for Imasco Limited which was a leading Canadian conglomerate and a co-managing partner of a corporate-commercial law firm in Montreal. Past boards/councils have included Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, the Canadian Council for Donation and Transplantation (now Canadian Blood Services), Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc. (now part of Syneos Health, Inc.) and the Conference Board of Canada’s Advisory Board of Senior Legal Executives.


Chairman Emeritus of Deloitte & Touche LLP (Canada), where he served as a partner from 1975 until his retirement in 2007. He was elected Chairman of the firm in 2000 and served in that capacity until 2006. Mr. Laidley was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bank of Canada in June 2007 and currently serves on the boards of Nautilus Indemnity Limited (where he is Chairman), Aviva Canada Inc., ProSep Inc., EMCOR Group Inc., Groupe Aeroplan Inc., the Cole Foundation, the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, the McGill University Health Centre Foundation and the Desautels Faculty of Management of McGill University.


One of Canada’s pre-eminent regulatory and government relations counsel, drawing on a wide range of experience in business, government and private practice. Formerly Canada’s senior civil servant in charge of competition policy and enforcement, Mr. Hunter was primarily responsible for the drafting of the federal Competition Act. From 1993 to 2003 he was a partner of Stikeman Elliott and head of the firm’s Competition Group. From 2003 to 2008 he served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Corporate Officer of Bell Canada and BCE Inc., where he was responsible for overseeing regulatory, governmental relations and corporate affairs. In September 2008, he rejoined the Ottawa office of Stikeman Elliott as counsel and recently assumed the role of head of the Competition/Antitrust Group. Mr. Hunter advises a wide variety of Canadian and multinational corporations on all aspects of federal and regulatory law and policy.


Julie Quenneville is the President and CEO of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation. Her vast knowledge of philanthropy, business and government relations has made her a sought-after speaker on multiple platforms.
Whether as a commentator, panelist or media expert, Julie communicates her message in a dynamic and engaging way. She is a change agent, passionate about the need for innovative research as a global responsibility.
As someone who has excelled in her field, Julie offers her expertise to business, corporate, community, health care and government leaders. She is a proud mentor, particularly passionate about empowering young women. Julie has been named a Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada.


Bita is a member of UNICEF Canada’s Honorary Advisory Council as well as member of UNICEF Canada’s “The 25th Team”, a National Women’s Giving Circle.
As member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) Montreal Chapter, an invitation-only network of accomplished women committed to advancing women’s leadership and championing equality worldwide, she has been an advocate of women’s rights and equality for many years, attending and participating in the United Nation’s Millennium Goal project 2005, Women of the World Summit 2014, as well as the UNHCR Syrian Refugee Summit 2014.
She is founder and co-chair of Gala de la Terre, recipient of the prestigious Opus Award for Quebec’s best musical event of 2022, a benefit concert event created to inspire action, raise funds and awareness for projects protecting marine life and habitats in the fragile ecosystem of the St Lawrence Gulf and Estuary.
Bita holds a B. Eng. in Civil Engineering from McGill University. In addition, she has earned CIM®, Canadian Investment Manager and the CAP®, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designations from the Canadian Securities Institute and the American College of Financial Services, respectively.


A Principal of The Earnscliffe Group and leads its strategic communications practice. He specializes in public policy and was a senior advisor to the Right Honourable Paul Martin throughout his tenure as Minister of Finance and Prime Minister. Mr. Alboim has also advised some of Canada’s leading private sector companies and industry associations, including advice on mergers and acquisitions and managing integrated advocacy campaigns. Mr. Alboim has been an Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University since 1980.


Retired President and CEO of the Forum of Federations since 2005. He served over thirty years in Canada’s federal public service, where his positions included Deputy Minister of Natural Resources (2002-2005) and Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs in the Cabinet office (1996-2002). He has degrees in political science from Queen’s University and Oxford University, and a diploma from the École nationale d’administration in Paris.


Peter Nicholson started his financial services business in 1987 at the age of 22. Since 1995, Peter has been a recognized leader in Canadian tax assisted investments, with a specialized focus on philanthropic tax planning and tax reduction.
Through his work with countless donors, foundations, institutions, and boards, he has helped generate in excess of $175 million for client donations. Nicholson is also a generous philanthropist in his own right and a tireless supporter of community initiatives.
Over the years, Nicholson has served as a dedicated champion and board member for many foundations all across Canada, such as Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and founder of the Exuma Foundation of Canada. He is also a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), Association of Fundraising Professionals of Canada (AFP), the Clinton Global Initiative, and a ten-year veteran of the investment club Tiger 21. Since 1993, he has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table (annual qualification is limited to the top 1 % of finance professionals in the world).
In 2004, Nicholson started investing in Exuma, The Bahamas. In 2012, he purchased 31 villas (40%) at Grand Isle Resort & Residences, a former Four-Season Residence, making him the property’s largest shareholder. It continues to be a luxurious resort and second-home community in Exuma. He also has property and hospitality interests on Farmer’s Cay, part of an exclusive 365-island chain in the Exumas.
He spends his time between Ottawa, Nova Scotia and Exuma with Anabel and their six children, ranging in age from 23 to 5 years old.

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Mr. Boychuk is a Corporate Director. Until his retirement in June 2015, he was President and CEO of Bimcor Inc; one of Canada’s largest private sector pension plan managers. Prior to that he was the Senior Vice President and Corporate Treasurer of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada (November 1999-2009). Mr. Boychuk has also been a member of a number of public as well as private sector Boards including MTS, Bell Nordiq, Yellow Media, Optasite and IIROC. He is a Governor of McGill University and Chair of the University’s Audit Committee and is also a member of the International Advisory Board of the Faculty of Management of McGill University.
The Cultural Philanthropic Advisory Council is dedicated to promoting philanthropy for arts and culture across Canada. Members of this national council are leaders and influencers within the artistic community, with a demonstrated passion for giving back to many of Canada’s key cultural institutions. With the engagement and collaboration of our council members, The Foundation seeks to maximize the generosity of our clients to the artistic and cultural organizations of Canada.
Council Members:


Bita is a member of UNICEF Canada’s Honorary Advisory Council as well as member of UNICEF Canada’s “The 25th Team”, a National Women’s Giving Circle.
As member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) Montreal Chapter, an invitation-only network of accomplished women committed to advancing women’s leadership and championing equality worldwide, she has been an advocate of women’s rights and equality for many years, attending and participating in the United Nation’s Millennium Goal project 2005, Women of the World Summit 2014, as well as the UNHCR Syrian Refugee Summit 2014.
She is founder and co-chair of Gala de la Terre, recipient of the prestigious Opus Award for Quebec’s best musical event of 2022, a benefit concert event created to inspire action, raise funds and awareness for projects protecting marine life and habitats in the fragile ecosystem of the St Lawrence Gulf and Estuary.
Bita holds a B. Eng. in Civil Engineering from McGill University. In addition, she has earned CIM®, Canadian Investment Manager and the CAP®, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designations from the Canadian Securities Institute and the American College of Financial Services, respectively.


Born in Edmonton, Andrew Wan is concertmaster at the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO). The eminent violinist has performed as a soloist in some the world’s most famous concert halls. Wan, a Juilliard School graduate, has been the recipient of many awards and distinctions, including Grammy and Juno nominations in 2011 and 2012 for recordings with the New Orford Quartet and Metropolis Ensemble. He is also an Assistant Professor at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University.


Juno award-winning conductor, composer, recorder and flute soloist, Matthias Maute, has achieved an international reputation for excellence. He is co-artistic director of the Montreal Maroque Festival and artistic director of Concerts noncerto®. Maute also teaches at l’Université de Montréal and McGill University. Impressed by his artistic approach, The New York Times described the orchestra he conducts in Montreal, Ensemble Caprice, as being “an ensemble that encourages the listener to rehear the world”.


Sony Classical artist, Juno Award winner and Longueuil Symphony’s Chief Conductor, Alexandre Da Costa was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Winner of many international prizes, Alexandre Da Costa has been guest soloist and conductor for nearly two thousand concerts and recitals throughout the Americas, Europe, Oceania and Asia in the major venues of the world. As a recording artist, he has more than 25 solo albums.
As an administrator, Alexandre Da Costa held the position of Head of Department and Associate Professor at the Edith Cowan University (Australia) from 2014 to 2018, and currently is Artistic Director of the Stradivaria Festival since 2012 and Music Director of the Longueuil Symphony Orchestra since 2019.
Alexandre Da Costa plays the “Deveault” Stradivarius of 1701 loaned by Maryse and Guy Deveault.
The Mining Philanthropic Advisory Council aims to provide a strong link between the junior mining issuers and our generous donors. Members of this national council are leaders and influencers within the mining community, with profound experience in the flow-through model for boosting donations to charities and reducing tax.
Council Members:


A serial entrepreneur with unique expertise in mining, David Bradley became the third generation owner of Bradley Brothers in 2006, a diamond drilling exploration company. Bradley, his partner and his father eventually sold the company in 2011 to Major Drilling. At the time, Bradley Brothers employed 1,200 people and had operations in Canada, Peru, Mexico, Surinam, Columbia, China and the Philippines. Prior to the sale, Bradley was on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Drilling Association (CDDA) from 2003 to 2008 and served as the President for two years. In addition to his background in mining, he owns an extensive real estate portfolio, a web and programming company, a management consulting company and the Club de Golf Le Sorcier in Gatineau, Quebec.


With two master’s degrees in Mineral Economics and Metamorphic-Structural Geology, Eric Lemieux is a noted Exploration Mining Analyst at EBL Consultants Enr. As a technical consultant, he provides expertise on exploration and development mining companies across North America, with a particular focus on the assessment of quality junior explorers and developers. In the past, Lemieux was a mining analyst with PearTree Securities, a sell-side mining analyst with Laurentian Bank Securities, a geologist for the Montreal Stock Exchange and an independent consultant for clients such as the Quebec Securities Commission and the new Brunswick Securities Commission.
The NHL Philanthropic Advisory Council is intended to promote philanthropy for all players, past and present. While many players already give back to their respective communities, this council aims to maximize this giving while also reducing their tax burden. Members of this national council are leaders and influencers in the NHL community with a demonstrated interest in charitable works and a passion for assisting players during and after their careers.
Council Members:

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Widely regarding as one of the best goaltenders of all time, Grant Fuhr won five Stanley Cups, seven All-Star selections and received many individual records and accolades along the way. His #31 was retired by the Edmonton Oilers in 2003 and he was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in that same year. In retirement, Fuhr has become a mainstay on the celebrity golf circuit, supporting a wide array of charitable causes. He also has done extensive philanthropic work with the Arthritis Society of Canada, Lupus Canada and the Celebs for Kids. In 2014, he became a published author when he released his memoir, Grant Fuhr: The Story of a Hockey Legend.


Doug Smith, author of “The Trauma Code” & “Thriving in Transition”, is a thought leader on the impact of workplace induced emotional trauma. An accomplished keynote speaker & communicator, Doug presents a trauma management model he developed (System438) to address trauma and maximize human performance.
Doug provides his clients with both understanding of and messaging on, the impact of workplace culture on mental health and performance. Doug’s clients are able to use this understanding and messaging to the benefit of their employees and the performance of their organization.
An elite athlete at 18, Doug was the 1st Round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings and played 607 professional games before a broken neck and spinal cord injury ended his career. Doug understands the impacts of workplace culture, the process of trauma recovery and the rebuilding of personal performance because he has been there.

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Michael Del Zotto is a 14 year (and counting) veteran defenseman currently playing for the Florida Panthers. Drafted in the 2008 to the New York Rangers, with the 20th pick in the first round, he was selected to the First All-Rookie Team in 2010. In 2019, he won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues. Beyond hockey, Del Zotto is a passionate supporter of charities that benefit children. Over the years, he has been involved in Garden for Dreams, the BC Cancer Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and many others. When he concludes his career in the NHL, he plans to continue this support and encourage others to give back to the community.
The Philanthropic Advisory Council for Women is focused on elevating women across Canada and promoting their distinct humanitarian priorities. It seeks to enhance leadership, engagement and a greater sense of community surrounding women’s needs. Members of this national council are eclectic leaders and influencers across a variety of industries and disciplines, but all united in their commitment to raising more funds and awareness for charities.
Council Members:


Noella Milne is a Senior Partner with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP where she practices Corporate Real Estate. A community leader, she is also the Chancellor of George Brown College in Toronto. Noella is a past Chair of the Board of UNICEF Canada, a Director of St. Michael’s Hospital, a Director of the George Brown College Foundation, an Honourary Life Director of the Canadian Club of Toronto, and a member of the Order of Ontario Advisory Council. She was appointed to the Order of Ontario and has been honoured by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, among other honours and distinctions. Born in Mumbai, India, Noella is the mother of 3 children. She holds an LLB from the University of Toronto.


Bita is a member of UNICEF Canada’s Honorary Advisory Council as well as member of UNICEF Canada’s “The 25th Team”, a National Women’s Giving Circle.
As member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) Montreal Chapter, an invitation-only network of accomplished women committed to advancing women’s leadership and championing equality worldwide, she has been an advocate of women’s rights and equality for many years, attending and participating in the United Nation’s Millennium Goal project 2005, Women of the World Summit 2014, as well as the UNHCR Syrian Refugee Summit 2014.
She is founder and co-chair of Gala de la Terre, recipient of the prestigious Opus Award for Quebec’s best musical event of 2022, a benefit concert event created to inspire action, raise funds and awareness for projects protecting marine life and habitats in the fragile ecosystem of the St Lawrence Gulf and Estuary.
Bita holds a B. Eng. in Civil Engineering from McGill University. In addition, she has earned CIM®, Canadian Investment Manager and the CAP®, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designations from the Canadian Securities Institute and the American College of Financial Services, respectively.

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Evelyne Guindon is the Managing Director of Women Deliver Canada. She also oversees Women Deliver’s engagement to enhance the relationships and resources that power the organization’s work for girls and women around the world.
With over 25 years of experience, Evelyne served as Chief Executive Officer of Cuso International and on the leadership teams of leading NGOs overseeing programs and operations including humanitarian efforts. Evelyne has helped several organizations navigate through significant change and growth over the past 25 years.
She is a steadfast champion of the potential that partnerships hold especially across sectors.
Evelyne launched her career in sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and subsequently for several years in Southern Africa.

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Solange Tuyishime is the founder of Elevate Women, was born and raised in East Africa before escaping war and genocide at the age of 13. Since then, she has dedicated her life to unifying women across Canada and the world, while shining a spotlight on issues affecting women and children. Solange is currently the UNICEF Canada Ambassador, advocating for children’s right to quality education and clean water.
She is the founder of Naylah’s Legacy, a non-profit organization in memory of her daughter to help pre-mature babies and their mothers. More recently, Solange founded Elevate Women, which promotes female empowerment through elevation of leadership, economic growth and community building.
She was crowned Miss Canada International in 2006, Miss Galaxy Canada in 2011 and Mrs. Canada in 2017.

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Sami Jo Small is a three-time Olympian and has won two gold medals and one and silver medal as a goaltender representing Canada. She is also a five-time World Champion and has twice been named Championship MVP.
Sami Jo co-founder and Vice Chairman of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, where she is presently the goaltender for the Toronto Furies.
A graduate of Stanford University in Mechanical Engineering, she works full time as a professional speaker delivering a message on how to build successful teams as well as successful teammates.
Sami Jo is an Athlete Ambassador for Right To Play, a charitable organization that teaches children in need with educational games.
Originally from Winnipeg, she now lives in Mississauga with her husband, Billy Bridges, five-time Paralympic sledge hockey player and their two-year-old daughter.


For more than two decades, Lisa has been working to secure data, systems and infrastructure for hundreds of companies around the globe. In 2009, she started her own cybersecurity consulting corporation and often partnered with Canada’s top service providers. Working with government and Fortune 500 organizations on multi-million-dollar contracts she gained invaluable insight across industries and security domains. For the past 11 years, she volunteers as a Cyber Mentor and served on the board as VP for HTCIA and is a 13 year member.
Today, Lisa’s focus is on her new company, the Women CyberSecurity Society (WCSS) which is dedicated to helping women and girls interested in a cybersecurity career excel and thrive in this industry. The Society was founded out of a need to fill the growing gender and skills gap within cybersecurity. Recent research estimates over 3 million jobs will go unfilled by 2020 unless more is done to train and enhance the skills of our current cyber workforce.