OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS: THE HEART OF STEP CANADA

OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS: THE HEART OF STEP CANADA

Volunteering with STEP Canada is more than just a way to contribute.

Becoming a volunteer is a wonderful opportunity to expand your network, learn from peers, and build meaningful connections. Ready to take the next step?

Explore opportunities and join our community of volunteers today. Contact memberservices@step.ca to learn more.

STEP CANADA NATIONAL COMMITTEES

Many dedicated volunteers help drive STEP Canada’s mission by contributing their time to our national committees. These committees play a vital role in supporting our members, advancing the profession, and ensuring that all decisions align with STEP Canada’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion policies.


AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee oversees the integrity of STEP Canada’s financial statements, reviewing significant reporting issues and judgments. The committee also reviews financial information and documents distributed to members, regulators, and the public. It meets annually in preparation for the AGM, and at other times as needed.

AWARDS COMMITTEE

The Awards Committee develops and maintains a set of significant awards that recognize excellence in trust and estate practice. The committee meets quarterly or as required.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Education Committee brings together a collaborative group of professionals dedicated to shaping the future of Canadian trust and estate education for aspiring TEPs. By fostering discussion and translating goals into actionable plans, this committee ensures the continued advancement of STEP Canada’s national education programs. The committee meets at least quarterly.

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

The Governance Committee ensures an efficient and effective organizational structure for STEP Canada, supporting the work of our elected directors, branches, chapters, and national committees. Volunteers are supported by the staff at the national office. This ad hoc committee meets as required.

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

The Human Resources Committee oversees the structure of staff remuneration and benefits, meeting as frequently as necessary.

MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE

The Member Services Committee ensures STEP Canada delivers a variety of valuable, cost-effective services and benefits to members. The committee meets quarterly or more often if needed.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

The National Conference Committee develops the agenda for STEP Canada’s annual NATIONAL CONFERENCE, drawing on the expertise and experience of its multi-disciplinary, geographically diverse members. The committee meets as required.

NATIONAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

The National Programs Committee develops national events for Canadian members, including webcasts, full-day courses, and special conferences. The committee meets as often as necessary.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

The Nominations Committee develops and implements procedures — consistent with STEP Canada’s bylaws and regulations — for identifying, selecting, and recruiting candidates for the Board of Directors. The committee meets as frequently as needed.

PAST CHAIRS COMMITTEE

The Past Chairs Committee provides guidance and support to the current Chair, Executive Committee, and Board, drawing on members’ experience. The committee meets following the election of a new STEP Canada National Chair.

PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE (PPC)

The PPC provides thought leadership on national and regional issues related to tax, estates, wills, trusts, incapacity, and estate planning. It also liaises with the STEP Worldwide Public Policy Committee (PPC WW) to ensure a coordinated approach. The committee meets quarterly or as mutually agreed upon.

STEP INSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD COMMITTEE

The Editorial Board offers STEP Canada members a uniquely Canadian perspective on news and trends in the trust and estate profession. It also serves as a forum for members to share their knowledge, publishing content in both print and online formats. The committee meets three times annually.

STUDENT LIAISON COMMITTEE

The Student Liaison Committee enhances the professional development and engagement of Student Members as they work toward the TEP designation. It identifies student issues and opportunities, recommending ways branches can better support students. The committee includes both Full and Student Members from each branch/chapter and meets quarterly or as required.

TAX TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (TTC)

The TTC monitors federal and provincial tax legislation, case law, and proposals that affect trust and estate practice. It identifies tax issues of importance to members, develops submissions where appropriate, and builds constructive relationships with government and other stakeholders. The committee also comments on annual federal budgets and prepares pre-budget submissions when needed. The committee meets quarterly or as required.

MICHAEL CADESKY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

This Award is presented to the Canadian member of STEP who best demonstrates magnanimous voluntary contribution.

2025
Paul Taylor, LLB, TEP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ottawa,
PAST MICHAEL CADESKY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS Expand

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD - BRANCHES & CHAPTERS

Introduced in 2015, this award recognizes extraordinary voluntary contributions at our regional branch and chapters

2024 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD - BRANCHES & CHAPTERS Expand PAST VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS Expand