Congratulatory Remarks

Bill Anthes
FPSB BOD

Don - I am a bit tardy sending my congratulations for the award named in your honor by the FPSC. Without your efforts and vision, CFP and Certified Financial Planner would not have the meaning they have today in Canada and around the world. Best wishes.
 

Alan Atkins

As a new insurance agent 23 years ago I dreamed of a job that didn't really exist. It turned out that I was dreaming of being a financial planner. Don obviously shared that dream along with the rest of us and was a pioneer in breaking trail for recognition of this profession. I am proud to have been one of the early CFP designates. I have fond memories of telephone conversations with Don in those early days and was thrilled to find someone whose enthusiasm and vision went beyond what I hoped.
 

Elaine Bedel
Chair FPSB BOD

Don's leadership in the financial planning profession has been greatly appreciated in the international arena as well as within Canada. Don's role as Council Chair and board member for the international Financial Planning Standards Board has been key to the continued growth and development of the financial planning profession around the world. Congratulations, Don, on the success of FPSC and your anticipated retirement. Wishing you and Roz the best that life can bring!
 

Lynn Biscott

It's been my privilege to have been involved with FPSC on the Item Writing Committee and the Panel of Examiners over the past 4 years. I look forward to the celebration!
 

Gerald Bissett

Don, a long time ago we promised ourselves a bottle of champagne when the dust had cleared. Let's do just that in the near future. The toasts will all be to you. It is hard to believe how adroit and astute you have been over the years - from that incredible meeting in Saskatoon (the day OJ was acquited) to the incorporation of the FPSC to today. Somehow, "congratulations!" seems so sedate compared to your accomplishments. I wish you the very best in the years ahead!
 

Ann Bowman
STAFF

Canadians are the real beneficiaries of the success of FPSC and CFP certification in Canada. Despite his poor choice in Christmas gifts (dancing flowers and too real looking stuffed toy cats!), it is a privilege to work with Don - a truly visionary leader. It is also a privilege to have met so many of the thousands of CFP professionals who, by virtue of earning CFP certification, act on their admirable belief that doing what is best for the client is simply doing what one should as a professional.
 

John Carpenter
BOD 1996 - 2003;
CHAIR 2000 - 2002;
CGA CANADA

Don Johnston is one of the latter day pioneers of professional regulation in Canada. His dedication and forsight will benefit financial planners and their clients in our country for years to come. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride Don.
 

Eileen Chadnick

What an honour and a pleasure it has been to work with Don, the team at FPSC and the CFP community! Congratulations to everyone for their part in the journey towards advancing the financial planning profession. Everyone I’ve met and worked with in this community has truly exemplified what it means to be a professional. It’s been great fun along the way! Here’s to the next chapter!
 

Richard Clewes

The Financial Planning profession's loss is Ontario Forestry Management's gain. I will miss our discussions and Don's sage counsel.
 

John De Goey

Don has likely done more than anyone else in Canada to promote the idea of financial planning as a bona fide profession in Canada. Given his tremendous contribution, I believe the entire country owes him a debt of gratitude for the progress we have made.
 

Julia Dublin

The struggle to achieve a single national financial planning proficiency standard was once illustrated in Adviser's Edge by photos of Don and me, posed back to back, arms folded, accompanied by boxing gloves and the words "Grudge Match" in huge letters. Well, it looks like Don is hanging up his gloves at last, but there is no doubt he has fought the good fight at the FPSC, and has a lot to be proud of with the CFP. No grudges here, just lots of good wishes--and, actually, good memories!
 

Patrick Dufour
L'Association Francaise des Conseils en Gestion de Patrimoine Certifiés

All my congratulations to our great friend Don. This shows us the way for all countries to enhance financial planning standards and increase customer protection. I have always highly appreciated Don's skill as chairperson and his profesionalism in all aspects of development of financial planning process, standards, ethics... I learned a lot with him and I am very proud to share the Board with him.
 

Selwyn Feldman
Financial Planning Institute of South Africa

I am absolutely delighted to read of your being the first recipient of this well deserved award - even though it must be strange to get an award that bears your own name!
 

Robert Fleischacker
BOD 2000 - 2004;
CAIFA (2000 - 2001);
ADVOCIS (2001 - 2004)

Don, congratulations on the leadership you have provided from before day 1. It has been a privledge to work together for most of these 10 years. Enjoy many years of sipping great Merlots.
 

Steve Gobel

Congratulations to the FPSC on its 10th anniversary. On one level it is hard to believe how far things have come and how successful the CFP designation has been over the last 10 years. Yet on another level, this success is what we dreamed of when the FPSC was put together. Of course, Don Johnston has been the driving force behind this success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Don for his leadership and determination during this time of great growth. There are still challenges ahead but the foundation has been built and it is rock solid. BOD 1998 - 1999 CAFP
 

Paul Isaacson
BOD 2005/2006;
CUIC

Don Congratulations on having the vision and the courage to move it forward.
 

Martin Johnston

I am very proud to celebrate this accomplishment.
 

Ted Jordan
BOD 2005/2006

Don, You can be proud of what you and your team have built!
 

Steven Kelman

Don worked wonders in building the organization to its current state and in providing the leadership that saw the CFP become the standard recognized by the public and the designation of choice for financial services professionals. It has been an honour to work with Don these past 10 years.
 

Cathy Kennedy

I was the first "official" Licensing coordinator and worked in the shared offices with CIFP along side Don and Jane (Doherty). It was just a job to me and not a career choice, so when things started getting up and running in a big way, I handed the job off to pursue other avenues for myself. I have always been thankful for the experience and the life lessons learned while working for FPSC.
 

Cynthia Kett
BOD 2001 - 2002;
CAFP

Don has been an inspiration to anyone who has had the pleasure of dealing with him. His vision and dedication to the financial planning community has always been unwavering, even when the road ahead looked a little uncertain.
 

Sonja Kokal
BOD 1995 - 1998;
CIFP

Congratulations Don on a job well done! You have lead our organization to a well regarded and respected position within the financial services industry in Canada, but perhaps more importantly, have fostered respect for our country and its' professional citizens in the international arena as well. I wish you all the best in your new 'career'.
 

James Kraft
BOD 2004 - 2006

Hi Don, congratulations on what you've been able to build.
 

Knut Larsen

Congratulations on your accomplishments over the FPSC's first ten years, Don. You have every reason to be proud of the organization you will be leaving behind when you retire.
 

Craig Lilley

It is an honour to be associated with FPSC. I look forward to attending.
 

Terry Lillico

Congratulations on achieving a significant milestone in the maturity of a professional regulatory organization.
 

Kp Liu
Financial Planning Association of Taiwan

It is very nice to hear such a wonderful news. I sincerely congratulate you for the great achievement you have made. I particularly treasure the opportunity to continue to work with you in FPSB Board.
 

Tony Mahabir

Congratulations on 10 years of success with the FPSC. I truly believe that the best is yet to come. Please continue to lead us in building a strong financial planning profession by ensuring that practioners demonstrate their knowledge and competency in order to hold the CFP designation. Keep up the excellent effort!
 

Noel Maye
FPSB

Congratulations Don and Margaret, and yes, Don, FPSB is accepting charitable donations in 2006.
 

Douglas McLarty
Managing Director, McLarty & Company

I was pleased to see the recognition provided by the award to be given annually in your name.

I enjoyed the opportunity to work with you many years ago at the School of Accounting. A large part of my loyality to the FPSC is related to my respect for you. Congratulations on 10 years.
 

Alan Munro
BOD 2005/2006

Thanks Don for all your hard work over the last ten years developing this great and much needed profession. Good luck with your new "organic farm' profession, in retirement.
 

Bob Munroe
BOD 1999-2001

Don, congratulations on your award...no one is more deserving! It was a real pleasure sitting on your board for the two years I did. I'm finally getting a handle on retirement....it does take some getting use to. Enjoy yours.
 

Mollie O'Neill

Congratulations, Don. Building FPSC from scratch is quite an accomplishment.
 

Liza Papanikolaou

My first job was with FPSC and I couldn't have been at a better place to begin my career. It was a pleasure working with Don and I wish him a happy and healthy retirement. I look forward to the celebration!
 

Richard Pilotte
Former Chair
IQPF

Congratulations on 10 years of FPSC!
 

Susan Priest
STAFF

It is a pleasure to work at FPSC. Your professional manner and affable nature are reflected throughout the organization. You will be missed. Congratulations on a job well done!
 

Sally Rycroft

"When the FPSC was a fledgling organization, Don took the helm and turned it into a respected professional association. He was the right man for the job and he will be missed. His professionalism has permeated every aspect of the Standards Council, not only in Canada but internationally.

Thank you Don for all the time you have given to the Standards Council over the years and best wishes in you life as a gentleman farmer."
 

Suzue Sato
Japan Association for Financial Planners

Congratulations, Don! No one else deserves this special award than you. Since you participated in the Council Paris meeting in 1995, you have established FPSC in such a manner that FPSB could model in many aspects.
 

Delmarie Scherloski

Don Johnson is always ready to take the next step—which has resulted in the tremendous strides that the Financial Planners Standards Council has made in its 10 short years, and the high recognition that CFP certification now has. He leaves big shoes to fill. All the best, Don.
 

Bernie Schwartz

It's been a pleasure to have worked with Don. His leadership will be missed.
 

Dave Traynor

Congratulations, Don, on your part in the creation of a great community of professionals. It's truly a historic achievement and one that you can be proud to have been a part of.
 

Kenneth J.A. Vallillee, FCA
Canadian Public Accountability Board

Imagine the shock when I saw your mug in the Financial Post this morning. Seriously, congratulations on the honour that has bestowed upon you.
 

Peter Volpe
BOD 2002 - 2006;
VICE CHAIR
BOD 2005/2006

Who is this Don Johnson guy? Financial Planning Pioneer or Fashion Icon? I think a bit of both ! We will miss seeing Don at our meetings along with his keen insight, his trendy wardrobe, and his own version of "ice" wine. All the very best wishes !