Patricia Lovett-Reid, senior vice president at TD Waterhouse, has been awarded the Donald J. Johnston Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of Financial Planning in Canada, the Financial Planners Standards Council has announced.

Lovett-Reid, the fourth recipient since the award’s inception in 2006, was recognized for her expansive career that spans more than 20 years in the financial services industry. The award recognizes outstanding contributions that forward the development of the professional practice of financial planning toward recognition as a bona fide profession that serves the public need for competent and ethical financial planning advice.

In addition to her current role at TD Waterhouse, Lovett-Reid is a respected public educator and sought-out media personality on personal finance matters. She is the host of MoneyTalk on Business News Network, co-host of On The Quarter, and a frequent guest of other media outlets. Lovett-Reid earned the CFP certification in 1998.

“Patricia exemplifies what the DJJ Award is all about,” commented Cary List, president and CEO of FPSC. “She has demonstrated tremendous commitment, passion and dedication to the profession. Through her work and her media profile, Patricia has made a real impact on countless Canadians who now understand the importance of financial planning to meet life goals.”

Lovett-Reid will be formally presented with the award in a ceremony at the annual FPSC Board of Directors reception in Toronto on June 24. The award includes a $10,000 contribution to the charitable organization of the recipient’s choice. Lovett-Reid requested the donation be made to Youth in Motion, an organization dedicated to giving young people the tools, skills and confidence to realize their full potential.

“I’m very proud to accept this award and honoured by this professional recognition,” said Lovett-Reid.

Bill Hatanaka, chairman and CEO of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., congratulated Lovett-Reid on behalf of the company. “Patricia is a tireless educator who countless Canadians turn to for advice,” he said. “Her steadfast commitment to the profession of financial planning and her dedication to instilling financial confidence in Canadians are truly admirable.”

According to Mike Omelus, executive producer at BNN, Lovett-Reid has educated hundreds of thousands of Canadians about the importance of financial planners and has elevated the credibility of the profession.

“She is a gifted educator and broadcaster with an impressive knowledge of personal finance issues, who has a knack for breaking down complex financial concepts in ways that the average person can follow,” he wrote in his nomination of Lovett-Reid.

The Donald J. Johnston Award was created in honour of FPSC’s first CEO, Don Johnston, who retired in 2006. The selection criteria includes personal contribution to the advancement of the status of the profession; advancement of professional standards; personal manifestation of the standards; industry visibility and knowledge; and impact of contribution to the profession. The nominees are reviewed by the DJJ Award Committee.

IE