Advisor Disclosure

The insurance industry's disclosure documents are usually handed over at signing, in small print. I'd rather you read mine before we ever speak. This page reflects the disclosure practices recommended for Canadian life insurance advisors, stated in plain language.

Who I am and how I'm licensed

I'm Michelle Filipenko. Group Shield Benefits is my registered trade name. I hold a life insurance licence with the Insurance Council of British Columbia, which regulates insurance licensees in this province — you can verify any BC licensee through the Council. I am licensed in British Columbia; if you reside elsewhere, I'll tell you plainly whether I can help you or refer you to someone who can.

The companies I represent

I am currently contracted to place coverage with insurers including Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife and Blue Cross. I am an independent advisor: no insurer owns my practice or requires me to recommend its products. Product availability, underwriting and suitability vary, and I will explain the options considered for your situation.

The role of IDC Worldsource Insurance Network

I hold insurer contracts through a managing general agency (MGA), IDC Worldsource Insurance Network Inc. (IDC WIN). The MGA supports contract administration, application processing and compliance oversight between advisors and insurers. IDC WIN does not direct my recommendations.

How I get paid

Group Shield Benefits does not currently charge clients a separate advisory fee for the services described on this website. When a policy is placed, the insurer may pay first-year and renewal commissions. Compensation can vary by insurer, product and premium. It is not added by Group Shield as a separate line item to the insurer’s premium. I will disclose material conflicts and, on request, explain the compensation associated with a recommendation.

I may also be eligible for non-monetary benefits from insurers or the MGA, such as conference attendance or training support, based on aggregate business volume. I'll disclose anything of this nature that's relevant to a recommendation I make to you.

Conflicts of interest

I'm required to recommend products suitable for your needs, and to identify any conflict of interest — actual or potential — before we transact. Beyond the compensation structure described above, I have no ownership interest in any insurer, and no insurer has an ownership interest in Group Shield Benefits. If a specific conflict ever arises in your file, I'll disclose it in writing and you decide how to proceed.

Your right to ask

You're entitled to ask about any of this — my licensing, my carrier contracts, my compensation on your specific policy — at any point, and to receive a straight answer. That's not a courtesy; it's how this is supposed to work.

Questions? Call 604-329-1439 or email info@groupshield.ca.