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Service 02

Strategic Risk Advisory & Financial Structuring

A disciplined advisory process designed to identify potential financial exposure and align protection strategies with your current position and future objectives.

Strategic Risk Advisory & Financial Structuring — Vital Shield Risk Advisory service for Canadian business owners and independent professionals

A disciplined advisory process designed to identify potential financial exposure and align protection strategies with your current position and future objectives.

This includes reviewing existing arrangements, clarifying gaps, and ensuring that financial decisions are structured, intentional, and aligned with long-term stability.

Grounded in actuarial science and management consulting practice, the review is analytical rather than product-led. We map liabilities, dependants, income volatility and existing coverage before any recommendation is made.

Risk Advisory & Financial Structuring by city

Local advisory pages covering strategic risk advisory & financial structuring across Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia. Choose your city for community-specific guidance, or view the full provincial directory.

Alberta — 44 communities

Alberta's economy runs on trades, energy, transport and owner-operated businesses — occupations where income stops the moment health does. Vital Shield is headquartered in downtown Calgary and advises households and business owners across the province.

All Alberta locations

Ontario — 42 communities

From the GTA to Northern Ontario, self-employed contractors, tradespeople and small business owners carry income risk that group plans rarely cover. Vital Shield advises Ontario clients virtually with secure digital applications.

All Ontario locations

British Columbia — 48 communities

High cost of living and a large self-employed workforce make income protection critical across British Columbia. Vital Shield provides Living Benefits and risk advisory to BC clients from the Lower Mainland to the Interior and the North.

All British Columbia locations

Risk Advisory & Financial Structuring: direct answers

Straight answers to the questions small business owners, tradesmen, contractors and high-risk workers ask most about this service.

How do business partners fund a buy-sell agreement?

Business partners normally fund a buy-sell agreement with life and critical illness policies on each owner, so that when one partner dies or is critically ill the surviving partners receive the cash to buy their shares at an agreed value.

  • The agreement sets the valuation method; the insurance provides the liquidity.
  • Corporate versus personal ownership of the policies changes the tax outcome — this is coordinated with your accountant.
  • Coverage is reviewed as the company's value changes so the funding does not fall behind.

Small business owners

Can I get covered if I work in oil and gas, construction or transport?

Yes. High-risk occupations in energy, construction, transport and industrial work are insurable in Canada, but each insurer rates hazardous duties differently, so the application should be placed with the carrier whose occupation class fits your role.

  • Duties, site conditions and travel are declared up front to avoid claim-time disputes.
  • Some carriers exclude specific duties rather than declining the whole application.
  • Comparing several carriers usually changes both the price and the terms materially.

High-risk occupationsIndependent tradesmen

How much coverage does a self-employed person actually need?

A self-employed person typically needs disability coverage replacing 60 to 70 percent of net income, plus a critical illness lump sum covering roughly one to two years of fixed commitments, with the exact figures set by a documented needs analysis.

  • We quantify fixed monthly outgoings, business debt and dependants before recommending a figure.
  • Existing group, association or mortgage coverage is counted first so you do not over-insure.
  • Amounts are reviewed periodically as income and obligations change.

Small business ownersIndependent tradesmenIndependent contractorsHigh-risk occupations

How much does it cost to speak with Vital Shield Risk Advisory?

The initial consultation and needs assessment with Vital Shield Risk Advisory is free. There is no fee for the advisory review itself; compensation comes from the insurer once a policy is placed, and it is disclosed before you decide anything.

  • Reviews are available in person in Calgary and virtually across Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia.
  • Recommendations are documented so you can compare options in writing.
  • There is no obligation to proceed after the review.

Small business ownersIndependent tradesmenIndependent contractorsHigh-risk occupations

Next Step

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

A structured, no-obligation review of your income, obligations and existing coverage — with clear, plain-language guidance on what actually needs protecting.

Book Your Free Consultation(587) 320-6956