The owners of small and medium size enterprises (SME) in Canada will be facing the succession issue sooner rather than later. The vast majority intends to retire in the next five to ten years, but few have a formal succession plan. The main considerations of those who do have a plan have been focused on tax and legal issues. The “soft” or family issues have largely been ignored. However, experience has shown that ignoring “soft” issues more often than not leads to the dissolution of the business’ wealth and family harmony. This can have a material impact on their advisors and the firms that are managing the family assets.

Mr. Sean Lawler provides his insight into the impact on businesses, families and their advisors when the “soft” issues are ignored. Mr. Allen Taylor adds his own knowledge to the discussion and outlines the nature and work of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE), a non-profit “member-driven National Association that is passionately committed to assisting families in business and building their pivotal contribution to the economy of Canada”. Their discussion will provide you with the knowledge to assist your clients with this extremely important topic.