Strategic Partner Program

Welcome to the Strategic Partner Program!

Welcome to the Strategic Partner Program!

The Strategic Partner Program is an exclusive partnership that propels you forward with educational programs, dedicated resources, priority services and development tools.

Our Strategic Partners have access to exclusive benefits that make it easier to do business with Sun Life, improve your Client engagement and help you grow your business.

Stephane Vigneault

Message from Stéphane

Congratulations to our 2025 Strategic Partners. Make sure to check out all the amazing benefits available to you and start taking advantage of them today. If you ever need support or have questions, your Regional Sales Director is here to help.

I’m grateful for your ongoing partnership and look forward to our continued collaboration in the future. Have a great program year!

Stéphane Vigneault
Vice President, Insurance Distribution

Benefits

Business Family Dynamics

Family Enterprise Canada and the Strategic Partner Program have partnered in offering our advisors the first module in the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) designation.

Important information:

  • This course will be held virtually and will help the participants to distinguish themselves as a business family advisor. There are 40 seats available on a first come, first serve basis.
  • The course is CE accredited.
  • The course date is to be determined but will be from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST, to accommodate our west coast participants. Further information will be shared in the coming months.
  • The course will be taught in English with live French translation available. French speaking advisors will be able to interact and ask questions in their preferred language in real time.

Webinars

You and your team can access regular webinars throughout the year exclusive to our Strategic Partner Program advisors.

Dedicated case manager and underwriting support

Get consistent, personalized day-to-day service from a dedicated case manager and underwriter.

Your regional sales director will reach out to you with your personalized contact sheet. They’ll let you know when to expect your dedicated underwriter and case manager to be assigned.

Weekly portfolio review

You’ll receive a weekly portfolio review with your case manager to show exactly where your policies are at any given time.

Executive Underwriting Account (EUA)

For Clients who require more extensive tests before an underwriting decision can be finalized, the EUA provides up to $1,000 annually to access specialized testing. This will allow for more prompt completion of the underwriting process. EUA criteria and rules:

  • The policy must have an annual premium of at least $10,000.
  • Cases previously submitted to other carriers and rated, postponed, or declined aren’t eligible.
  • The EUA has no cash redemption value. We allocate an amount to your account at the beginning of each year. This amount expires at the end of the calendar year and can’t be carried over into the next year.
  • Only non-invasive medical tests that carry no health risk to the Client qualify for this benefit. Your dedicated underwriter makes the final decision on whether the test is appropriate for the EUA.
  • We strive to have tests completed as soon as possible at a location convenient for the Client.
  • Test results aren’t provided to other carriers unless we receive full reimbursement for test costs from the company in advance, as well as consent from the Client. To assist in managing a Client’s care, we can forward test results to the Client’s personal physician. These results will include a notice about obtaining our consent before releasing them to any third parties.

Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery Analysis

Leading advisors stay ahead of the curve by continuously implementing and updating best practices in their businesses. Through this benefit, your sales director will take you through a Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery to uncover which best practices you have in place, and where there are opportunities to improve. They’ll provide you a scorecard of your progress against the 26 proven practices of leading advisors and access to the tools you need to make improvement that help move your business forward.

Tip: After taking advantage of this benefit, use your Express Practice Management Consultation benefit for coaching on the best practice you choose to implement.

Express Practice Management Consultation

Are you struggling to attract new prospects or manage your existing Client base? Do you need marketing assistance? Take advantage of a one-hour, one-on-one personalised consultation with a practice management expert from Sun Life Consulting. They’ll help you get started or improve the way you execute a business building or marketing strategy of your choice.

Here’s some areas where they can support you:

  • Branding
  • LinkedIn profile optimization
  • Video marketing
  • Webinar/seminar marketing and planning
  • Email marketing
  • Business or marketing planning
  • Identifying your ideal Client
  • Segmenting your Clients
  • Planning your client service model
  • Defining your Client engagement process

Assigned regional sales director and insurance sales representative

Regional sales directors and insurance sales representatives are uniquely positioned to help contribute to your success. They’ll help provide business-building ideas as well as guidance on products, marketing and more. They’ll also offer expert personal service, valuable advice and an unparalleled commitment to your business activity.

Access to the director of advanced planning

Skilled tax and legal professionals are available to help you identify and design customized solutions for affluent and business Clients' needs. Directors of advanced planning are available for opportunity analysis, case development, consultation and to answer any of your technical questions. They’re here to give you priority service and ongoing support.

Dedicated Strategic Partner toll-free support line

Get a superior service experience at the touch of a button. Call us with your questions at 1-855-492-4777.

Direct access to Strategic Partner in-force team

This benefit entitles you dedicated support from our in-force specialists. They’ll handle inquiries from start to finish with a turnaround time of 3-5 business days and acknowledgement time of just one business day. 

Dedicated claims contact

For life, critical illness and long-term care claims, your dedicated claims contact helps you and Clients effectively navigate the process, understanding both the administrative and emotional aspects of these types of claims.

Advance notice of campaigns and webinars

As a Strategic Partner Program advisor, you’re granted exclusive early access to sign up for our webinars, early delivery of email campaigns and more advance notice about other online offerings.

Wealth operations: payout annuity

Your payout annuities contact provides large case quoting services, guidance on running self-service quotes and valuable assistance throughout the new benefits process.

Wealth operations: AA and GIC

Get guidance and support on new business from a dedicated accumulation annuity and GIC contact.

Business Family Dynamics

Family Enterprise Canada and the Strategic Partner Program have partnered in offering our advisors the first module in the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) designation.

Important information:

  • This course will be held virtually and will help the participants to distinguish themselves as a business family advisor. There are 40 seats available on a first come, first serve basis.
  • The course is CE accredited.
  • The course date is to be determined but will be from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST, to accommodate our west coast participants. Further information will be shared in the coming months.
  • The course will be taught in English with live French translation available. French speaking advisors will be able to interact and ask questions in their preferred language in real time.

Webinars

You and your team can access regular webinars throughout the year exclusive to our Strategic Partner Program advisors.

Dedicated case manager and underwriting support

Get consistent, personalized day-to-day service from a dedicated case manager and underwriter.

Your regional sales director will reach out to you with your personalized contact sheet. They’ll let you know when to expect your dedicated underwriter and case manager to be assigned.

Weekly portfolio review

You’ll receive a weekly portfolio review with your case manager to show exactly where your policies are at any given time.

Preliminary underwriting option

Get quotes quickly and easily. Preliminary underwriting assessments are available for life and critical illness insurance for Clients:

  • with known, significant health issues
  • who participate in hazardous sports or professions 
  • with adverse driving records
  • who frequent countries with government travel advisories

Trial assessment application

Extend tentative offers for life and critical illness insurance to Clients with known, significant health issues. Simply submit any available and pertinent medical information with a completed application marked as “trial” for our review.

Use this benefit to introduce Sun Life products and solutions to more Clients. A full insurance application and underwriting are required to receive a firm offer.

Executive Underwriting Account (EUA)

For Clients who require more extensive tests before an underwriting decision can be finalized, the EUA provides up to $1,000 annually to access specialized testing. This will allow for more prompt completion of the underwriting process. EUA criteria and rules:

  • The policy must have an annual premium of at least $10,000.
  • Cases previously submitted to other carriers and rated, postponed, or declined aren’t eligible.
  • The EUA has no cash redemption value. We allocate an amount to your account at the beginning of each year. This amount expires at the end of the calendar year and can’t be carried over into the next year.
  • Only non-invasive medical tests that carry no health risk to the Client qualify for this benefit. Your dedicated underwriter makes the final decision on whether the test is appropriate for the EUA.
  • We strive to have tests completed as soon as possible at a location convenient for the Client.
  • Test results aren’t provided to other carriers unless we receive full reimbursement for test costs from the company in advance, as well as consent from the Client. To assist in managing a Client’s care, we can forward test results to the Client’s personal physician. These results will include a notice about obtaining our consent before releasing them to any third parties.

Proven Practices Consultation

Leading advisors stay ahead of the curve by continuously implementing and updating best practices in their businesses. Through this benefit, a Sun Life Consulting practice management expert will take you through a Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery to uncover which best practices you have in place and where there are opportunities to improve. They’ll provide you a scorecard of your progress against the 26 proven practices of leading advisors and personalised recommendations on where to focus based on your unique goals. They’ll provide you the support and resources you need to make improvements that help move your business forward.

Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery Analysis

Leading advisors stay ahead of the curve by continuously implementing and updating best practices in their businesses. Through this benefit, your sales director will take you through a Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery to uncover which best practices you have in place, and where there are opportunities to improve. They’ll provide you a scorecard of your progress against the 26 proven practices of leading advisors and access to the tools you need to make improvement that help move your business forward.

Tip: After taking advantage of this benefit, use your Express Practice Management Consultation benefit for coaching on the best practice you choose to implement.

Express Practice Management Consultation

Are you struggling to attract new prospects or manage your existing Client base? Do you need marketing assistance? Take advantage of a one-hour, one-on-one personalised consultation with a practice management expert from Sun Life Consulting. They’ll help you get started or improve the way you execute a business building or marketing strategy of your choice.

Here’s some areas where they can support you:

  • Branding
  • LinkedIn profile optimization
  • Video marketing
  • Webinar/seminar marketing and planning
  • Email marketing
  • Business or marketing planning
  • Identifying your ideal Client
  • Segmenting your Clients
  • Planning your client service model
  • Defining your Client engagement process

Assigned regional sales director and insurance sales representative

Regional sales directors and insurance sales representatives are uniquely positioned to help contribute to your success. They’ll help provide business-building ideas as well as guidance on products, marketing and more. They’ll also offer expert personal service, valuable advice and an unparalleled commitment to your business activity.

Access to the director of advanced planning

Skilled tax and legal professionals are available to help you identify and design customized solutions for affluent and business Clients' needs. Directors of advanced planning are available for opportunity analysis, case development, consultation and to answer any of your technical questions. They’re here to give you priority service and ongoing support.

Dedicated Strategic Partner toll-free support line

Get a superior service experience at the touch of a button. Call us with your questions at 1-855-492-4777.

Direct access to Strategic Partner in-force team

This benefit entitles you dedicated support from our in-force specialists. They’ll handle inquiries from start to finish with a turnaround time of 3-5 business days and acknowledgement time of just one business day. 

Dedicated claims contact

For life, critical illness and long-term care claims, your dedicated claims contact helps you and Clients effectively navigate the process, understanding both the administrative and emotional aspects of these types of claims.

Special access to ordering of age and amount attending physician statements

We’ve partnered with Dynacare to allow our Premier advisors to place orders for age and amount attending physician statements. You’ll place your order at the same time you order any other age and amount requirements. For applications $10,000,000 or more, you can place the order for the primary physician. Our underwriting team will review the file and order any additional attending physician statements if needed. By ordering the attending physician statement upfront with the rest of the age and amount requirements, the report will be received by Sun Life faster, making for a quicker decision for the Client.

Advance notice of campaigns and webinars

As a Strategic Partner Program advisor, you’re granted exclusive early access to sign up for our webinars, early delivery of email campaigns and more advance notice about other online offerings.

Wealth operations: payout annuity

Your payout annuities contact provides large case quoting services, guidance on running self-service quotes and valuable assistance throughout the new benefits process.

Wealth operations: AA and GIC

Get guidance and support on new business from a dedicated accumulation annuity and GIC contact.

Business Family Dynamics

Family Enterprise Canada and the Strategic Partner Program have partnered in offering our advisors the first module in the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) designation.

Important information:

  • This course will be held virtually and will help the participants to distinguish themselves as a business family advisor. There are 40 seats available on a first come, first serve basis.
  • The course is CE accredited.
  • The course date is to be determined but will be from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST, to accommodate our west coast participants. Further information will be shared in the coming months.
  • The course will be taught in English with live French translation available. French speaking advisors will be able to interact and ask questions in their preferred language in real time.

FP Canada: Human Behaviour and Enhancing Client Discovery workshop

This interactive virtual workshop is custom-designed to provide Sun Life’s Premier advisors with strategies, actionable insights and practical, hands-on tools for mastering Client discovery in the real world.

Important information:

  • Drawing on FP Canada’s expertise in financial planning and human behaviour, this workshop will dive into the cognitive, emotional and practical aspects of Client behaviour.
  • The course is CE credited.
  • There are 50 seats available on a first come, first serve basis.

Webinars

You and your team can access regular webinars throughout the year exclusive to our Strategic Partner Program advisors.

Dedicated case manager and underwriting support

Get consistent, personalized day-to-day service from a dedicated case manager and underwriter.

Your regional sales director will reach out to you with your personalized contact sheet. They’ll let you know when to expect your dedicated underwriter and case manager to be assigned.

Weekly portfolio review

You’ll receive a weekly portfolio review with your case manager to show exactly where your policies are at any given time.

Preliminary underwriting option

Get quotes quickly and easily. Preliminary underwriting assessments are available for life and critical illness insurance for Clients:

  • with known, significant health issues
  • who participate in hazardous sports or professions 
  • with adverse driving records
  • who frequent countries with government travel advisories

Trial assessment application

Extend tentative offers for life and critical illness insurance to Clients with known, significant health issues. Simply submit any available and pertinent medical information with a completed application marked as “trial” for our review.

Use this benefit to introduce Sun Life products and solutions to more Clients. A full insurance application and underwriting are required to receive a firm offer.

Executive Underwriting Account (EUA)

For Clients who require more extensive tests before an underwriting decision can be finalized, the EUA provides up to $1,000 annually to access specialized testing. This will allow for more prompt completion of the underwriting process. EUA criteria and rules:

  • The policy must have an annual premium of at least $10,000.
  • Cases previously submitted to other carriers and rated, postponed, or declined aren’t eligible.
  • The EUA has no cash redemption value. We allocate an amount to your account at the beginning of each year. This amount expires at the end of the calendar year and can’t be carried over into the next year.
  • Only non-invasive medical tests that carry no health risk to the Client qualify for this benefit. Your dedicated underwriter makes the final decision on whether the test is appropriate for the EUA.
  • We strive to have tests completed as soon as possible at a location convenient for the Client.
  • Test results aren’t provided to other carriers unless we receive full reimbursement for test costs from the company in advance, as well as consent from the Client. To assist in managing a Client’s care, we can forward test results to the Client’s personal physician. These results will include a notice about obtaining our consent before releasing them to any third parties.

Proven Practices Consultation

Leading advisors stay ahead of the curve by continuously implementing and updating best practices in their businesses. Through this benefit, a Sun Life Consulting practice management expert will take you through a Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery to uncover which best practices you have in place and where there are opportunities to improve. They’ll provide you a scorecard of your progress against the 26 proven practices of leading advisors and personalised recommendations on where to focus based on your unique goals. They’ll provide you the support and resources you need to make improvements that help move your business forward.

Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery Analysis

Leading advisors stay ahead of the curve by continuously implementing and updating best practices in their businesses. Through this benefit, your sales director will take you through a Proven Practices Opportunity Discovery to uncover which best practices you have in place, and where there are opportunities to improve. They’ll provide you a scorecard of your progress against the 26 proven practices of leading advisors and access to the tools you need to make improvement that help move your business forward.

Tip: After taking advantage of this benefit, use your Express Practice Management Consultation benefit for coaching on the best practice you choose to implement.

Express Practice Management Consultation

Are you struggling to attract new prospects or manage your existing Client base? Do you need marketing assistance? Take advantage of a one-hour, one-on-one personalised consultation with a practice management expert from Sun Life Consulting. They’ll help you get started or improve the way you execute a business building or marketing strategy of your choice.

Here’s some areas where they can support you:

  • Branding
  • LinkedIn profile optimization
  • Video marketing
  • Webinar/seminar marketing and planning
  • Email marketing
  • Business or marketing planning
  • Identifying your ideal Client
  • Segmenting your Clients
  • Planning your client service model
  • Defining your Client engagement process

Marketing fund 

Premier advisors will receive further details on this benefit directly. 

Executive experience

Benefit from an hour-long, one-on-one meeting with a Sun Life executive. Available to Premier advisors, the executive experience lets you have an authentic discussion about the industry, your experience working with Sun Life and ideas you have on serving Clients better.

Executives

Name

Title

Stéphane Vigneault

VP, Insurance Distribution

Adele Mossman

VP, Individual Operations

Candace Shaw

Senior Managing Director & Deputy Chief Investment Officer

Robert Dumas

President and CEO, Sun Life Quebec

Randy Brown

CIO Sun Life and Head of Insurance Asset Management

Daniele Farinaccia

SVP, Distribution and Channel Management 

Advanced product and case consultation with an experienced actuary

Get tailored advice from our marketing actuary. With over 25 years experience, they can help you explain product solutions.

Assigned regional sales director and insurance sales representative

Regional sales directors and insurance sales representatives are uniquely positioned to help contribute to your success. They’ll help provide business-building ideas as well as guidance on products, marketing and more. They’ll also offer expert personal service, valuable advice and an unparalleled commitment to your business activity.

Access to the director of advanced planning

Skilled tax and legal professionals are available to help you identify and design customized solutions for affluent and business Clients' needs. Directors of advanced planning are available for opportunity analysis, case development, consultation and to answer any of your technical questions. They’re here to give you priority service and ongoing support.

Dedicated Strategic Partner toll-free support line

Get a superior service experience at the touch of a button. Call us with your questions at 1-855-492-4777.

Direct access to Strategic Partner in-force team

This benefit entitles you dedicated support from our in-force specialists. They’ll handle inquiries from start to finish with a turnaround time of 3-5 business days and acknowledgement time of just one business day. 

Dedicated claims contact

For life, critical illness and long-term care claims, your dedicated claims contact helps you and Clients effectively navigate the process, understanding both the administrative and emotional aspects of these types of claims.

Special access to ordering of age and amount attending physician statements

We’ve partnered with Dynacare to allow our Premier advisors to place orders for age and amount attending physician statements. You’ll place your order at the same time you order any other age and amount requirements. For applications $10,000,000 or more, you can place the order for the primary physician. Our underwriting team will review the file and order any additional attending physician statements if needed. By ordering the attending physician statement upfront with the rest of the age and amount requirements, the report will be received by Sun Life faster, making for a quicker decision for the Client.

Advance notice of campaigns and webinars

As a Strategic Partner Program advisor, you’re granted exclusive early access to sign up for our webinars, early delivery of email campaigns and more advance notice about other online offerings.

Wealth operations: payout annuity

Your payout annuities contact provides large case quoting services, guidance on running self-service quotes and valuable assistance throughout the new benefits process.

Wealth operations: AA and GIC

Get guidance and support on new business from a dedicated accumulation annuity and GIC contact.

Qualification criteria

You get access to our exceptional suite of benefits by doing business with Sun Life and meeting the following qualification criteria:

  • Five Case Count: Settle a minimum of five insurance cases throughout the year.
  • The Qualifying Period: Qualification runs from January 2, 2025 to December 29, 2025.* Program membership benefits begin at the time of program launch on March 1 of each year based on the previous year’s total sales and continue for the remainder of the program year.
  • Required First-Year Commissions (FYC): The three levels of membership – Partner, Select and Premier.

Partner

Select

Premier

75,000 FYC

125,000 FYC

250,000 FYC

Group qualification criteria

Three-year qualification criteria

Groups can qualify for the Strategic Partner Program; membership level for each advisor is determined by the average of the group’s total production. This level applies equally to all members of the group. All groups not recognized in the 2025 program, excluding contracted MACs, must be approved for consideration.

You can also qualify for the 2025 Strategic Partner Program based on the average FYC you have earned during 2023, 2024 and 2025 (three-year qualification). You must have settled business in each of the three years and have settled a minimum of five cases in the most recent year.

 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the Strategic Partner Program, please reach out to strategic.partner.program@sunlife.com.

Reach out to your regional sales director for more information about program benefits and how to access them.

*To qualify for the program, you must also have passed all past market conduct audits and be in good standing. In addition, you will go through a standard persistency check conducted by our Independent Insurance Distribution Risk team throughout each calendar year.

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