Awards & Recognition at Western Financial Group
For more than a century, Western Financial Group has delivered trusted, people-first protection to over a million Canadians. We believe in doing insurance the right way, with integrity, care, and community at heart.
That commitment has earned us national and regional recognition across employer culture, customer experience, innovation, and social impact. Our awards reflect the quality of our service, the strength of our team, and the depth of our engagement in communities coast to coast.
Explore below to see the full history of awards and honours that validate our promise: to protect, serve, and support Canadians, not just today, but for generations.
Industry Leadership & Customer Experience
Insurance Business Canada Big Brokerage of the Year (Excellence Awardee)
This category honours Canada’s leading large brokerages that demonstrate excellence in business growth, operational performance, leadership, innovation, and client service at scale.
Why it matters: As an Excellence Awardee in Big Brokerage of the Year, Western is recognized as a national-level leader with the size, strength, and expertise to support complex personal and commercial insurance needs. Clients can trust that we have the people, processes, and market relationships to deliver dependable coverage and strategic advice across Canada.
Canadian Business Excellence Award (CBEA) for Private Businesses 2025
Organizations demonstrating excellence across quality management, customer service, corporate governance, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
Why it matters: Earning this award proves that Western isn’t just about good intentions, we deliver structured, high-quality service backed by strong processes. For customers, that means reliability, efficiency, and trust. For the business, it underscores strategic maturity and long-term viability.
Alberta’s Top Employer - 9 Time Award Recipient
The Alberta’s Top Employer competition recognizes organizations in Alberta that excel in workplace culture, employee benefits, training and development, community involvement, and overall employee wellbeing.
Why it matters: Being named one of Alberta’s Top Employers shows that Western is a destination workplace in the communities we serve. When our people feel supported and engaged, they stay longer, build deep expertise, and deliver more consistent, high-quality advice to our customers.
Kudos Best Culture Award 2025
The Kudos Best Culture Awards honor organizations across North America that go above and beyond to build meaningful workplace environments, emphasizing recognition, belonging, employee engagement, and a strong culture of connection.
Why it matters: Winning the Kudos Award highlights Western Financial Group’s commitment to creating a positive, people-first culture where employees feel valued and empowered. This achievement reinforces why Western is recognized among the best insurance brokers in Canada, delivering trusted advice and convenience through a team that is motivated and engaged to serve clients better every day.
Community Impact & Corporate Citizenship
The CNA Canada Award for Excellence in Philanthropy & Community Service 2025 (Excellence Awardee)
This award honours brokerages that demonstrate exceptional commitment to philanthropy and community service through charitable giving, volunteerism, local partnerships, and initiatives that create lasting positive impact in the communities they serve.
Why it matters: Western’s long-standing tradition of giving back — especially through the Western Communities Foundation, reflects our belief that insurance is about more than policies; it’s about people. This recognition confirms that we are investing our time, resources, and heart into helping build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities across Canada.
Insurance Business Canada’s Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 2025 (Excellence Awardee)
Organizations that embed DE&I within their culture and operations, through inclusive hiring, equitable opportunities, supportive policies, an environment respectful of diversity, and community-minded thinking. IBC highlights teams that make meaningful, sustainable commitments to diversity and inclusion.
Why it matters: For clients and communities, a diverse and inclusive workforce means more empathy, representation, and fairness in service delivery. For the team, it fosters belonging and empowers people from varied backgrounds to contribute their best. This recognition strengthens Western’s reputation as a modern, socially responsible brokerage, appealing to clients, talent, and partners who value equity and trust.
Customer Experience & Innovation
Insurance Business Canada 2025 Outstanding Customer Experience Award (Excellence Awardee)
This award honours organizations that consistently deliver superior customer experiences through responsiveness, service quality, communication, digital innovation, and claims support. Excellence Awardees demonstrate exceptional client satisfaction and a commitment to improving every touchpoint of the insurance journey.
Why it matters: Insurance is built on trust, and this recognition proves that Western delivers on its promise to care for Canadians. Whether helping customers navigate coverage, supporting them through claims, or providing expert advice, this award shows our clients that we prioritize their experience at every step.
Local Recognition
Cranbrook Townsman/Kimberley Bulletin Reader's Choice 2025 – #1 Insurance Agency
This award reflects the community’s vote for the top insurance agency in the region. Readers select businesses that provide exceptional service, local expertise, strong relationships, and trusted support.
Why it matters: Local recognition is one of the strongest indicators of customer trust. Being chosen as the #1 Insurance Agency by the community shows that Western delivers personalized service, dependable advice, and a meaningful presence in Cranbrook and Kimberley, where relationships and reputation matter most.
Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) Award for Distinction for Outstanding Community Service
This prestigious award honours brokerages that demonstrate exemplary commitment to community impact through volunteerism, charitable programs, fundraising, and initiatives that improve life for people across Alberta.
Why it matters: Western’s long-standing tradition of giving back, especially through the Western Communities Foundation, reflects our belief in supporting the people and communities we serve. This award affirms that Western goes well beyond business objectives, investing time, resources, and heart into creating safer, healthier, stronger communities.
Individual Leadership Awards
Insurance Business Canada 2025 Rising Stars – Matthew Mrozek & Randi Toews
IBC’s Rising Stars list highlights standout insurance professionals under 35 who are shaping the future of the Canadian insurance industry. Winners are selected for leadership potential, innovation, community involvement, career trajectory, and meaningful impact within their organizations.
Why it matters: Matthew Mrozek and Randi Toews represent Western’s next generation of leadership, driven, forward-thinking, and customer-focused. Their recognition proves that Western cultivates talent, encourages growth, and empowers young professionals to make real contributions to our clients and communities. It speaks to the strength of our culture and our future.
PAL Insurance Brokers Award for Young Achiever of the Year 2025 – Morgan Mackenzie
This category highlights standout young professionals under 35 who are already shaping the future of the Canadian insurance industry. Excellence Awardees demonstrate leadership, high performance, service excellence, and meaningful contributions to their team and community.
Why it matters: This recognition celebrates the next generation of Western leadership. It demonstrates that Western is home to emerging talent that is ambitious, committed, and making a strong impact early in their careers. For clients, it means fresh expertise and innovative thinking. For the organization, it ensures long-term strength and a strong succession pipeline.
CIO Times ‘Pioneer of Progress’ 2025 – Grant Ostir
The “Pioneer of Progress” award highlights senior leaders who drive transformative change within their industries through strategic vision, innovation, digital modernization, and leadership excellence. Honourees are selected for shifting organizational capabilities and setting new industry standards.
Why it matters: Grant Ostir’s recognition reflects Western’s commitment to modernization and future-focused leadership. His work in digital transformation, operational improvement, and organizational culture positions Western as an evolving, resilient organization ready to meet the needs of Canadians today and tomorrow.
PerceptivX Remarkable CEO of the Year 2025 – Grant Ostir
This award honours CEOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership, transformative vision, and the ability to inspire teams while guiding their organizations through significant growth and change. Winners embody innovation, emotional intelligence, and strategic impact.
Why it matters: This recognition highlights the caliber of leadership guiding Western into its next chapter. Grant Ostir’s approach, rooted in people, clarity, and long-term strategic direction, strengthens Western’s stability, culture, and customer promise. It reassures clients and employees alike that Western is led with purpose and integrity.
Constellation Research’s 2025 AX100 Elite List – Grant Ostir
The AX100 celebrates 100 global leaders advancing the future of “Actionable Experience” the intersection of technology, customer experience, and business transformation. Honourees are innovators who are modernizing operating models, enhancing customer engagement, and redefining digital strategy.
Why it matters: Grant’s inclusion on this global list showcases Western’s position among leading organizations shaping the future of digital customer experience. It signals that Western is not simply keeping pace with industry change, it is helping set the direction, leveraging innovation to deliver better, faster, more human insurance experiences.