Our Story

• In May 1996, Western Financial Group (formerly Hi-Alta Capital Inc.) is established as a junior capital pool corporation listed on the Alberta Stock Exchange.
• In September 1996, Hi-Alta Capital goes public with its initial acquisition, the purchase of Hi-Alta Agencies in High River, Alberta.
• In 2001, Western Financial Group's insurance division, WFG Agency Network Inc. formerly Western Insurance Network, becomes the largest insurance broker network in western Canada.
• In 2001, The Western Communities Foundation was founded by Western Financial Group as a non-profit organization created to support the communities in which it operates.
• In 2001, a sixth travel office in Olds, Alberta is added to Hi-Alta Travel Ltd., which under the Thomas Cook/Marlin Travel banner has franchises in High River, Okotoks, Strathmore, Brooks and Drumheller, Alberta.
• In August 2002, Western Financial Group makes an initial strategic investment in Jennings Capital Inc. and in 2003, acquire additional common shares and now holds a 29.7% interest in Jennings Capital.
• In January 2003, Bank West, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western Financial Group Inc., receives an Order to Commence and Carry on Business from the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada). It takes in over $1 million in deposits in its first day of business.
• In 2003, Scott Tannas awarded Ernst & Young's 2003 Prairies Entrepreneur of the Year for Professional/Financial Services.
• In February 2005, Western Financial Group acquires Federated Life Insurance Company of Canada and the name is changed to Western Life Assurance Company.
• Western Financial Group moves into head office on April 24, 2006.
• In January 2008, Bank West celebrates their 5^th year anniversary in business.