Manulife Securities is the wealth-distribution arm of Manulife Financial. Approximately 1,200 advisors across Canada operating as Manulife-affiliated independents (similar to Raymond James model). Strong distribution of Manulife-proprietary segregated funds, mutual funds, and life-insurance-as-investment products. Cross-sells insurance aggressively — be aware that the advisor's incentive structure favors permanent life insurance solutions.
Manulife Securities advisors aren't restricted to Manulife products, but the commission structure heavily favors selling Manulife seg funds (vs third-party ETFs) and permanent life insurance (which generates 8-15× the commission of a term policy). If you walk in saying "I want low-cost index investing," they'll mostly steer you toward Manulife-branded balanced funds at 2%+ MER. If you want unbiased portfolio construction, look at a fee-only CFP through PWL Capital or similar.