Good luck on that, even if you get a reference, doesn't mean the person doing the refering can spot a good one. I know someone who has an advisor, really bad, but her gains are above 0 and so she is happy. She really shouldn't be.
Better off doing your research yourself. Unless you are someone like Canadaman who is attracted to garbage sources of information like a fat kid on candy.
they are out there. Just like anything, any profession. Part of the initial process is interviewing them as much as they are feeling you out.
How many hours might you spend searching for your next vacation that last 10 days on a sunny island, and cost a few grand? Or a qualified electrician to wire your house? How much is your future worth?
What I would suggest is walk away from any “kid” that isn’t in their 40s. What do they know about life, divorce, kids you might want to put through post, death of a spouse, major illness, parents you might or need to suddenly care for. And much more
For what it’s worth, the entire thread RSP or TFSA.
No one suggested RSP, TFSA, or Pay down a mortgage at compounded 7% ( possibly higher next fear years) and shave years off the amortization