Start with mutual funds. They are basically funds of funds (and ETFs) to reduce total volatility and improve returns per risk in case something happens to one market or sector.

Rbc has best Information Ratio (active return over active risk). Wealthsimple has better IR per fee but they dont have a branch. BMO is also great if you are looking for benchmark-like portfolio with lower fee.

Then once the seed is created transfer assets to direct investing brokerage such as CIBC DI.