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Welcome to
First Financial Canadian Leasing

Customized Leasing Solutions for Commercial Equipment and Solar Energy Projects.

First Financial Canadian Leasing is a privately-held finance leader working with Canadian businesses and subsidiaries of US corporations. We provide companies with equipment financing for all categories of commercial assets and various industries, including construction and heavy equipment, IT solutions and services, material handling and automation, renewable energy and energy saving projects.

First Financial Equipment Leasing technology

IT Solutions & Services

The latest in cybersecurity, cloud-based solutions, SAAS, and IT.

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First Financial Equipment Leasing

Material Handling & Automation

We deliver everything needed for the automation of manufacturing, distribution, and logistics systems.
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Solar & Renewable Energy

As demand for solar and renewable energy rises, we make the transition an affordable reality.

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Construction

Affordable access to the equipment needed to push your business forward and build a solid foundation for future expansion.

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Part of the Larger Picture

Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, First Financial Canadian Leasing is a division of First Financial Equipment Leasing. For over 20 years, First Financial Equipment Leasing has provided financing solutions designed to conserve capital and offer affordable access to often expensive yet increasingly critical, advanced technologies and equipment to Middle Market to Fortune 500 companies.

First Financial Canadian Leasing is also part of the global network of JA Mitsui Leasing, with over $15B in assets under management. Established in 1971, JA Mitsui is a joint venture of Mitsui & Co. (2022 revenue $96B) and Norinchukin Bank (2022 assets totaling $1.05 Trillion).

Our Approach

Over the years, we have built lasting relationships with customers, vendors, and partners throughout Canada and the US. Through our hands-on approach, we work closely with them through every stage of the financing process to develop personalized leasing solutions and provide the funding needed for growth and expansion.

Keeping Your Working Capital

Many businesses struggle with high upfront costs when investing in new equipment. Often, few companies have the cash to buy equipment outright, and traditional lenders and banks have tightened their lending standards. At First Financial Canadian Leasing, we worked closely with our clients to create cost-effective lease financing solutions customized to their objectives.

Lease financing is the ideal option to help you find the capital you need to invest in your future without taking away from your present financial capabilities. By leasing a project, you get the equipment you need to grow your business while conserving working capital.

Benefits of Lease Financing with First Financial Canadian Leasing

  • 100% FINANCING – Acquire new or used equipment without a significant cash outlay. 100% of the costs are covered, and no down payment is required.
  • CONSERVE WORKING CAPITAL – Leasing stabilizes your cash flow and preserves lines of credit for other operational needs, investments, or unforeseen expenditures.
  • LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS – Through leasing’s extended terms, payment amounts can be substantially lower than if the equipment were purchased with borrowed funds.
  • BUNDLE SOFT COSTS – Wrap all project costs, such as engineering, software, services, freight, and installation, into one monthly payment.
  • AVOID OBSOLESCENCE – Upgrade outdated equipment and stay on top of the latest advances in equipment and technology.
  • INCREASED PURCHASING POWER – Leasing provides more purchasing power than when using cash or bank loans. Since the monthly lease payment is only a small portion of the total cost of the equipment, leasing increases your equipment choices for a given dollar allocation.
  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT – First Financial Canadian Leasing coordinates vendor progress payments, provide ongoing consultation, and helps you execute technology management plans.

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Throughout the years, we have taken risks in technology across various dynamic and evolving markets. Amidst all this change, one constant has remained the same – we never take risks with our customers. Our client-focused approach led us to where we are now, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tom SlevinCo-founder & CEO
We don’t just talk about the changing world of e-commerce, automation and distribution…we provide the financial resources necessary to make this change happen.
David SanborneSVP & National Sales Manager
The success and survival of every business, regardless of industry or size, is dependent upon its willingness to embrace technology and innovative tools. With deep roots in technology leasing, we leverage two decades of expertise to keep our customers moving forward and two steps ahead of obsolescence.
Tom SlevinCo-founder & CEO
As technology continues to revolutionize our lives, the greatest advancements are happening within healthcare. What we once considered emerging technologies – telemedicine, EHRs, and robotic surgery – are all becoming commonplace. We’re excited for the future of healthcare and the possibilities it holds for our customers.
David SanborneSVP & National Sales Manager
We are extremely proud of what we have built over the last two decades. Our long-term success truly belongs to our remarkable team who continually elevate the customer experience and are experts in their respective fields.
Tom SlevinCo-Founder & CEO

Leadership

Robert MacFarlane

Robert MacFarlane

Senior Vice President

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Grant MacFarlane

Grant MacFarlane

Regional Vice President

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Nelson Abelha

Nelson Abelha

Regional Vice President

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501-77 City Centre Drive East Tower
Mississauga, ON, L5B 1M5
647-259-8256
info@ffcanadianleasing.com

© 2025 First Financial Canadian Leasing LTD dba First Financial Canadian Leasing.

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Robert MacFarlane

Robert MacFarlane

Senior Vice President

Robert MacFarlane brings over 30 years of equipment leasing and sales management experience to his position at First Financial Canadian Leasing. His expertise ranges from buying, creating, and managing Canadian leasing companies to establishing sales strategies, developing vendor programs, structuring complex transactions, operating leases, and developing renewable energy financing.

In his role at First Financial Canadian Leasing, Rob oversees Canadian sales strategies and business development. Rob will focus on growing the Canadian operating lease portfolio and establishing the company as a market leader in renewable energy financing in Canada.

Before joining First Financial Canadian Leasing, Rob served as Founder and President of NorFund Capital, a leader in renewable energy financing in Canada for projects under $15MM.  Rob previously started and managed National City Leasing and PNC Equipment Finance’s entry into the Canadian marketplace. He also created and managed the Technology leasing division at Newcourt Capital — taking it from a start-up to generating over $1.2 billion in annual financing with over 600 employees.

Rob has an MBA from the University of Toronto, and an Engineering Management degree from McMaster University.

Grant MacFarlane

Grant MacFarlane

Regional Vice President

Grant MacFarlane joined First Financial Canadian Leasing after serving as Vice President of NorFund Capital, bringing extensive experience in originating Canadian vendor programs and financing energy savings projects. Grant has vast knowledge in structuring financing for clean energy projects – ranging from solar PPA’s, wind turbines, battery storage systems, and combined heat and power projects to electrical charging stations. He is also experienced in originating Canadian vendor programs, handling complex clean energy transactions, financing renewable energy in Canada, structuring operating leases, and working closely with customers to tailor financial solutions to meet their unique needs.

At First Financial Canadian Leasing, Grant originates and manages direct sales, vendor programs,and broker relations, focusing on operating leases and renewable clean energy financing.

Grant has an honours BA in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University

Nelson Abelha

Nelson Abelha

Regional Vice President

Nelson Abelha has been dedicated to the finance industry for over two decades. Throughout his career, he has focused on heavy construction equipment leasing and has gained valuable skills and experience in this sector for over 14 years.

He has managed a finance division comprising nine professionals and led them to achieve remarkable results by streamlining operations and fostering collaboration between dealer networks. His team generated an impressive annual volume of $162 million, which is a testament to his dedication and strategic acumen.

Nelson’s involvement in facilitating heavy construction equipment leasing projects totaling $2 billion across all provinces in Canada was a highlight of his career. This experience broadened his understanding of the industry and enabled him to establish strong relationships with stakeholders nationwide.

At First Financial Canadian Leasing, Nelson is responsible for developing strategies, providing a vision, and leading the company’s growth with vendors, dealers, and customers in the construction industry.