Slow deal flow in Canada — direct outreach pulling more weight than broker channels?

Three months into an active Canadian search and noticing broker-channel deal flow is thinner than expected, particularly in the size range I'm targeting. Curious whether others are seeing the same and whether direct-to-owner outreach is becoming the higher-yield channel for Canadian deals at the lower end of the lower-middle market. Quick context on me, in case it helps with intros or comparisons: * Operator-buyer (15+ years supply chain / distribution / ERP, including a former exec role at Tecsys, TSX:TCS) * Based in the Greater Montreal area, searching primarily within 2 hours of Montreal but open Canada-wide for the right deal with management in place * $1M personal capital cash-confirmed, plus LP equity available if a deal warrants stretching * Senior debt relationships pre-built across BDC, RBC, BMO, and Desjardins * Single-deal focus — not running a fund, not a roll-up Thesis in one line: Canadian B2B businesses, $700K–$1.5M EBITDA, ≥40% recurring or contracted revenue, in specialty distribution, industrial water treatment, accredited water/food testing labs, or asset-light niche manufacturing. Owner-operator role would be conducted in English; I am not a french speaker but obviously French-speaking staff and customers are expected. A few specific things I'd value the community's input on: 1. Anyone Canada-focused finding broker channels productive at this size band? Or is it predominantly direct outreach driving real conversations? 2. For QC searchers specifically, what's been your experience with CTEQ for actual deal flow vs. relationship-building? I signed up and don't see a lot of deals available. 3. Open to warm intros to active M&A brokers and business intermediaries with current sell-side mandates that fit. Happy to reciprocate where I can. Thanks all — happy to take any of this offline if easier. - Mazen