The headquarters of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada in Toronto is pictured on October 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
As the split between the accountants' regulators in Ontario and Quebec and their national counterpart, CPA Canada, approaches, CPA Canada is promoting a new membership option for accountants in these provinces.
Starting September 4, CPA Canada is offering a separate membership for accountants in Ontario and Quebec at an annual fee of $195. This comes four months before the official separation, which will occur on December 20. The national organization is emphasizing its commitment to all Canadian CPAs and its unique role in supporting them nationwide.
Pamela Steer, president and CEO of CPA Canada, explained that while provincial bodies oversee the practice of chartered professional accountants (CPAs) within their regions, CPA Canada is the only organization that provides nationwide support and services for CPAs. Despite this, CPA Ontario and the Quebec CPA Order, which will continue as the main regulatory bodies for their members, stress that membership in CPA Canada is optional and not necessary for practising as a CPA in their regions.
The split, announced in June 2023 following a lengthy review, has raised concerns about how the national organization will fit into the future of accounting in Ontario and Quebec. CPA Canada was established in 2013 to unify various accounting organizations across Canada, handling national standards, education coordination, and the common CPA exam. With the provincial organizations breaking away, the role of CPA Canada is being redefined.
Steer mentioned that CPA Canada has been engaging with CPAs in both provinces to understand their needs and ensure continuity in their connection to the national body. The provincial groups have reassured their members that the split will not affect the unification efforts within the profession.
Carol Wilding, president and CEO of CPA Ontario, noted that the split was a necessary move due to fundamental disagreements between CPA Ontario and CPA Canada. The Quebec CPA Order similarly expressed that the change would streamline its operations while maintaining cooperation with CPA Canada when beneficial.
A key concern for many CPAs has been the impact on the national education and examination programs. Last November, an agreement was reached to ensure that CPA education and exams would continue without disruption. CPA Canada will develop the curriculum and exams, while the provincial bodies will handle their delivery. Both CPA Ontario and the Quebec CPA Order will continue to offer CPA education and exams in their regions, though Quebec candidates often pursue a different path through a graduate diploma program accredited by the Quebec CPA Order.
Despite the upcoming split, CPA Canada remains confident that its membership offers valuable benefits, including national and international representation, professional guidance, discounts, and volunteer opportunities. The organization plans to maintain its collaboration with all jurisdictions, even if the nature of this collaboration evolves.
