A New Way Forward
In June of 2023, CPA Ontario announced plans to architect a new way of working with CPA Canada and our Provincial, Territorial and Bermudian counterparts. We’re now focused on defining what a new way of working together looks like, and the related agreements, so we can respond faster and more innovatively to the profession’s pressing challenges. And do that with strengthened oversight given our legislative mandate as the profession’s regulatory body and the grantors of the CPA designation in Ontario, with our primary mandate to protect the public interest.
As we transition to a new way of working and respond to the new challenges and opportunities facing the profession, we want to hear from you. That’s why we will continue to actively engage members and students through engagement events, surveys, roundtables and employer townhalls, using your perspectives and insights to inform our way forward.
A new way of working with CPA Canada and our counterparts across the country
Our profession is going through a period of immense transformation: an exponential increase in data, the rise of generative AI, and a focus on sustainability, to name a few driving forces. We need to move faster. Think differently. And adapt to ensure Ontario CPAs have the skills they need to embrace the future. We won’t get to where we need to go without new approaches and new ideas.
Our decision to conclude the current agreement does not mean that we are going it alone. Quite the opposite. We intend to continue working with CPA Canada and our counterparts where it makes sense to do so. Here are a few of those areas:
- Education. We pay CPA Canada to develop the curriculum and examinations for the CPA pre-certification education program – PREP, PEP and CFE – on our behalf. Last fall, we reached an agreement for them to continue this work, ensuring a consistent education program and common standards of entry into the profession across Canada. We also continue to collaborate across the country on the New Pre-Certification Education Program.
- Standard setting. CPA Ontario will continue to support and fund standard-setting and is committed to collaborating across the country to uphold the same high standards for the profession in Canada.
- Mobility. Interprovincial mobility will remain unchanged as it is governed by provincial laws and we continue to be signatories to international agreements alongside our provincial and territorial counterparts.
- International representation. We remain committed to working together to ensure that Canada has a strong, unified voice on the world stage.
What it means for you
Very little will change for members or students. We’ve been working with CPA Canada and our counterparts to ensure a seamless transition. In particular:
- Your designation does not change. CPA Ontario has always granted your designation. You are and will remain a Canadian CPA and continue to have the same rights to practice in Ontario.
- Courses, exams and professional development will not be affected.
- We will continue to enable your mobility across borders.
- Work on the new certification program will continue.
- Regulatory oversight and standard setting will remain unchanged.
- Annual member dues will see a reduction as we will no longer collect dues on CPA Canada’s behalf.
What’s next?
We’re focused on finalizing new business agreements with CPA Canada and the other Provincial, Territorial and Bermudian CPA bodies. As that work progresses, we will continue to share updates with you through our monthly newsletter, In The Know.
We also want to hear from you as we transition to a new way of working and respond to the new challenges and opportunities facing the profession. We continue to actively engage members and students through our various initiatives – from surveys and events, to townhalls and roundtables.
We will continue to use your perspectives and insight to inform our direction and communicate how we are acting on what we’re hearing from you.