CPABC in Focus November/December 2013 | Page 42

MEMBERS IN FoCUS Whistler With BC’s 27,000 CGAs, CMAs, and CAs joining forces to create a new, united professional accounting designation in BC, nearly 750 professional accountants of all stripes gathered in September for an annual conference like no other. Held in Whistler, the four-day CGA-BC event featured two outstanding keynote presentations, 20 PD seminars, Western Canada’s largest accounting trade show, and several entertaining social events. Leaders from the ICABC, CGA-BC, and CMABC were joined by CPA Canada president Kevin Dancey, FCPA, FCA, to welcome delegates and provide an update on the establishment of the CPA designation across the country. Delegates were also treated to a first glimpse of the new CPA branding campaign. Following the speeches came the first of the Conference’s professional development offerings: two heavyweight keynote presentations. The first presentation featured a thought-provoking political discussion with National Post/Postmedia columnist Andrew Coyne; Toronto Star national affairs writer Chantal Hébert; and CB