NOTES & NEWS
programs, policies, and legislation relating to
climate change adaptation in areas such as
coastal zones, agriculture and natural resources, infrastructure, and communities and
public health. The team, White explained,
works collaboratively across government, with
the wider public sector, and with research
institutions, non-governmental organizations,
and professional and industry associations.
Also at the breakfast session was David
Chiang, CPA, CA, CPABC’s vice-president
of member services, who said there’s a strong
interest in sustainability-related initiatives
among CPABC members—particularly those
who participate on CPABC’s Young Professionals and Management forums.
“Changes in the environment can affect
many business practices and trigger numerous issues,” said Chiang when asked why
sustainability is such a hot topic among the
membership. “Professional accountants hold
key roles in finance, operations, and risk
management in every sector of the Canadian
economy, and we can play an important role
in developing strategies that address the impact of climate change.”
For more details on how CPABC is working
to support the national sustainability initiative
or for more information on the CPABC Young
Professionals and Management forums, contact David Chiang at [email protected].
CPA Canada launches initiative to help
businesses adapt to climate change
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) has announced a
multi-year initiative to help businesses and other organizations better understand and
adapt to the implications of climate change. The project is also supported by Natural
Resources Canada and is managed by the Network for Business Sustainability.
The growing frequency of extreme weather events, as well as concerns about the
availability of water and other natural resources, is affecting organizations in Canada
and around the world. These changes have given rise to a variety of operational,
financial, reputational, legal, and regulatory issues.
Canada’s professional accountants have long been dealing with matters relating to
climate change.
“Professional accountants hold key roles in finance, operations, and risk management
in every sector of the economy,” says Kevin Dancey, FCPA, FCA, president and CEO of
CPA Canada. “These knowledgeable and skilled professionals can identify both risks and
opportunities, which allows them to develop value-creating strategies. Their skills are
more relevant than ever in meeting market expectations and business needs arising from
environmental issues.”
CPA Canada’s initiative will provide resources to enable CPAs to build on their already
formidable skills and expertise to help their organizations or clients adapt to a changing
climate. Case studies showcase the adaptation strategies of different companies and
sectors across Canada, including Vancouver-based TransLink and MEC. Thought pieces
on the application of accounting competencies will be developed, as well as other
resources, and additional professional development opportunities are planned.
“The Government of Canada is committed to taking strong action on climate change
while keeping the Canadian economy strong,” says Canada’s Natural Resources Minister
Greg Rickford. “This initiative will help Canadian businesses and accounting
professionals understand how climate change affects their operations and will help equip
them with the tools they need to continue to grow and adapt.”
For more information, visit cpacanada.ca/climatechange.
Accounting Standards Board Roundtable Consultations
Linda Mezon, FCPA, FCA, chair of the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB), was in Vancouver
on July 20 to gather feedback on the AcSB’s five-year (2016-2021) strategic plan. Practitioners
and users of financial statements attended the roundtable discussions and provided feedback
on the board’s plans for future international financial reporting standards (IFRS), accounting
standards for private enterprises (ASPE), and standards for not-for-profits. In attendance were
CPABC members Paul Hargreaves, CPA, CMA, who serves on the AcSB, and David Chiang,
CPA, CA, CPABC’s vice-president of member services.
“Standards affect many of our practitioners and users,” says Chiang. “CPABC appreciates the
AcSB’s efforts to receive feedback directly from BC members.”
To receive invites to future roundtable meetings, please join one of CPABC’s member forums
for practitioners.
Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) member Paul Hargreaves, CPA, CMA,
with AcSB chair Linda Mezon, FCPA, FCA.
CPABC in Focus • Sept/Oct 2015 7