CPAs’ skills and experiences lead them to a lot of important places and roles in society, including public office. On Parliament Hill, a few parliamentarians, including three CPAs, met with a group of national and provincial CPA leaders who were in Ottawa for the annual general meeting. The members of parliament and senators discussed their roles, current priorities and their work on parliamentary committees.
The delegation of provincial board chairs and CEOs was headed by Alain Côté, chair, and Joy Thomas, president and CEO, CPA Canada. Parliamentary participants included Emmanuel Dubourg, MP, FCPA, FCA, parliamentary secretary to the minister of national revenue; the Honourable Elizabeth Marshall, FCPA, FCA, senator; the Honourable Paul J. Massicotte, FCPA, FCA, senator; and François-Philippe Champagne, MP, parliamentary secretary to the minister of finance.
After the parliamentarians discussed their roles and work priorities, it was CPA Canada’s turn to share the many ways it works with the Government of Canada:
- the CRA–CPA Canada Framework Agreement to help Canada maintain a world-class tax system
- the government's Advisory Council on Economic Growth
- Finance Canada's Review of Federal Tax Expenditures
- working with the Treasury Board Secretariat on a new program for the next-generation CFO
- a multi-year partnership with National Resources Canada, focused on helping businesses adapt to climate change
This national discussion covered many areas of mutual interest and presented an opportunity to highlight how CPAs champion the Canadian ideal of good business. CPA Canada seeks good relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including governments and engages in dialogue on various economic and social issues.