Collaboration key to success for CPA Canada
Pamela Steer took on the role of president and CEO on April 19, 2022
Starting a new position is always exciting. When that position is to lead an organization though a major transition the excitement is compounded. I can honestly say I am thrilled to be CPA Canada’s president and CEO.
I see endless possibilities for the profession to adapt and demonstrate leadership in an ever-evolving global economy. A key priority for our organization will be strengthened collaboration with the provincial, territorial and Bermudian CPA bodies to ensure the profession continues to deliver value for Canadian CPAs and other stakeholders.
Therefore, I am deeply honoured and humbled to be taking on this role—honoured at the opportunity to lead and humbled by the faith placed in me at such a pivotal moment in our profession’s history. We stand on the precipice of real measurable change with the implementation of a new competency map, recommendations expected soon in the review on standard setting in Canada, and what comes with the newly opened Montreal centre of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
I want to take a moment to recognize my predecessor, Charles-Antoine St-Jean, who was an inspirational force in seeing Canada selected as part of the ISSB’s multi-location structure. He played a pivotal role in bringing together a broad array of public and private sector support to clearly demonstrate Canada’s commitment to strong sustainability governance.
A GLOBAL PLAYER
Sustainability is something I have long been passionate about. I am a founding member of both the Canadian chapter of the Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) CFO Leadership Network and the advisory board of the Institute for Sustainable Finance. From a personal perspective, I look at the issue with my family and future generations in mind and firmly believe the profession can play a role in delivering a prosperous, sustainable future for this country. Nowhere is this more evident than with the establishment of the ISSB’s Montreal centre as it cements Canada as an integral player in sustainability reporting. The centre represents the ISSB in the Americas and we look forward to the eventual development of standards in Montreal.
Encouragingly, the ISSB has already started its standards work: In March, it issued two initial exposure drafts— the General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and Climate-related Disclosures. Comments will be received until July 29, and I recommend Canadian CPAs make their voices heard.
In the end, though, my passion for the profession extends beyond sustainability. Our work touches all aspects of the economy and society. I appreciate the responsibility that comes with playing a leading role in this new chapter of the profession and in assisting our collective actions to make the world a better place.
By working alongside the PTBs and diverse stakeholders—volunteers, regulators, policy makers, standards setters, employers from all sectors and academia—the seeds have been planted to build on the momentum the profession has established and seize the opportunities ahead.
I am encouraged by my early conversations, both within and outside of the profession. There is an infectious dedication and sense of purpose, and it is fuelling my eagerness to work side by side with CPA Canada’s employees, the PTBs and our many other stakeholders. Each and every one of us is at the forefront of important change—change that will touch everything on earth.
The towering scope of what we face affords the profession a unique opportunity to effect substantive transformation the world over. It is exhilarating to face the coming challenges and I am excited to start working alongside Canadian CPAs bring about this important change.
STAY UP TO DATE
Read about the latest updates from the ISSB, see CPA Canada’s sustainability assurance resources and learn more about the 2022 Competency Map.