Message from the Chair and President 

We are pleased to present the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada annual report for the fiscal year 2002-2003. It has been a remarkable year for our profession and for our Association, with some significant achievements to celebrate.

One of those noteworthy achievements is the progress that was made toward obtaining full public practice rights for CGAs in all parts of the country. We still have work ahead of us in order to achieve our goal, but this year saw some notable progress, particularly in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Passage of the Justice Statute Law Amendment Act 2002 in Ontario is a major step forward. We can finally say that the end of this battle is within our sights, and this is due to the determined work of CGAs and affiliates from coast to coast.

In June 2003, the Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce released its post-Enron report, Navigating Through "The Perfect Storm": Safeguards to Restore Investor Confidence. The report validated many of our Association’s positions and was the result of effective advocacy by our Association’s volunteers and staff.

To ensure that we continue to have a prominent voice in public policy discussions, the Board of Directors agreed to strengthen the Association’s commitment to research and public policy development. This commitment will ensure a strong voice for CGAs on matters that impact our profession, such as the new Canadian Public Accountability Board.

Acting on a guiding principle of embracing technology, there were major advancements made toward CGA Online and a new course management system for delivering our education program. CGA Online, formerly known as the Super Website, is well into the development phase of both technology and content. This project is a collaborative venture of CGA-Canada and many of the provincial and territorial affiliates, and continues to benefit from the active involvement of representatives from across the country. CGA Online will be operational in the coming fiscal year.

The National Education Committee agreed in March on a technology platform for a national course management system and negotiations are underway on the development of that system. It will offer a number of technological advances and will ensure that the CGA Program of Professional Studies remains a leading-edge, distance-based education program.

A practice analysis survey was conducted this past year to assess the core competencies of practicing CGAs. This extensive survey was a major achievement for the Education department and will help guide the development of education policy and ensure the ongoing validity of the CGA-Canada examination process. It will also assist in developing curriculum, examinations, and post-certification education products.

Internationally, the CGA designation was recognized as a qualifying accounting body by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana, adding to our considerable presence in the Caribbean region. In November, CGA-Canada signed an affiliation agreement with CGA-Hong Kong, a testament to the strong growth of the designation in that region. The agreement gives CGA-Hong Kong full responsibility for delivering member services and the CGA education program in Hong Kong and Macau.

In September, the Board of Directors adopted a new Strategic Long-range Plan, renewing the Association’s goals and direction for the period from 2002 to 2005. It has been our priority to meet with the executive committees of as many of the provincial and territorial affiliates throughout the year as possible. These meetings were intended to build stronger linkages between CGA-Canada’s strategic plan and those of the affiliates, and proved to be a good opportunity for dialogue.

We would like to express deep appreciation to former President and COO Guy Legault. The Association and the CGA designation made great strides during Guy’s tenure with the Association.

The Association’s greatest strength is the tireless commitment of our volunteers. We wish to thank all those CGAs who gave their time and talents to further their Association this past year. With the dedication of our volunteers, and the collaboration of our affiliates, we look forward to an exciting and rewarding 2003-2004.

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