CGA-Canada raises the international profile of the CGA designation by providing organizational expertise to professional bodies and organizations. The Association also supports the growth and development of existing international affiliates, including the certification of new members.
CGA's International Goals Revised by Task Force
In September 2003, the CGA-Canada Board of Directors established an International Vision Task Force to review the Association's international activities, as well as further develop and refine CGA-Canada's international goals, strategies, and objectives.
The new vision as defined by the task force report represents a significant change in strategic direction from that previously adopted by the Board, and now focuses much greater attention on international recognition and influence.
The Association's goal of being recognized internationally as an influential professional body will be achieved through the following: the pursuit of mutual recognition agreements (MRAs); identifying market opportunities for the Intersyll product; providing organizational knowledge and expertise to professional bodies, regulators, academic institutions, and governments; supporting the growth and development of current activities in the Asia-Pacific and Caribbean regions; and working with international professional organizations that will further the Association's objectives.
An additional recommendation to review the sustainability of offshore Affiliates and other international operations, as well as to determine how they may be integrated into the new goal and strategies for International, was also approved by the Board.
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CGA Designation Grows in Asia Pacific Market
CGA-Canada has continued to grow certification and resale projects in China, in particular expanding the successful resale projects to Chinese universities. In 2003-2004, four universities signed agreements, bringing to 16 the number of Chinese universities using CGA education materials in their undergraduate programs. The Association will explore partnerships with additional universities under this program.
In early June, CGA-Canada welcomed a delegation of Chinese professors from these universities to Vancouver to familiarize them with CGA's education products and the process of course development. At that time, the delegates were also briefed on the strengths of the Association's education program and distance education delivery methods.
In November 2003, CGA-Canada Chair John Nagy, FCGA, welcomed 48 new Certified General Accountants at an Admission to Membership ceremony in Beijing; the ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the CGA program in China.
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Service Agreements Signed in Caribbean
Trinidad
In June, CGA-Canada finalized a service agreement with RBTT ROYTEC to offer the CGA Program of Professional Studies in Trinidad. ROYTEC has been administering classroom education programs for almost two decades and has a reputation for quality and innovation in education and professional development.
The agreement is based on the successful model already developed by ROYTEC and the University of New Brunswick (UNB), and draws on the recognized expertise of the university's Faculty of Administration.
Students will be able to obtain three credentials through a tiered program that involves two years of study to earn an Associate Degree from ROYTEC, a further two years to achieve a Bachelor of Business Administration through UNB, and an additional two years of PACE-level courses and work experience to earn the CGA designation.
St. Lucia
A service agreement was finalized in June with the Institute of Business and Technology Inc. (IBT) training centre in St. Lucia. IBT will provide student services, including processing registration forms, counselling, distributing course material, and administering examinations. Students will register for the Program of Professional Studies through the Barbados CGA Student Services office.
Preliminary discussions have been held between CGA members in St. Lucia and CGA-Canada regarding the establishment of a chapter in St. Lucia.
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Moving Towards Mutual Recognition
Over the course of the year, CGA-Canada held meetings with representatives from the U.S. International Qualifications Assessment Board (IQAB) to discuss a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) between the Association and the American accounting profession. CGA-Canada has received a commitment from the IQAB Chair to establish a review committee to consider CGA reciprocity.
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