The Ordre des CPA du Québec celebrates its first anniversary

Montreal, May 16, 2013 – The Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés (CPA) du Québec is proud and excited to celebrate its first anniversary today. Created from the unification of the three bodies that previously governed the practice of the accounting profession in Quebec, the CPA Order is now the third largest professional order in the province. Over the last year, Quebec has benefited from a strong accounting profession that is better positioned than ever to meet the needs of the business community and all other sectors thanks to the versatility of its 35,600 members. 

Everyone involved in this major project helped Quebec become a unification forerunner in Canada. “May 16, 2012 was truly a historic turning point made possible by the willingness and determination of all the National Assembly’s elected officials who approved the Chartered Professional Accountants Act,” said Chair of the Order Stephan Robitaille, FCPA, FCGA. “Quebec’s leadership role in this endeavour has had an obvious ripple effect on the rest of Canada, and we can take pride in that. Over the next year, we will continue to provide our partners in other provinces with the benefit of our unification experience and play an active role in establishing CPA Canada.”

Without the commitment and efforts of the Board of the Directors, the Executive Committee and the Order’s staff, the work carried out in the last 12 months could not have been accomplished. “Everyone’s participation was instrumental in enabling us to leverage the very best of three cultures in order to build a strong organization still guided by the same purpose. Day after day, we make it our duty to fulfill our mission to protect the public by applying the highest quality standards,” added Daniel McMahon, FCPA, FCA, President and CEO of the Order.

Since its creation, the CPA Order has implemented many projects. The Order’s first advertising campaign was launched to build awareness of the CPA brand, change the public’s perception of the accounting profession and ensure that it stands out among the other professions. A tour of the Chair of the Ordre and the President and CEO, providing an opportunity for one-on-one discussions with members across Quebec, also began this past winter and will continue until next fall. Many information sessions were held on university campuses to respond to questions from students about the impact of unification on the education programs. Lastly, after discussions involving the Order’s stakeholders, the strategic directions that will guide the Order’s activities for the next two years were approved.

In short, during the CPA Order’s first year of operations, Quebec’s accounting profession as a whole was consolidated, equipping it with the tools needed to face the numerous and exciting challenges ahead. “United and driven by the same passion, Quebec CPAs are decidedly focused on the future,” said Mr. McMahon.

About the Ordre des CPA du Québec
The Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec has over 35,600 members and 6,500 candidates. The Order ensures the protection of the public and the visibility of the profession. It represents all areas of expertise of the accounting profession, including assurance, financial accounting, management and management accounting, finance and taxation.

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Information:
Cédrick Beauregard
Manager, Public Affairs
Ordre des CPA du Québec
T  514 288-3256 [3024] • 1 800 363-4688
c.beauregard@cpa-quebec.com

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