The Buzz

CPB Canada Sits Down with British Columbia Ministry of Finance

On Wednesday, May 17th, CPB Canada CEO Rick Johal, CAE and Board Director Karolina Francis, CPB, met with the Honourable Minister Katrine Conroy's staff at the BC Ministry of Finance.  

This meeting represents the beginning of a concerted effort by CPB Canada to meet with government officials nationwide to bring recognition of CPB Canada, the bookkeeping profession, and our interests. In addition, we hope to educate government officials on the value and role CPB Canada members can play in advancing critical public policy objectives. At this meeting, CPB Canada discussed areas of alignment with Minister Conroy's mandate letter. In particular, the discussion focused on: 

• Shedding light on bookkeepers' insight and awareness of potential fraud and money laundering areas – relative to other entities. 
• A discussion ensued about the role of self-determination and professional regulation for bookkeepers related to improved public protection.  
• Discussed tax filing responsibilities associated with how this can advance a fairness mandate for the government.  
• The impact of bare trust loopholes was discussed. It included the uncertain roles and relationships (i.e., legal/lawyers and bookkeeping) for those working within the real estate industry.  

The importance of CPB Canada setting out a professional designation and its associated professional standards was central to the discussion. There was a positive reception and a desire for more regional data on growth with the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation. 

CPB Canada is pleased to open this dialogue and explore further opportunities with the government of British Columbia.