CPA Canada has reached agreements with L’Ordre des CPA du Québec and CPA Ontario on education, exams, and standard-setting for the accounting profession.  

This move ensures access to resources such as the CPA Canada Handbook and Board Guidance, which are said to be essential for the profession and public protection. 

The education agreement, finalised after a binding agreement was reached in November 2023, guarantees a continuous educational pathway for current CPA students in Ontario and Quebec.  

Under the terms, CPA Canada will continue developing the curriculum and examinations for the Preparatory courses in Ontario, and the CPA Professional Education Programme and Common Final Examination in both Ontario and Quebec. 

L’Ordre des CPA du Québec and CPA Ontario will maintain the delivery of all CPA education courses, programmes, and exams within their jurisdictions.  

The agreement has received unanimous approval from all Provincial, Territorial, and Bermudian CPA bodies, ensuring uniform standards of entry into the profession across Canada. 

These agreements come in the wake of L’Ordre des CPA du Québec and CPA Ontario’s decision to withdraw from the Collaboration Accord, set to take effect in December 2024.  

The two bodies will part ways with the national organisation after an 18-month withdrawal period.  

The initial announcement of the split in June 2023 sparked concerns about the future role of the national organisation for CPAs in Quebec and Ontario. 

Besides, a recent report from CPA Canada and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants highlighted potential risks for Canada in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).  

The report suggests that Canada could fall behind, especially when compared to the European Union and its legislative framework for AI.