Dear RPA Members and Students,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, we want you to know that we are
thinking about you, our friends, clients, country and global community. For
over 42 years, your success has always been the top priority for the Society
of Professional Accountants of Canada. No one could have imagined we would
be where we are today, but we hope you remember you are not alone. Your
Society is working hard to develop some new ideas and strategies that will
help you navigate this uncertain climate.

We are all going through unprecedented times and we want to send our
heartfelt thank you to all of the frontline responders. From frontline
workers in hospitals to our grocery stores, volunteers and everyone in
between, there are so many serving our communities during this challenging
time. We also thank the professional accountants, who are working day and
night to guide and advise their business clients on how to weather this
economic hardship and apprise them about the emergency relief available
through all levels of government. We must also thank all of you at home
practicing safe social distancing, your efforts truly make a difference.

It has been over a month now since we temporarily closed our office on March
16, 2020 after almost 42 years. We know that these are difficult times, but
together we will persevere. As this is a fluid situation we continue to
monitor and adjust as needed. This current crisis will force us to change
the way we live and the way we work. Virtual accounting offices will be the
norm and face to face meetings will be drastically reduced.  Those of us who
are still operating the old-fashioned way will have to rethink. We must be
willing to change and embrace new technologies and procedures. Learn,
unlearn and relearn will be the new norm.  The Society is working on
providing you with the tools and guidance to adopt to new opportunities and
new challenges. Please stay connected with RPA Canada through our social
media, website and webinars. As we weather through this time together, your
well-being will always be our primary concern. We sincerely wish the best
for you, your families, your employees and your business clients.

Thank you for continuing to put your trust in us!

Zubair Choudhry, RPA, APA

President