The 47th Annual General Meeting of RPA Canada marks a pivotal moment in our long-standing commitment to integrity, fairness, and equal opportunity in the accounting profession. For nearly five decades, RPA Canada has proudly upheld the values of competence, affordability, and public protection, values that define who we are and guide how we serve Canadians and their small and medium-sized enterprises, the true backbone of our economy.

Today’s policy resolution stands as a reaffirmation of our unwavering belief that a fair and transparent profession must serve the public first. Across Canada, thousands of accounting professionals dedicate their expertise to helping small businesses thrive, and yet, many face unnecessary barriers and regulatory uncertainty caused by monopolistic control and outdated definitions of what constitutes “public” versus “non-assurance” accounting.

Our message is clear: professional diversity strengthens the profession. Canada deserves an open and inclusive accounting landscape that welcomes domestic and internationally trained accountants who bring knowledge, innovation, and experience to our economy. We must ensure that public accounting, limited to audit and assurance services—remains under provincial jurisdiction, while non-assurance services such as management accounting, taxation, compilation, and advisory work are recognized and regulated under a consistent national framework. This clarity will protect the public, promote fairness, and restore confidence in our profession.

RPA Canada is leading this change with courage and conviction. We are advocating for a unified standard that preserves professional integrity, enhances accessibility, and supports the growth of small businesses nationwide. Our commitment extends beyond regulation, it is about ensuring that every Canadian, regardless of province or business size, has access to competent, ethical, and affordable accounting professionals.

Let this resolution serve as a call to action for all governments, educators, and professional bodies to come together in shaping an equitable future for accounting in Canada. The profession must evolve, not restrict. It must inspire, not exclude. And it must always protect the public before privilege.

Together, we are building a future-ready, people-focused accounting profession that Canadians can trust and be proud of.

Zubair CHOUDHRY, RPA, APA
President & Chief Executive Officer