PRO ACHIEVE 2026 is a special, one-time FAST-TRACK program designed for non-designated accounting and tax practitioners to earn the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation.
Across Ontario and Canada, thousands of experienced practitioners support small and medium-sized businesses every day, often without formal professional recognition. PRO ACHIEVE 2026 creates a clear, practical pathway through focused education, training, and assessment, helping build confidence, credibility, and trust within the business community.
This initiative is also about public protection. Canadians deserve assurance that the professionals they rely on are qualified, accountable, and guided by a professional code of conduct.
As President of RPA Canada, I committed to government policymakers and the business community to strengthen professional standards while improving accessibility and affordability. PRO ACHIEVE 2026 delivers on that promise. The RPA designation remains focused on serving SMEs – the backbone of Canada’s economy.
I encourage all eligible practitioners to take advantage of this limited, one-time opportunity, including the $500 scholarship available to support your transition.
Make 2026 the year you earn the professional recognition you deserve a meaningful step forward for practitioners and for the public they serve.
Zubair Choudhry, RPA, APA, President & CEO
Register
https://rpalearning.ca/pro-achieve-2026/https://lnkd.in/g5jE_mfY
By ZUBAIR CHOUDHRY, RPA, APA, President & CEO of RPA Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to China and the trade framework he has described as a success has triggered strong reactions across Canada. The sharpest criticism has come from Ontario, where Premier Doug Ford has warned that the agreement threatens auto-sector jobs and was reached without sufficient provincial consultation.
These concerns deserve serious consideration. At the same time, it is essential to assess this deal within the much larger strategic context Canada is operating in today one defined by global realignment, intensifying trade negotiations with the United States, and the need to protect Canadian sovereignty.
A Pragmatic Deal in an Unforgiving Global Economy
The Canada–China trade framework allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs into Canada annually at a 6.1 per cent tariff, in exchange for China easing or removing punitive duties on key Canadian exports such as canola, seafood, and vegetables.
For Western and Atlantic Canada, this is not theoretical it is immediate economic relief. Market access to China sustains farmers, processors, exporters, and rural communities that had been severely impacted by tariffs. Canada is not a single-industry country, and national trade policy must reflect that reality.
This agreement is not about choosing one province over another. It is about stabilizing the national economy while positioning Canada for far larger negotiations ahead.
EV Concerns Are Real-But So Is Transition
Premier Ford has argued that while the EV quota represents roughly three per cent of the overall auto market, it could amount to a much higher share of EV sales. Ontario’s concern is understandable. The auto sector is foundational to the province’s economy and identity.
However, competition in EVs is unavoidable. Global supply chains are shifting, technology is evolving, and protection alone will not preserve competitiveness. A controlled, tariff-based entry provides time time for Canadian manufacturers to adapt, innovate, and move further up the value chain in advanced manufacturing, battery technology, software, logistics, compliance, and professional services.
As a professional accountant, I see how trade expansion generates employment well beyond factory floors across finance, advisory, technology, sustainability reporting, and SME services. These are resilient, future-focused jobs that matter to Ontario and Canada alike.
The Bigger Negotiation: The United States
Crucially, the China file cannot be separated from the looming negotiations with the United States over the renewal and re-balancing of the US-Mexico-Canada free trade framework. Prime Minister Carney knows he will be negotiating with Donald Trump, one of the most aggressive dealmakers in modern politics.
In such negotiations, leverage matters. Options matter. Entering talks economically cornered is a weakness. Diversifying trade relationships particularly reopening channels with China strengthens Canada’s hand. It signals resilience and independence.
Seasoned negotiators never arrive with one card. Prime Minister Carney is ensuring Canada holds several.
Sovereignty Is the Real Red Line
Canada today faces a challenge larger than tariffs: the protection of its sovereignty. Rhetoric circulating in parts of U.S. political discourse about Canada as a potential “51st state” strikes at the core of Canadian independence. Canadians will never accept such an outcome and Prime Minister Carney understands this clearly.
Strength abroad protects stability at home. A country that demonstrates global partnerships and economic independence commands respect. President Trump has consistently shown that he negotiates hardest but most directly with leaders who stand firm for their nations. That is precisely what Canadians expect Prime Minister Carney to do: stand up for Canada’s sovereignty, freedom, and values.
Ontario Matters-and Both Leaders Know It
Ontario is Canada’s largest province and holds the greatest number of seats in Parliament. No Prime Minister can ignore that reality. Premier Ford is therefore doing what Ontarians elected him to do: speak forcefully for Ontario workers and industries.
Equally, Prime Minister Carney knows that safeguarding Ontario jobs is not optional it is essential. Any trade strategy that fails Ontario fails Canada. These negotiations, whether with China, the United States, or future partners, must ultimately protect employment, investment, and supply chains in Ontario.
This is not a battle between Carney and Ford. It is two leaders playing different, legitimate roles within the same national interest.
Credit Where It Is Due-and What Comes Next
Prime Minister Carney is working hard, across multiple global fronts, at a moment of extraordinary complexity. From the Middle East to Europe, Indonesia to China and soon to India, the largest economy in South Asia where some of the world’s largest long-term trade opportunities exist his strategy reflects urgency, realism, and foresight. No serious trade strategy can ignore India’s scale, growth, and demand, particularly in sectors where Canada excels.
Canadians should give the Prime Minister credit for this effort and rally behind him. Governing today requires balance, resilience, and difficult choices. To remain in power and secure a stable majority government something Canada needs right now Prime Minister Carney must deliver results across regions and sectors. He understands that reality.
The China agreement should be seen not as an endpoint, but as part of a broader positioning strategy: strengthening Canada’s hand, protecting sovereignty, diversifying trade, and preparing for the defining negotiations ahead.
Canada’s success will not come from division. It will come from unity, strength, and strategic leadership. On that measure, Canada must stand together.
Statement from ZUBAIR CHOUDHRY
President & CEO, RPA Canada
On the Canada–China Trade Understanding Announced During Prime Minister Carney’s Visit to China
RPA Canada welcomes the announcement of a preliminary but landmark trade understanding reached during the visit of Mark Carney to China. This development represents an important step toward renewing and stabilizing Canada–China relations at a time when global trade is under significant strain from rising protectionism and tariff barriers.
From the perspective of Canada’s professional accounting and small-business community, this agreement signals a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to international trade. The framework balancing electric vehicle market access with agricultural tariff relief demonstrates how strategic negotiation can protect domestic interests while opening new commercial pathways.
Allowing up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles annually at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1%, compared to the previous 100%, offers Canadian consumers and businesses greater choice while encouraging competition, innovation, and affordability in the clean-technology and transportation sectors. At the same time, China’s commitment to substantially reduce or eliminate duties on key Canadian agricultural exports, particularly the reduction of canola seed tariffs from as high as 84% to approximately 15% by March 1, represents enormous progress for Canadian farmers and agri-businesses who have faced prolonged market uncertainty.
Equally important is Prime Minister Carney’s framing of this agreement as the beginning of a broader strategic partnership one that extends beyond trade to include tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity, including China’s commitment to visa-free travel for Canadians. These measures will directly benefit Canadian SMEs, professionals, and service providers by improving mobility, trust, and long-term commercial relationships.
In a global environment shaped by escalating U.S. tariff pressures and geopolitical realignments, RPA Canada views this renewed Canada–China engagement as a necessary diversification strategy strengthening Canada’s economic resilience while creating new opportunities for exporters, investors, and professional service firms.
RPA Canada supports continued, transparent, and rules-based engagement between Canada and China, grounded in mutual respect and economic benefit. We look forward to working with policymakers, businesses, and international partners to ensure that Canadian SMEs, accountants, and entrepreneurs are well-positioned to navigate and benefit from this new chapter in Canada–China economic cooperation.
Executive Highlights
• Junior and mid-tier mining projects face persistent financing constraints due to market volatility, regulatory risk, and long development timelines.
• Diversified financing models, targeted government incentives, and streamlined permitting can significantly improve project bankability.
• Strategic public-private partnerships and ESG integration are critical to attracting long-term global capital.
• Innovation, technology adoption, and workforce capability—particularly in mining-specific financial reporting—are essential to de-risk investment.
• Canada has a strong opportunity to position itself as a globally competitive destination for critical minerals investment by aligning capital, policy, and talent.
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1. Promote Alternative Financing Mechanisms
Traditional equity and debt markets remain challenging for junior and mid-tier miners due to volatility and perceived risk. To address capital constraints, policy frameworks should support diversified financing options beyond conventional lending.
Royalty and streaming agreements provide upfront capital in exchange for future production, reducing equity dilution and debt burdens. These instruments are widely used in gold mining and are expanding into copper and lithium projects. Private equity and specialist mining funds—such as Resource Capital Funds or Appian Capital—offer not only capital but also technical and operational expertise throughout exploration, development, and production stages. Offtake-linked financing ties project funding to long-term purchase agreements with end-users, including battery manufacturers and technology firms, significantly improving revenue certainty.
Policy idea: Establish government-backed guarantees or co-investment funds to crowd in private capital and accelerate the use of these alternative financing structures.
2. Leverage Incentives for Critical Minerals Projects
Rising global demand for lithium, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements underpins the energy transition and industrial electrification. Despite strong fundamentals, financing gaps persist for exploration, feasibility, and early development.
Canada’s existing flow-through share regime has proven effective for junior miners and should be expanded alongside targeted tax credits and accelerated depreciation. Grants or low-interest loans for feasibility studies and ESG-aligned development would further reduce early-stage risk. In addition, thematic or sustainability-linked bonds offer a growing opportunity to attract institutional investors focused on green assets and long-term value.
Policy idea: Develop a national critical minerals strategy with dedicated financing windows, similar to U.S. Department of Energy initiatives or Australia’s Critical Minerals Facility.
3. Streamline Regulations and Permitting to Reduce Risk
Lengthy, uncertain approval timelines remain a major deterrent to investment and undermine project bankability. Predictable and efficient regulatory processes are essential to restoring investor confidence.
One-stop permitting agencies or fast-track approval pathways for strategic and critical mineral projects would significantly reduce administrative delays. Aligning environmental and social requirements with international benchmarks—such as IFC Performance Standards—can maintain high protections while improving global investor confidence.
Policy idea: Introduce partial government guarantees for political or environmental risks to unlock commercial bank lending and institutional capital.
4. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships and Government Support
Targeted government participation can materially de-risk early-stage mining projects and catalyze private investment. Sovereign funds or development banks can take minority equity positions or provide blended finance, sharing risk without crowding out private capital.
Partnerships with multilateral institutions such as IFC or EXIM further enhance credibility and access to global financing. Strategic offtake arrangements with government stockpiles or industrial buyers can also provide long-term revenue certainty.
Policy idea: Launch a matched-funding program in which government capital matches private investment in high-priority mineral projects.5. Enhance ESG Integration to Attract Global Capital
Strong ESG performance increasingly reduces capital costs and broadens access to global investment pools. Investors now expect transparent, verifiable sustainability performance across the mining value chain.
National certification and traceability schemes for responsible mining would improve market access and brand value for Canadian projects. Incentives for circular economy initiatives—such as byproduct recovery from mining waste—can further enhance sustainability outcomes.
Policy idea: Link fiscal incentives to measurable ESG metrics to attract ESG-focused institutional investors.
5. Foster Innovation and Technology Adoption
Advanced technologies improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and strengthen project finance ability. AI-driven exploration, automation, and low-impact processing can materially improve project economics.
Government support for R&D grants, innovation hubs, and tax incentives for adopting green and digital mining solutions would accelerate commercialization and adoption.
Policy idea: Fund pilot programs for “mine of the future” concepts to attract technology-oriented investors and strategic partners.
Collectively, these measures balance capital attraction—particularly for junior and greenfield projects—while addressing commodity volatility, regulatory risk, and ESG scrutiny. They position Canada as a globally competitive destination for mining investment.
7. Specialized Training for Accountants in Mining and Natural Resources
High-quality financial reporting and risk management are critical to attracting capital, yet mining’s complexity demands skills beyond general accounting. A targeted training program would significantly improve transparency, project bankability, and investor confidence.
Key areas should include mining-specific accounting standards (including IFRS 6), cost allocation across the mine lifecycle, financial modeling under commodity volatility, risk management and hedging, ESG and sustainability reporting, metallurgical and production accounting, and mining-specific tax and regulatory compliance.
Policy idea: Partner with professional bodies (such as RPA or CPA associations) and universities to deliver certified, subsidized programs that build sector-specific financial expertise.
This initiative directly supports de-risking investment by strengthening financial governance and transparency across the mining value chain.
Prepared & presented by:
Zubair Choudhry, RPA, APA, FCMA (ANZ)
President & CEO, RPA Canada
Dated: December 17, 2025
President@rpacanada.org
www.rpacanada,org
RPA Canada at Accountex Canada 2025
The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada) proudly participated as an exhibitor at Accountex Canada 2025, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario. This prestigious national event brought together leaders in accounting, finance, and technology to discuss the evolving landscape of the profession and explore innovative solutions driving business success.
RPA Canada’s presence at the exhibition reaffirmed its position as one of Canada’s oldest professional accounting organizations, dedicated to advancing competence, integrity, and public trust in the accounting field. Through the RPA and APA designations, the Society continues to provide an accessible and ethical pathway for accounting professionals serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
Throughout the event, the RPA Canada booth drew significant attention from practitioners, educators, and students eager to learn about the RPA designation pathway, continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities, and the Society’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity in professional practice.
RPA Canada’s participation in Accountex Canada 2025 reflects its enduring mission to support the professional growth of accountants, promote public protection through competence and accountability, and uphold the highest standards of professional excellence within the Canadian accounting community.
RPA CANADA is proud to have successfully delivered the webinar “Navigating Disputes with the CRA: The Ins and Outs of Audits, Appeals, and Tax Court.”
Led by Kendal Steele and moderated by Umar Choudhry, CPA, LPA, this session equipped accounting practitioners and tax accountants with practical tools to guide clients through CRA audits, appeals, and even Tax Court proceedings.
With CRA audits on the rise, participants gained valuable insights on:
🔹 Managing first conversations with clients
🔹 Evaluating CRA’s position effectively
🔹 Identifying key risks and strategies
🔹 Representing taxpayers confidently at every stage
The session wrapped up with an engaging Q&A and open discussion, making it a truly interactive and empowering experience.
A big thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of this professional development event.
Join us at the 7th Annual RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards — Gala Dinner, Saturday, October 25, 2025, 6:30 PM
Hilton Hotel Meadowvale, 6750 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON
Get your tickets:
https://lnkd.in/dHF6gqqZ
Un seminario histórico realizado en la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Bogotá reunió a académicos, estudiantes y profesionales para debatir un momento decisivo para la profesión contable en Colombia. El evento, titulado “Reforma de la Profesión Contable en Colombia: Una Perspectiva Canadiense”, contó con la intervención principal de Zubair Choudhry, RPA, APA, FCMA, Presidente y CEO de la Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada).
El mensaje de Choudhry fue claro: el Proyecto de Ley 597 de 2025 no es solo una actualización regulatoria, sino una oportunidad histórica para modernizar la profesión contable y posicionar al país como una potencia económica regional. Sin embargo, la oportunidad viene acompañada de una advertencia: si la reforma se ejecuta mal, podría retrasar a Colombia décadas.
De la Ley 43 de 1990 al Proyecto de Ley 597 de 2025
Durante más de 30 años, la profesión contable en Colombia ha estado regida por la Ley 43 de 1990, que reemplazó al Decreto 410 de 1971. Esta ley introdujo salvaguardas importantes: registro profesional, responsabilidades de interés público y requisitos mínimos de educación.
No obstante, en las décadas siguientes, el mundo de las finanzas cambió radicalmente. La globalización, la digitalización y el auge de la inteligencia artificial transformaron la manera de trabajar de los contadores, las habilidades que requieren y la confianza que la sociedad deposita en ellos.
El Proyecto de Ley 597 de 2025, actualmente en discusión en el Congreso de Colombia, busca reemplazar la Ley 43 con un marco moderno. Entre sus objetivos:
“Esta reforma no se trata de ajustes menores, sino de una transformación”, afirmó Choudhry. “Colombia debe pasar de estructuras obsoletas a una profesión que refleje los estándares globales actuales.”
Los Retos Económicos: Más Allá de la Contaduría
La importancia del Proyecto de Ley 597 trasciende la profesión contable. Choudhry sostuvo que el futuro económico de Colombia está directamente ligado a la credibilidad de sus contadores y auditores.
Si se aprueba y aplica de manera efectiva, la reforma podría generar al menos 1.000 nuevos empleos profesionales, movilizar más de 200 millones de dólares para apoyar la transición y desbloquear miles de millones en inversión extranjera potencial.
Lecciones de Canadá y China
Choudhry presentó ejemplos internacionales para demostrar por qué la independencia es clave.
En Canadá, los organismos profesionales autogobernados supervisan a los contadores, mientras que el gobierno actúa únicamente como autoridad de vigilancia. Esta separación asegura que los estándares profesionales evolucionen con rapidez sin perder la rendición de cuentas.
La experiencia de China también es ilustrativa. En los años 80, su PIB era de apenas 300 mil millones de dólares, y los inversionistas desconfiaban de su sistema contable controlado por el gobierno. La creación de un organismo independiente de contadores públicos en los 90 cambió todo: la confianza aumentó, el comercio se expandió y en dos décadas China se convirtió en la segunda economía más grande del mundo.
“Colombia se encuentra en una encrucijada similar”, advirtió Choudhry. “La lección es clara: la independencia genera confianza, y la confianza impulsa la inversión y el crecimiento.”
Qué Debe Cambiar
Choudhry propuso un plan integral para la reforma contable en Colombia:
Riesgos de una Oportunidad Perdida
Aunque optimista sobre el potencial del Proyecto de Ley 597, Choudhry lanzó una advertencia contundente: si la reforma no se implementa adecuadamente —con independencia, exámenes de competencia y supervisión continua— Colombia podría perder esta oportunidad.
“Una reforma mal ejecutada no solo frenará el progreso; retrasará a la profesión 20 años.”
Las consecuencias serían amplias: afectarían el comercio, la inversión y la reputación de Colombia en toda América.
Construyendo Consenso
Choudhry planteó pasos concretos para avanzar:
RPA Canada, añadió, está lista para aportar experiencia técnica, modelos de formación y acompañamiento en la creación de un organismo profesional local dirigido por los propios colombianos.
Un Momento Decisivo
Para finalizar, Choudhry enmarcó la reforma en un contexto más amplio:
“Esto no es solo un asunto contable. Es un tema económico nacional. Afecta empleos, inversión, credibilidad y el papel de Colombia en la economía global. Las decisiones que se tomen hoy darán forma al futuro del país por generaciones.”
El seminario concluyó con una gran participación de docentes y estudiantes, lo que evidenció un creciente reconocimiento de que la reforma contable no es opcional, sino esencial.
Statement from Zubair Choudhry, President & CEO, RPA Canada:
“At RPA Canada, we strongly support women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship and higher education as part of our ongoing commitment to community involvement. The RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards are more than a celebration, they are a platform to recognize and amplify the voices of women who are driving change, inspiring innovation, and shaping the future of business and the profession. I am proud to appoint this exceptional committee to lead the 2025 selection process with integrity, vision, and fairness.”
We are proud to introduce the distinguished members of the RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards Selection Committee – 2025:
Monica Singh Soares – Chair (Resident of Mississauga, Ontario)
A dedicated leader guiding the selection process with integrity and vision.
Annie Puran – Member (Resident of Kitchener–Waterloo, Ontario)
Bringing valuable insight and experience to identify trailblazing entrepreneurs.
Sadiath Alhassan, CA, RPA, – Member (Resident of Kingston, Ontario)
Passionate about empowering women and fostering professional excellence.
Driven by Passion, Defined by Success – This committee will ensure that the 2025 RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards continue to honor women who inspire, innovate, and lead with lasting impact.
Anderson College of Health, Business & Technology RPA CANADA BDC
