CPABC members recently received a notice about a new Collaboration Model. It’s an important update that ties directly to the broader shift I discussed earlier in my post about the CPA Ontario and CPA Québec separation from CPA Canada. This latest announcement marks another milestone in how the Canadian CPA profession is being reshaped.
In short, the changes that happened to Ontario and Quebec in 2024 are now happening to CPABC.
What’s changing
CPABC, and potentially other provinces and territories, has agreed to move forward under a modernized collaborative model. This means:
- CPABC will continue regulating the profession in BC, granting the CPA designation, setting rules, and protecting the public interest.
- Funding will now flow differently. CPABC will no longer collect national dues on behalf of CPA Canada. Instead, standards and education will be funded through provincial fees.
- CPA Canada will adopt a new governance model, giving every Canadian CPA the chance to join directly with the national body.
In short, the old “Collaboration Accord” between CPA Canada and provincial bodies is ending, and a new structure is taking its place.
There’ll be change in responsibilities:
- Provincial bodies will focus on regulation, licensing, and member support.
- CPA Canada will focus on national standards, education, and advocacy.
This change may sound administrative, but it can have broader impacts.
What this means for members
For now, CPAs in BC, and potentially other provinces/territories, remain members of CPA Canada until April 1, 2026. After that, each CPA will have the option to sign up directly with CPA Canada under the new model. This is similar to what happened with CPA Ontario & Quebec and CPA Canada at the end of 2024.
CPA Canada has published a detailed FAQ about the process which I recommend that you review.
If you don’t keep your membership with CPA Canada from April 2026 onwards, you’ll still be a CPA BC member. You’ll pay lower dues, but you won’t have access to broader resources.
On the other hand, if you do keep your membership with both CPA Canada and CPA BC, you’ll likely pay higher dues and access broader resources.
There is no impact on the CPA exams. The exams are the same no matter what province you’re located.
What to expect
In the coming months, CPA Canada will share how members can join directly. Until then, nothing changes operationally for CPAs in BC and other provinces/territories. You’ll still pay your provincial dues as usual and remain a member of CPA Canada through your province.
This is a major signal that the national structure is evolving, aligning with the changes we’ve seen in the New 2027 CPA Professional Program.
As you continue on your journey towards your CPA designation, reach out to the Gevorg team for educational support.
