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<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong><br />

Celebrating<br />

achievement<br />

On the Cover<br />

Meet this year’s recipients<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Early Achievement,<br />

Community Service, and<br />

Ritchie McCloy Awards<br />

In this <strong>issue</strong><br />

Unification update<br />

Regional Check-Up summary<br />

Status report on transfer pricing<br />

Practice review program update


A voice for women<br />

in the pr<strong>of</strong>ession<br />

Go to www.cica.ca/women<br />

and join the conversation.<br />

The CICA's Women's Leadership Council is a voice for women CAs. We act as a catalyst for change, promoting<br />

a work environment within the <strong>Chartered</strong> Accountancy pr<strong>of</strong>ession that provides for the retention, promotion<br />

and advancement <strong>of</strong> women to positions <strong>of</strong> leadership without bias, unintended or otherwise, based on gender.<br />

We provide resources and education to further women's advancement in the CA pr<strong>of</strong>ession.


contents<br />

On the Cover<br />

10<br />

Meet the Early<br />

Achievement Award<br />

Winners<br />

6<br />

Unification Update<br />

14<br />

Community Service<br />

Awards<br />

20<br />

Ritchie W. McCloy<br />

Award<br />

22<br />

Regional Check-Up<br />

summary<br />

24<br />

Making the Most <strong>of</strong><br />

Your Retirement<br />

4 Notes from the President<br />

A final update, and a thank<br />

you...<br />

26 Tax Traps & Tips<br />

Transfer pricing – latest<br />

status report<br />

28 Financial Facts &<br />

Money Matters<br />

Wealth management –<br />

discover what you don’t<br />

know about your clients<br />

30 PD News<br />

Spring/summer PD<br />

highlights<br />

32 Plugged In<br />

News for and about members<br />

& students<br />

Member announcements<br />

Event notice<br />

In memoriam<br />

Notice to all <strong>BC</strong> members<br />

Notice to all Yukon<br />

members<br />

PRL notice<br />

38 For the Pr<strong>of</strong>ession<br />

An update on national<br />

harmony in practice review<br />

programs<br />

Want to get<br />

the word out?<br />

Advertise in Beyond Numbers!<br />

Here’s why:<br />

90% <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong> CAs surveyed read<br />

Beyond Numbers<br />

Beyond Numbers goes out to<br />

more than 9,000 members,<br />

more than 1,800 students,<br />

and over 200 external<br />

stakeholders—including<br />

other institutes, associations,<br />

and pr<strong>of</strong>essional organizations<br />

Beyond Numbers has won<br />

awards for both content<br />

and design, including<br />

Blue Wave Awards <strong>of</strong> Merit<br />

from the International<br />

Association <strong>of</strong> Business<br />

Communications – <strong>BC</strong> Branch<br />

To place an ad in<br />

Beyond Numbers, contact our<br />

representatives at:<br />

Advertising in Print<br />

200 - 896 Cambie Street<br />

Vancouver, <strong>BC</strong> V6B 2P6<br />

Tel: 604-681-1811<br />

Fax: 604-681-0456<br />

Email:<br />

info@advertisinginprint.com<br />

Cover image: Fuse/Getty Images


<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>, No.504<br />

Published eight times annually by the<br />

<strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Chartered</strong> <strong>Accountants</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> British Columbia.<br />

Editor<br />

Michelle McRae<br />

A final update,<br />

and a thank you...<br />

Design<br />

Blindfolio Design<br />

604-761-9212<br />

Advertising<br />

Advertising In Print<br />

Phone: 604-681-1811<br />

Fax: 604-681-0456<br />

Director <strong>of</strong> External Affairs<br />

Kerri Brkich Wilcox<br />

<strong>Institute</strong> Council<br />

Lenard F. Boggio, FCA<br />

President<br />

Gordon Holloway, FCA<br />

1st Vice-President<br />

Karen Christiansen, CA<br />

2nd Vice-President<br />

Michael Macdonell, CA<br />

Treasurer<br />

Rosemary Anderson, CA<br />

Olin Anton, CA<br />

Barbara Brink<br />

Don Coulter, CA<br />

John Crawford, CA<br />

John Gingell, CA<br />

Andrew (Sandy) Hilton, CA<br />

David Hughes<br />

Roland Krueger<br />

Dan Little, FCA<br />

John Mackenzie, CA<br />

Sheila Nelson, CA<br />

Ben Sander, FCA<br />

Eric Watt, CA<br />

Chief Executive Officer<br />

Richard Rees, FCA<br />

Beyond Numbers is printed in British Columbia and<br />

mailed eight times annually to more than 9,000<br />

chartered accountants and more than 1,800 CA students<br />

in public practice, industry, education, and government<br />

service throughout <strong>BC</strong>, Canada, and other countries.<br />

Beyond Numbers’ editorial and business <strong>of</strong>fices<br />

are located at:<br />

Suite 500, One Bentall Centre, 505 Burrard St., Box 22<br />

Vancouver, <strong>BC</strong> V7X 1M4<br />

Phone: 604-681-3264<br />

Toll-free in <strong>BC</strong>: 1-800-663-2677<br />

Fax: 604-681-1523<br />

Internet: www.ica.bc.ca<br />

Opinions expressed are not necessarily<br />

endorsed by the <strong>Institute</strong>.<br />

Beyond Numbers supports the CA pr<strong>of</strong>ession in <strong>BC</strong><br />

by sharing news from the <strong>Institute</strong> and news about<br />

members, by sharing viewpoints on <strong>issue</strong>s <strong>of</strong> specific<br />

interest to members, and by promoting member<br />

involvement in <strong>Institute</strong> activities.<br />

Publications Mail Agreement No: 40062742<br />

Notes from the President<br />

In my final column as president, I would like to provide one last update on the<br />

matter that Council and <strong>Institute</strong> staff have been busy with for the past year:<br />

the unification initiative.<br />

As you’re likely aware, Council’s draft report to government with<br />

recommendations was made available to members on April 27, and a members’<br />

vote was open from May 1-18. Through that vote, members provided their views<br />

on six important questions that were based on the report recommendations.<br />

At the time <strong>of</strong> this writing, the preliminary results indicate that over 4,800 <strong>BC</strong><br />

CAs voted, representing 43% <strong>of</strong> the membership—the highest participation level<br />

in decades; 52% <strong>of</strong> these respondents support the unification <strong>of</strong> the existing<br />

accounting Acts into one Act; 9% believe that elected Council should decide;<br />

and 39% do not support unification.*<br />

Given the amount <strong>of</strong> consultation that was undertaken over the last year, and<br />

the results <strong>of</strong> the earlier survey, these results did not come as a surprise. We<br />

now believe that we have a very clear picture <strong>of</strong> how the membership views the<br />

unification initiative.<br />

Looking ahead, your next Council, which will be elected in <strong>June</strong>, has a mandate<br />

to continue unification discussions in <strong>BC</strong> as part <strong>of</strong> a national initiative. It’s<br />

important to note that while the vote is a significant milestone, it is not the end<br />

<strong>of</strong> the unification process. Council will continue working on your behalf and on<br />

behalf <strong>of</strong> the public and our pr<strong>of</strong>ession, monitoring national developments and<br />

deliberating on next steps.<br />

I would like to thank all the members who participated in the unification<br />

initiative through meetings, our surveys, and the vote. Your feedback provided<br />

Council with invaluable insight in our decision-making process.<br />

I would also like to thank my fellow Council members—particularly the<br />

incoming president, Gord Holloway, FCA—for their dedication and support<br />

during my time on Council. And I would like to extend a special thanks to<br />

Richard Rees and his team at the <strong>Institute</strong> who worked especially hard this year<br />

in support <strong>of</strong> the initiative. I am incredibly proud <strong>of</strong> the role I was able to play in<br />

shaping the future <strong>of</strong> our pr<strong>of</strong>ession, and honoured to have had the opportunity<br />

to serve as your president over this past year.<br />

—Len Boggio, FCA<br />

*Not all paper ballots had been received at the time <strong>of</strong> this writing; therefore, they were<br />

not counted in this total. The full vote results will be posted online at www.ica.bc.ca as<br />

soon as they are available.<br />

4 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Left to Right:<br />

Vern Blair, Cheryl Shearer, Robert D. Mackay, Kiu Ghanavizchian, Chad Rutquist, Gary M. W. Mynett,<br />

Chris Halsey-Brandt, Andy Shaw, Jeff P. Matthews, Farida Sukhia<br />

Blair Mackay Mynett Valuations Inc.<br />

is the leading independent business valuation and litigation support practice in British<br />

Columbia. Our practice focus is on business valuations, mergers and acquisitions,<br />

economic loss claims, forensic accounting and other litigation accounting matters.<br />

We can be part <strong>of</strong> your team, providing you with the experience your clients require.<br />

Suite 1100<br />

1177 West Hastings Street<br />

Vancouver, <strong>BC</strong>, V6E 4T5<br />

Telephone: 604.687.4544<br />

Facsimile: 604.687.4577<br />

www.bmmvaluations.com<br />

Vern Blair: 604.697.5276<br />

Rob Mackay: 604.697.5201<br />

Gary Mynett: 604.697.5202<br />

Andy Shaw: 604.697.5212<br />

Jeff Matthews: 604.697.5203<br />

Cheryl Shearer: 604.697.5293<br />

Farida Sukhia: 604.697.5271<br />

Chris Halsey-Brandt: 604.697.5294<br />

Kiu Ghanavizchian: 604.697.5297<br />

Chad Rutquist: 604.697.5283


Unification Update: Members Vote to<br />

Endorse Council’s Recommendations<br />

By Richard Rees, FCA<br />

At the time <strong>of</strong> this writing, the ICA<strong>BC</strong><br />

unification vote had just closed, and<br />

we now know that the majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong><br />

CAs voted to endorse Council’s draft recommendations<br />

to the provincial government. 1 I’d<br />

like to begin by thanking everyone involved<br />

in the unification initiative—a challenging and<br />

emotional <strong>issue</strong> that is complex and multidimensional.<br />

Over the last year, we undertook the largest<br />

outreach effort to date on any <strong>Institute</strong> initiative.<br />

Our objective was to fulfill our dual mandate <strong>of</strong><br />

representing both the public, and our members’<br />

interests; to engage, inform, and establish the<br />

views <strong>of</strong> members and stakeholders on unification;<br />

and ultimately, to ask members to vote on<br />

Council’s draft recommendations.<br />

Through this outreach, Council President Len<br />

Boggio and I have enjoyed talking to you. We’ve<br />

heard a diversity <strong>of</strong> opinions, both for and<br />

against change, and the fact that that so many<br />

CAs took an interest in the unification initiative<br />

helped us understand, and take into account,<br />

the memberships’ perspective throughout these<br />

discussions.<br />

From my perspective, this vote is not about<br />

having a “winning” or “losing” side; rather, it’s<br />

about whether or not our recommendations are<br />

appropriate and truly reflective <strong>of</strong> what we heard<br />

during the consultation: In essence, are we doing<br />

what we should to support Council, represent<br />

members, and fulfill our public interest mandate.<br />

Looking at the outcome, the preliminary results<br />

indicated over 4,800 <strong>BC</strong> CAs voted, representing<br />

43% <strong>of</strong> the membership—an excellent response<br />

rate and the largest in recent memory. Of those<br />

who voted, 52% support the unification <strong>of</strong> the<br />

existing accounting Acts into one Act, and 9%<br />

believe that elected Council should decide. Given<br />

that Council has stated that it unanimously<br />

supports unification as part <strong>of</strong> a national initiative,<br />

this equates to 61% supporting unification.<br />

39% <strong>of</strong> members who voted do not support<br />

unification.<br />

1<br />

Not all paper ballots had been received at the time <strong>of</strong> this writing; therefore, they were not counted in this total. The full vote results will be posted online<br />

at www.ica.bc.ca as soon as they are available.<br />

6 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Council will continue working with those accounting bodies that are supportive <strong>of</strong> the unification<br />

initiative and will also continue to play a leadership role at the national level on such <strong>issue</strong>s as certification<br />

and uniform regulation—areas that we know are critical to our members as we participate in the process<br />

going forward.<br />

Looking at unification across Canada, the situation is fluid:<br />

• In <strong>BC</strong>, our colleagues at CMA<strong>BC</strong> have released member survey results that are overwhelmingly<br />

supportive <strong>of</strong> unification (91%), and they remain committed to the goal <strong>of</strong> a unified accounting<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ession, and we know our own members endorse Council’s recommendation to unify as part <strong>of</strong> a<br />

national initiative;<br />

• In Alberta, the CMA and CGA bodies have released a provincial merger proposal;<br />

• In Saskatchewan, all three bodies have released a provincial merger proposal;<br />

• In Manitoba, 59.5% <strong>of</strong> CAs voted in favour <strong>of</strong> unifying with the CMA body, which also received<br />

endorsement from its members;<br />

• In Ontario, the CAs have reaffirmed their commitment to unification, while the CGA and CMA<br />

bodies have withdrawn from discussions;<br />

• In Quebec, the CPA legislation has been enacted, and there is now one accounting body, ending the<br />

status quo for Canada’s accounting pr<strong>of</strong>ession; and<br />

• In the Maritime provinces and northern territories, unification discussions are ongoing.<br />

We have stated all along that this process would be complicated, and as discussions have progressed,<br />

some bodies have become uncomfortable with the process and have withdrawn.<br />

The largest ones are CA Alberta, CMA Ontario, and CGA-Ontario. As we go to press, we have just<br />

been notified that CGA-<strong>BC</strong> is also withdrawing from discussions, citing the uncertainty in Ontario,<br />

and it is likely that other, smaller CGA bodies may follow their lead.<br />

While this is incredibly disappointing—especially given the level <strong>of</strong> support from <strong>BC</strong> CGA members<br />

(with 84% supportive, 11% neutral, and 5% not supportive)—as we move from concept to action,<br />

it is inevitable that the volume <strong>of</strong> <strong>issue</strong>s and concerns will increase. This jockeying for position is<br />

absolutely par for the course, especially given the divergent interests at the table.<br />

However, it is important to note that even with these organizations withdrawing, there are still<br />

accounting bodies in every jurisdiction in Canada participating in unification discussions. These<br />

participating bodies represent the majority <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional accountants in Canada and include all <strong>of</strong> the<br />

CA <strong>Institute</strong>s, with the exception <strong>of</strong> Alberta. The Alberta CA <strong>Institute</strong> continues to say they will not<br />

walk away from their partners in the CA pr<strong>of</strong>ession.<br />

Moving forward, at the core <strong>of</strong> this initiative is the premise that the pr<strong>of</strong>ession is better <strong>of</strong>f<br />

recommending a solution rather than having one imposed by provincial governments. In Quebec, the<br />

government effectively facilitated unification, and this encouragement could happen elsewhere. In<br />

addition, the Quebec legislation has established good precedents that should be emulated and built<br />

upon across Canada.<br />

A significant step is the implementation <strong>of</strong> the new CPA certification program in 2013. Given that<br />

we’ve heard from many CA Training Offices that they want a consistent national program, and<br />

Quebec’s CPA body will use the new certification program that is being developed, it is very likely that<br />

the new program will be implemented across the country. As such, it is likely to be the only<br />

program that can deliver a national designation. We intend to see this program <strong>of</strong>fered in <strong>BC</strong> in<br />

conjunction with the other provincial bodies who can commit to unification.<br />

At present, I remain optimistic that we will ultimately be able to make a strong recommendation to<br />

the <strong>BC</strong> government around potential unification and enhanced uniform regulation in <strong>BC</strong>. Given the<br />

support in each body’s respective vote and surveys, I would expect the government will be prepared to<br />

work with us.<br />

The <strong>BC</strong> CA vote has established that there is a consensus and support for the work <strong>of</strong> Council, who<br />

have positioned <strong>BC</strong> to align with the dominant and pre-eminent pr<strong>of</strong>ession across the country—<br />

currently, those accounting bodies working towards unification.<br />

The next few months are likely to be challenging, and I do not know when it will be the appropriate<br />

time to make a recommendation to the <strong>BC</strong> government. We will continue to keep members informed<br />

<strong>of</strong> developments, and we <strong>of</strong>fer thanks, again, to everyone who has contributed to the process.<br />

Richard Rees , FCA, is the CEO <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Chartered</strong> <strong>Accountants</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>.<br />

Top-line vote results*<br />

Q1: Do you support a common<br />

regulatory framework for all<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional accountants that<br />

reflects current high standards?<br />

Yes: 63% No: 37%<br />

Q2: Do you support a new<br />

rigorous internationally<br />

recognized pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

accounting certification program<br />

that meets the high standards <strong>of</strong><br />

the existing programs?<br />

Yes: 63% No: 37%<br />

Q3: Do you support the<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong>fering a separate<br />

intermediate certificate program<br />

for those who aspire to a career<br />

in accountancy but choose not to<br />

complete the full <strong>Chartered</strong><br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Accountant<br />

program?<br />

Yes: 58% No: 42%<br />

Q4: Do you support granting a<br />

new common designation<br />

(<strong>Chartered</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

Accountant)?<br />

Yes: 52% No: 48%<br />

Q5: Do you support mandatory<br />

use <strong>of</strong> legacy designations (i.e.:<br />

CA, CGA, CMA) in conjunction<br />

with the new <strong>Chartered</strong><br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Accountant<br />

designation for a period <strong>of</strong> 10<br />

years, with optional use <strong>of</strong> the<br />

legacy designations with the CPA<br />

thereafter?<br />

Yes: 74% No: 26%<br />

Q6: Do you support the<br />

unification <strong>of</strong> the current existing<br />

accounting Acts into one Act as<br />

part <strong>of</strong> a national initiative across<br />

Canada?<br />

Yes: 52%<br />

Elected Council Should Decide: 9%<br />

No: 39%<br />

*As at May 22, <strong>2012</strong> (Not all paper<br />

ballots had been received at the<br />

time <strong>of</strong> this writing; therefore,<br />

they were not counted in this<br />

total. The full vote results will be<br />

posted online at www.ica.bc.ca as<br />

soon as they are available.)<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 7


Recommendations contained in the draft report to the<br />

<strong>BC</strong> government<br />

The leadership <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>’s CAs recommend to the <strong>BC</strong> provincial government that current provincial accounting<br />

regulations be modernized and streamlined. Specifically, we recommend that, as part <strong>of</strong> a broader, national initiative<br />

that will better protect the public interest and better serve British Columbia and Canada’s economic interests both<br />

domestically and abroad, the government:<br />

• Unify the three current existing accounting Acts into one.<br />

> The benefit <strong>of</strong> this change is a robust, consistent, regulatory environment that will provide protection for<br />

consumers and other users <strong>of</strong> accounting services.<br />

> Another benefit <strong>of</strong> this change would be the establishment <strong>of</strong> a single governing body that would continue to<br />

provide the existing mandates <strong>of</strong> self-regulation, education, and advocacy for all pr<strong>of</strong>essional accountants in <strong>BC</strong>.<br />

We recommend that the new Act continue the current high standards <strong>of</strong> the accounting pr<strong>of</strong>ession by empowering<br />

the new body to:<br />

• Create and implement a new, common regulatory framework, including codes <strong>of</strong> conduct, practice inspection,<br />

disciplinary processes, and an effective and consistent public accounting regime. This would be developed in<br />

concert with other Canadian jurisdictions.<br />

> The benefit <strong>of</strong> this change would be a regulatory framework that is nationally consistent, which facilitates labour<br />

mobility and inter-jurisdictional business.<br />

• Create a new, rigorous, internationally recognized pr<strong>of</strong>essional accounting certification program that meets the<br />

high standards <strong>of</strong> the existing programs. In addition, a separate certificate program will be <strong>of</strong>fered for those who<br />

aspire to a career in accountancy but choose not to complete the full pr<strong>of</strong>essional accounting program.<br />

> The benefit <strong>of</strong> this change would be a harmonized training and certification program for all pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

accountants in <strong>BC</strong>.<br />

• Grant a new common designation, <strong>Chartered</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Accountant (CPA). During the transition, existing<br />

members <strong>of</strong> each accounting body will be required to display their legacy designations (CA, CMA, CGA) in<br />

conjunction with the CPA designation for a period <strong>of</strong> 10 years, with optional use <strong>of</strong> the legacy designations with<br />

CPA thereafter.<br />

> The benefit <strong>of</strong> this change would be the evolution to a single designation, CPA, which would align <strong>BC</strong> and the<br />

rest <strong>of</strong> Canada with the globally dominant designation that is recognized by our largest trading partners.<br />

In addition, we recommend that the new Act provide greater protection <strong>of</strong> the public by:<br />

• Enabling the body to oversee undesignated and unregulated individuals providing public accounting services in <strong>BC</strong>.<br />

> The benefit <strong>of</strong> this change would be greater protection <strong>of</strong> the public interest and would align <strong>BC</strong> with many<br />

jurisdictions in North America, where there are regulations in place regarding the practice <strong>of</strong> public accounting,<br />

including the new CPA legislation introduced in Quebec.<br />

In summary, with government’s support, unification <strong>of</strong> the province’s three<br />

accounting Acts, consistent with other provinces, could result in a common<br />

regulatory structure affecting approximately 26,000 CPAs in <strong>BC</strong>, as well as 2,000<br />

firms that practise public accounting—all <strong>of</strong> which would become CPA firms.<br />

These firms employ well over 10,000 pr<strong>of</strong>essional accountants and others.<br />

8 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


The ICA<strong>BC</strong> Member Recognition Program<br />

Some <strong>of</strong> our 2010/2011 award winners, photographed by Kent Kallberg <strong>of</strong> Kent Kallberg Studios Ltd.<br />

Do you know a CA who’s gone the extra mile in the community, made an exemplary contribution<br />

to the pr<strong>of</strong>ession, or achieved outstanding success early in his or her career? Acknowledge their<br />

achievements by nominating them for an ICA<strong>BC</strong> award!<br />

You can nominate a colleague for:<br />

Fellowship (FCA)<br />

Lifetime Achievement<br />

The Honorary CA Designation<br />

Nomination deadlines:<br />

• Fellowship, Lifetime Achievement, Honorary CA:<br />

October 15, <strong>2012</strong><br />

Nomination forms<br />

Forms are available on the <strong>Institute</strong> website at www.ica.bc.ca under Member Centre/Forms and<br />

Dues/Member Recognition/Nomination Forms.<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 9


On the Cover<br />

Awards for Early Achievement:<br />

Bob Sanghera, CA & Mike Stubbing, CA<br />

By Jennifer Weintraub<br />

Every year the <strong>Institute</strong> grants awards<br />

for early achievement to CAs who<br />

have made significant pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

accomplishments within ten years <strong>of</strong> earning the<br />

CA designation. This year’s award recipients are:<br />

Bob Sanghera, CA, and Mike Stubbing, CA.<br />

Balraj (Bob) Sanghera, CA<br />

Bob Sanghera grew up in Lillooet, <strong>BC</strong>, with his<br />

parents and older brother, Barinder. In 1990,<br />

the family moved to Richmond, the city Bob<br />

still calls home to this day.<br />

“My brother and I were close growing up, and<br />

I ended up following in his footsteps,” he says. “I<br />

entered the commerce program at the University<br />

<strong>of</strong> British Columbia two years after he did.”<br />

While Barinder went on to become a lawyer,<br />

Bob decided to pursue a career in business. After<br />

graduating from U<strong>BC</strong> in 1997, he took a job<br />

with the Canada Customs & Revenue Agency,<br />

initially as a customs <strong>of</strong>ficer. After his brief stint<br />

in government—first with the CCRA and later<br />

with the CRA—Bob decided to pursue his CA<br />

designation.<br />

“I was ready for a change,” he remembers,<br />

“and I’d been told that having a CA would open<br />

a lot <strong>of</strong> doors in the business world.”<br />

After landing a position with Ernst & Young<br />

in Vancouver, Bob started his articles in January<br />

<strong>of</strong> 2000. He qualified as a CA in 2002, and was<br />

promoted to manager just one year later.<br />

While working at Ernst & Young, Bob was<br />

asked to join a four-person committee that was<br />

tasked with creating the initial curriculum for a<br />

development program for the firm’s tax staff.<br />

This curriculum included both theoretical and<br />

practical components, and served as a recruiting<br />

tool and career track guide for all tax staff<br />

employees at the firm.<br />

“It was a great experience for me to assist in<br />

establishing a work curriculum and career track<br />

that could be used by the firm,” he says. “I was<br />

fortunate to be able to get involved in such a big<br />

project so early on in my career.”<br />

10 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


In December 2003, Bob made the decision to<br />

join Smythe Ratcliffe as a manager.<br />

“This was an exciting move for me,” he explains,<br />

“because as it was an opportunity to do<br />

tax planning and work closely with a wide<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> clients—particularly family-owned<br />

businesses.”<br />

Bob quickly established himself as a leader at<br />

Smythe Ratcliffe. He was promoted to senior<br />

manager in 2006, and was invited to become a<br />

tax partner in 2009. Currently, he’s the practice<br />

group leader <strong>of</strong> the firm’s tax practice.<br />

“The most rewarding part <strong>of</strong> my job is the<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> work—that, and the people,” he says.<br />

“Each day, I’m dealing with different tasks, new<br />

<strong>issue</strong>s, new challenges. And I work with incredibly<br />

bright people here. The relationships I’ve built<br />

are so rewarding.”<br />

As for his biggest challenge, Bob points to his<br />

schedule.<br />

“Juggling everything is challenging,” he says.<br />

“It’s a demanding, deadline-oriented pr<strong>of</strong>ession,<br />

and you’re always on the go. It’s important to<br />

balance work and family needs. Taking my<br />

daughters to their activities and spending time<br />

with my family—these are things you just need<br />

to make a priority.”<br />

Despite the various demands for his time and<br />

attention, Bob has been giving back to the CA<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ession for almost 10 years. He joined the<br />

ICA<strong>BC</strong>’s Young CA Forum soon after earning<br />

his designation, and was an active member <strong>of</strong><br />

the group for several years.<br />

“This was a great opportunity for me to provide<br />

a younger CA prospective and to give back to<br />

the pr<strong>of</strong>ession,” he says. “There are many <strong>issue</strong>s<br />

relevant to new CAs, and it’s important for them<br />

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to have a voice at the <strong>Institute</strong>.”<br />

Currently, Bob serves as a member <strong>of</strong> the<br />

ICA<strong>BC</strong>/CRA Liaison Committee, and as chair<br />

<strong>of</strong> the PKF Canadian Tax Interest Group, which<br />

consists <strong>of</strong> 12 associated firms across Canada. In<br />

this latter role, he oversees monthly conference<br />

calls and organizes two annual tax conferences.<br />

Also a strong believer in giving back to the<br />

community, Bob has served on the cabinet <strong>of</strong><br />

the <strong>BC</strong> Children’s Hospital Night <strong>of</strong> Miracles<br />

Gala Dinner for the past three years. The Night<br />

<strong>of</strong> Miracles Gala Dinner is an annual event that<br />

targets the South Asian Community and raises<br />

approximately $300,000 for <strong>BC</strong> Children’s<br />

Hospital each year. The cabinet is committed to<br />

raising $3 million to support the construction <strong>of</strong><br />

an international radiology room in the new <strong>BC</strong><br />

Children’s Hospital.<br />

“There was an opportunity to join the cabinet,<br />

and it was an easy decision for me to make,” Bob<br />

says. “We were invited to go on a tour <strong>of</strong> the<br />

hospital, and got the chance to talk to the doctors,<br />

as well as to the mother <strong>of</strong> a heart surgery patient<br />

who was just a baby. As a parent, it’s easy to take<br />

for granted having healthy children. This is a<br />

great cause, and it’s important that the doctors<br />

and the patients have the resources they need.”<br />

Bob also supports the Vancouver Board <strong>of</strong><br />

Trade’s Leaders <strong>of</strong> Tomorrow (LOT) Program,<br />

and in 2010-2011, he mentored a business<br />

student who ended up entering the CA program.<br />

“I think finding a good mentor is very critical<br />

to being successful,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate<br />

to have great mentors throughout my career,<br />

and the LOT Program presented me with a<br />

great opportunity to give back.”<br />

As for the Early Achievement Award, Bob says<br />

it came as a complete surprise.<br />

“I’m very grateful and happy, but I was<br />

certainly not expecting this,” he <strong>of</strong>fers. “I don’t<br />

think I’ve done anything that other people don’t<br />

do. I also just feel fortunate to have great colleagues<br />

who would think to nominate me. It is<br />

very humbling to receive this award.”<br />

Bob credits much <strong>of</strong> his success to his family,<br />

friends, and colleagues.<br />

“My parents, Balwant and Baldev Sanghera,<br />

immigrated to Canada from India, and were<br />

great role models,” he says. “They instilled in me<br />

the values <strong>of</strong> education and hard work. Without<br />

them, there’s no way I’d be where I am today.<br />

And, <strong>of</strong> course, my wife, Raj, and kids, Nisha (6)<br />

and Saiya (3)—none <strong>of</strong> my success would be<br />

possible without Raj’s support. My brother was<br />

also an excellent role model for me.<br />

“I also want to thank Devinder Gill, CA,” Bob<br />

adds. “He’s a long-time family friend, and he<br />

played a big role in pushing me in the direction<br />

<strong>of</strong> the CA. Devinder was a few years ahead <strong>of</strong> me in school and then in the CA program, so I was really<br />

able to look to him for guidance and advice.”<br />

Bob also acknowledges the support <strong>of</strong> his colleagues—both past and present.<br />

“I’d like to thank Billie Raptis, CA, and Jas Hayre, CA, for the guidance they provided when I was<br />

at Ernst & Young,” he says. “And the mentorship I have received from Larry Vicic, CA, the managing<br />

partner at Smythe Ratcliffe, and from Tom Morton, CA, and Bill Macaulay, CA—the other two tax<br />

partners here—has been incredible. They created these great opportunities for me... paved the way,<br />

really. I’m thankful to them and to the rest <strong>of</strong> the staff—I’m fortunate to work with such a great team<br />

<strong>of</strong> people.”<br />

Michael (Mike) Stubbing, CA<br />

As a small child growing up in Frobisher Bay, Northwest Territories (now Iqaluit, Nunavut), Mike<br />

Stubbing was sure he was destined to become a pr<strong>of</strong>essional hockey player. As he got a bit older,<br />

though, his future career path wasn’t so clear.<br />

“I really had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up,” he says. “I just knew I didn’t want to be<br />

a doctor—I saw the crazy hours my dad worked and wanted to steer clear <strong>of</strong> that.”<br />

Mike laughs as he realizes he’s in the heart <strong>of</strong> tax season, adding: “I may have chosen the wrong<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ession.”<br />

His path to the CA designation was a gradual one. At 15 years old, Mike moved to Ottawa to<br />

complete his last three years <strong>of</strong> high school. Still not sure what career path he wanted to follow after<br />

graduating, he applied to a number <strong>of</strong> universities across the country. After being accepted to Simon<br />

Fraser University’s business program, he started his studies in 1995.<br />

“There was never a real ‘Aha!’ moment that led me to the CA program,” Mike remembers. “I took a<br />

stab at accounting and liked it. Plus, SFU had a great CA co-op program that guaranteed five work<br />

terms and a full-time job afterwards. I got a placement with Grant Thornton’s New Westminster<br />

Office, and it was an incredible experience.”<br />

Mike completed all five work terms at Grant Thornton, graduated from SFU in the summer <strong>of</strong> 2000,<br />

and wrote the UFE that September. He qualified as a CA in late fall <strong>of</strong> 2001, soon after transferring to<br />

the firm’s Edmonton <strong>of</strong>fice. While in Edmonton, he also transferred out <strong>of</strong> audit and into tax.<br />

“It was an exciting move for me, because I felt I had a real knack for tax, and I enjoyed its practicability,”<br />

he explains. “I love that you can give useful, tangible advice to people.”<br />

Mike was promoted to manager in 2002, and became a senior manager just two years later. Then, in<br />

the fall <strong>of</strong> 2006, he made the decision to transfer to the West Coast.<br />

“My wife Natalie and I were ready to start a family, and we’d always loved the charm and beauty <strong>of</strong><br />

Victoria,” he says.<br />

Within three years <strong>of</strong> transferring to Grant Thornton’s Victoria <strong>of</strong>fice, Mike was made a partner. He<br />

was 32.<br />

Looking back, he credits much <strong>of</strong> his rapid career advancement to Terry Wainman, CA, a tax partner<br />

at Grant Thornton Edmonton who introduced him to the world <strong>of</strong> teaching and writing.<br />

“Terry was a phenomenal mentor to me,” he says. “He showed a lot <strong>of</strong> trust in me and would give<br />

me very challenging work from an early stage. Pretty early in my tax career, Terry was asked to teach<br />

a couple <strong>of</strong> two-day courses for the <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Chartered</strong> <strong>Accountants</strong> <strong>of</strong> Alberta that he didn’t have<br />

time to take on. He immediately suggested that I teach them. I was pretty hesitant, because I’d only<br />

been a CA for a couple <strong>of</strong> years. But because Terry put his confidence in me, I agreed.”<br />

It was a pivotal opportunity, as Mike discovered a passion for teaching and writing. Since teaching<br />

that first course in 2002, he has taught a number <strong>of</strong> income tax courses, and a component <strong>of</strong> the ICAA<br />

course, “Managing Financial Risk for Millionaires.” He has also lectured on tax and business matters<br />

for the Canadian Tax Foundation, the University <strong>of</strong> Alberta, Grant MacEwan University, the<br />

National Judicial <strong>Institute</strong>, and Camosun College, and continues to present on technical tax <strong>issue</strong>s to<br />

various pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, such as bankers, brokers, lawyers, and other accountants.<br />

“It’s always a challenge, and I still get butterflies in my stomach,” he says, “but by the end I feel great.”<br />

In terms <strong>of</strong> writing, Mike co-authored a paper for the Canadian Tax Foundation’s 2007 <strong>BC</strong> Conference,<br />

a white paper on farm succession (2010), and a two-and-a-half day course for Grant Thornton’s senior<br />

non-tax pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.<br />

His enthusiasm for working with students has also made him a natural fit for recruiting at his firm.<br />

“I truly enjoyed my years as a student,” he says, “so helping with recruiting is a small way <strong>of</strong> giving<br />

back.”<br />

12 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Mike Stubbing, CA<br />

In addition to his involvement in the CA pr<strong>of</strong>ession,<br />

Mike is an active board member for the<br />

Vancouver Chapter <strong>of</strong> the Society <strong>of</strong> Trust &<br />

Estate Practitioners (STEP).<br />

“Trust and estate planning is something I’m<br />

very interested in,” he says. “I benefited from<br />

STEP for several years, so I felt like it was my<br />

turn to pitch in. It’s really nice to be involved in<br />

an organization that puts so much effort into<br />

continually educating others.”<br />

When asked what keeps him ticking, Mike<br />

immediately credits those around him.<br />

“It’s the people,” he says. “I love my job because<br />

I get to interact with other pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, staff,<br />

and clients on a regular basis. I feel fortunate to<br />

be exposed to so many different perspectives.<br />

“People are always saying, ‘You must be so<br />

good at math,’” he adds. “I tell them: ‘I can add<br />

and subtract and multiply, but even that I don’t<br />

do on a daily basis.’ Being a CA is really not a<br />

numbers job at all.”<br />

What he finds most rewarding, however, is also<br />

what he finds most challenging.<br />

“I’m really driven to please people,” Mike says.<br />

“In this field, though, that’s not always easy. I’m<br />

constantly trying to ensure that each client and<br />

staff member feels as though our relationship is<br />

rewarding in some way.”<br />

Receiving the Early Achievement Award for<br />

his efforts is just icing on the cake.<br />

“I thought it was extremely touching that my<br />

colleagues would even think to nominate me,”<br />

he says. “I feel really lucky to be surrounded by<br />

such a thoughtful, generous group <strong>of</strong> people.”<br />

Mike credits a number <strong>of</strong> people for helping<br />

him get to where he is today.<br />

“First, I need to thank my family,” he says.<br />

“I’m so lucky to be able to go home to my wife,<br />

Natalie, and kids, Anna (5) and Jason (2), each<br />

day. They’ve put a lot <strong>of</strong> balance into my life,<br />

and changed me in a good way.<br />

“I also thank my parents for being phenomenal<br />

role models,” he adds. “My mom is one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

kindest people you could ever meet, and she<br />

modelled the importance <strong>of</strong> treating people<br />

properly. And my dad—he received the Order<br />

<strong>of</strong> Canada in 2009. He’s a very smart guy and a<br />

real hard worker, who gave his patients the best<br />

care possible, every day. I try to emulate that.”<br />

On the pr<strong>of</strong>essional side, Mike thanks Terry<br />

Wainman, CA, and two other mentors: Bob<br />

Broder, CA, a partner at Grant Thornton’s<br />

Victoria <strong>of</strong>fice, and Susan Mehinagic, FCA, the<br />

<strong>of</strong>fice’s now-retired managing partner.<br />

“I’ve worked closely with Bob over the past few<br />

years,” Mike says. “He is very knowledgeable<br />

about tax and accounting, but he’s also phenomenal<br />

at providing clients with excellent advice.<br />

Most importantly, he treats our staff properly—<br />

the way they should be treated. Bob leads by<br />

example, and I’ve really enjoyed learning from<br />

him.<br />

“And Susan was the <strong>of</strong>fice managing partner I<br />

worked with before I became a partner here in<br />

Victoria,” he adds. “She saw potential in me,<br />

took me under her wing, and gave me a lot <strong>of</strong><br />

guidance in that transition from senior manager<br />

to partner.”<br />

Jennifer Weintraub is the CA recruiter for the<br />

<strong>Chartered</strong> <strong>Accountants</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>.<br />

Photo <strong>of</strong> Bob Sanghera by Kent<br />

Kallberg <strong>of</strong> Kent Kallberg Studios in<br />

Vancouver. Photo <strong>of</strong> Mike Stubbing<br />

by John Yanyshyn <strong>of</strong> Visions West<br />

Photography in Victoria.<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 13


Community Service Award Winners<br />

By Michelle McRae and Vanessa Woznow<br />

Seven CAs have been recognized this year for their outstanding contributions to the community:<br />

C. Edward (Ted) Butterfield, CA; Grant Gilmour, CA; Gordon Gunn, CA·CISA; Doug Johnstone, CA;<br />

Jasvinder S. (Jas) Kalsi, CA, CPA (Illinois); Doug Wallis, CA; and Paul Winstanley, CA.<br />

C. Edward (Ted) Butterfield, CA<br />

Ted Butterfield, CFO <strong>of</strong> IWG Technologies Inc. and International Water-Guard<br />

Industries Inc., credits much <strong>of</strong> his lifelong interest in volunteerism and<br />

philanthropy to the example set by his parents.<br />

“My parents were both teachers, and were very involved in our community<br />

for as long as I remember,” says Ted. “Their admirable example motivated me<br />

to help build better outcomes for our society.”<br />

Ted’s many contributions to the community have included serving on the<br />

executive and board <strong>of</strong> the Boys and Girls Clubs <strong>of</strong> Greater Vancouver from<br />

the early 1980s to 2004, during which time he also chaired several <strong>of</strong> the organization’s committees. In<br />

the 1990s, he served as both a director and member <strong>of</strong> the executive <strong>of</strong> the McMillan Space Centre.<br />

A committed member <strong>of</strong> his church, he has served as chair <strong>of</strong> its board on three separate occasions.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> Ted’s recent commitments has been his role as chair and president <strong>of</strong> Prostate Cancer<br />

Foundation <strong>BC</strong>, which sees him working not only with the organization’s board, but with other<br />

like-minded organizations across Canada. These efforts have already helped lead to the emergence <strong>of</strong><br />

a collective, Canada-wide voice and fundraising organization: Prostate Cancer Canada.<br />

“The great thing about collaboration is how much we are able to achieve working together,” Ted says.<br />

“Through our shared efforts, and a strong regional<br />

organization, we have not only seen an increase<br />

in fundraising, but also a significant growth in<br />

awareness <strong>of</strong> prostate cancer across the country.<br />

This is the most common cancer affecting men<br />

today, with one in seven receiving the diagnosis.”<br />

The cause is a deeply personal one, as Ted,<br />

himself, is a cancer survivor, having received his<br />

first diagnosis 10 years ago. He credits dedicated<br />

volunteers, all <strong>of</strong> whom had experience with<br />

prostate cancer, with helping him select and prepare<br />

for his best treatment option. Once treated,<br />

he eagerly accepted an invitation to give back.<br />

“I wanted to help lead this passionate, growing<br />

community to better serve those men and their<br />

families affected by the disease,” he says.<br />

Through strong board leadership, and interorganizational<br />

partnership, Ted is working to<br />

raise funds, spread awareness and knowledge,<br />

and seek better treatments for both initial and<br />

reoccurring cancer diagnoses.<br />

In addition to his work with Prostate Cancer<br />

Foundation <strong>BC</strong>, Ted currently serves on the<br />

board <strong>of</strong> the Lion’s Gate Rotary Club and volunteers<br />

his leadership to the Club’s international<br />

affairs program.<br />

“My CA training and leadership experience<br />

has actually enabled me to make a difference<br />

where needed,” says Ted, when asked about the<br />

rewards <strong>of</strong> giving back. “Not to mention the<br />

friendships that I’ve formed, as a result <strong>of</strong> my<br />

participation with these incredibly worthwhile<br />

volunteer service organizations.<br />

“In all honesty,” he adds, “I have benefited so<br />

much from my volunteering experiences. And it<br />

wouldn’t be possible for me to engage in these<br />

activities—alongside my career and family<br />

adventures—if it weren’t for the support <strong>of</strong> my<br />

family and my employers.”<br />

Ted’s wife Fay, and their three grown children and<br />

four grandchildren, are also involved in volunteer<br />

activities.<br />

14 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


S. Grant<br />

Gilmour, CA<br />

Grant Gilmour, co-owner<br />

<strong>of</strong> the firm Gilmour<br />

Knotts Incorporated in<br />

Langley, has been giving<br />

back to the community<br />

steadily for many years,<br />

particularly through his<br />

involvement with the Rotary Club <strong>of</strong> Langley<br />

Sunrise.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> his major contributions through Rotary<br />

has been his leadership <strong>of</strong> the Sunrise Club’s<br />

dictionary project. When he first took on the<br />

project in 1998, the plan was to donate dictionaries<br />

to one class <strong>of</strong> grade 4 students at one local<br />

school. Within the span <strong>of</strong> approximately four<br />

months, Grant successfully drove the expansion<br />

<strong>of</strong> the project to include all grade 4 students in<br />

the entire Langley School District.<br />

“I believe literacy is as important as health,” he<br />

says. “I came to the thought that a dictionary is<br />

like a vaccination—that if we could reach<br />

enough kids, we were certain to reach the ones<br />

who really needed the dictionaries.”<br />

To put a human face to the project, Grant had<br />

the idea to deliver the dictionaries via a one-day<br />

car rally involving teams <strong>of</strong> Rotarians. It was<br />

a huge success, and continues on today. Each<br />

September, as they hand deliver approximately<br />

1,600 dictionaries to the grade 4 students at<br />

35 local schools, volunteers demonstrate their<br />

commitment to both community spirit and<br />

literacy. Moreover, the dictionary project has<br />

branched out to other Rotary clubs across the<br />

country, including 15 in Western Canada alone.<br />

“It’s amazing how a good idea just gets legs <strong>of</strong><br />

its own and grows,” Grant says.<br />

Case in point: “Shred-a-thon.”<br />

“The Scouts’ after-Christmas tree-chipping<br />

fundraiser gave me the idea to create an event<br />

where the public could ‘chip’ (shred) documents<br />

after tax season in exchange for donations,” he<br />

explains. “It was a solution to a problem clients<br />

had been asking me about for years—how to get<br />

rid <strong>of</strong> old documents without risking identity<br />

theft.”<br />

To date, the Langley Club has hosted six<br />

Shred-a-thons. After the inaugural event in<br />

2005, Grant created a how-to manual for other<br />

Rotary clubs, and the ripple effect has led to<br />

Shred-a-thons across North America.<br />

His contributions as a Rotarian have reached<br />

beyond North America as well. In 2010, he<br />

played an instrumental role in the delivery <strong>of</strong><br />

$400,000 in medical supplies to a hospital in<br />

Iligan City, in the Philippines.<br />

“I acted as a ‘connector’ for a contact <strong>of</strong> mine<br />

named Jun Tallo,” he says. “I must have spoken to the right people, because the project came together<br />

in record time and with great results. I am still surprised today at how much one phone call can achieve.<br />

The people at both ends <strong>of</strong> the project have been great, especially Jun.”<br />

Their collaboration is ongoing.<br />

“This year, we connected him with a fire truck from White Rock,” Grant says. “It now has a new<br />

home in the Philippines.”<br />

In addition to his ongoing work with Rotary, the father <strong>of</strong> four has served on the planning council at<br />

his children’s school for two years, and also volunteers as a Cub Scout leader.<br />

“Seeing smiles on kids’ faces is the most rewarding thing,” Grant says. “There’s nothing like having a<br />

10-year-old in a shopping mall yell: ‘Hey mom, there’s the dictionary man!’”<br />

Gordon Gunn, CA•CISA<br />

For over two decades, Gordon Gunn has energetically and selflessly committed<br />

himself to advancing community initiatives through his various volunteer<br />

roles, and it’s fair to say that his work has greatly contributed to both the<br />

vitality <strong>of</strong> Victoria’s not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>it sector, and to Canada’s financial management<br />

industry.<br />

“It was instilled in me in the very early stages <strong>of</strong> my career that CAs should<br />

give back to their communities,” Gordon says. “Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations are<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten looking for financial competencies, so my early volunteering typically<br />

involved acting as a treasurer. In some cases, I was asked by my employers to take on specific volunteer<br />

roles when a need was identified.”<br />

Gordon has contributed his leadership to the community in a variety <strong>of</strong> ways, including serving as<br />

treasurer and vice-president <strong>of</strong> finance with the Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong> Canada; president, treasurer, and director<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Great Canadian Family Picnic Society (an initiative aimed a promoting national unity); and<br />

secretary-treasurer <strong>of</strong> the Ballet Victoria Society.<br />

In 2007, Gordon was named to the Mayor’s Task Force on Ending the Cycle <strong>of</strong> Addiction,<br />

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<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 15


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Mental Health, and Homelessness. The next year,<br />

he became involved with the Greater Victoria<br />

Coalition to End Homelessness. For the past three<br />

years, he has served as the Coalition’s secretarytreasurer.<br />

“Street homelessness in Greater Victoria had,<br />

over 15 years, grown to become the leading<br />

social <strong>issue</strong> in our community,” he explains. “ I<br />

leapt at the opportunity to join the Coalition as<br />

secretary-treasurer when it arose. We are now<br />

halfway through our 10-year mission to end<br />

homelessness in Victoria by 2018. We have<br />

made a difference, and more projects are on the<br />

way.”<br />

Also keenly involved with financial management<br />

boards and organizations, Gordon has volunteered<br />

as treasurer and director <strong>of</strong> the Canadian<br />

Association <strong>of</strong> Management Consultants, as<br />

director <strong>of</strong> the Information Systems Audit<br />

and Control Association International, and as<br />

director and president <strong>of</strong> the Association’s<br />

Victoria Chapter. In 2005, he was elected<br />

president <strong>of</strong> the Victoria Chapter <strong>of</strong> the Financial<br />

Management <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> Canada (FMIC), a<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional association for those interested in<br />

public sector financial management.<br />

A partner in KPMG’s Risk Consulting practice,<br />

Gordon also leads his <strong>of</strong>fice’s community service<br />

program, and his keen interest in volunteerism<br />

has inspired many peers to find their own ways<br />

to give back. In recognition <strong>of</strong> his efforts, he was<br />

awarded KPMG’s CEO Community Service<br />

Excellence Award in 2008.<br />

“I think every volunteer sets a positive example<br />

for others, including the coming generations,”<br />

says Gordon, when asked what he enjoys most<br />

about his volunteer work. “It is also a great way<br />

<strong>of</strong> building a community network. I love to<br />

meet people who are passionate and enthusiastic<br />

about their community, and I am proud that I<br />

live in a city where so many people choose to<br />

give back.”<br />

In addition to his CA·CISA designation, Gordon<br />

holds the certified management consultant (CMC)<br />

designation and the project management pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

(PMP) certification. This won’t be his first<br />

time at the awards podium—in 1992, he received<br />

the ICA<strong>BC</strong>’s “CA <strong>of</strong> the Year Award,” (now the<br />

Community Service Award).<br />

Doug<br />

Johnstone, CA<br />

Since moving back to his<br />

hometown <strong>of</strong> Castlegar<br />

15 years ago, Doug<br />

Johnstone has been involved<br />

with a number<br />

<strong>of</strong> grassroots initiatives<br />

aimed at improving the<br />

quality <strong>of</strong> life in his community. Focusing<br />

on arts and culture, he has contributed greatly<br />

to the town’s overall social and economic revitalization.<br />

“I grew up here,” says Doug. “It’s my hometown.<br />

I want to help it prosper economically through<br />

successful enterprise, but also spiritually through<br />

artistic endeavours.”<br />

Pinnacle Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Accounting Corporation<br />

(PAC), Doug’s accounting firm, provides pro<br />

bono accounting services to a number <strong>of</strong> diverse<br />

organizations, including the Rossland Chamber<br />

<strong>of</strong> Commerce, the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat<br />

Society, and the Castlegar Sculpture Walk Society.<br />

His firm is also involved in a “greenification”<br />

project, an initiative that focuses on providing<br />

options to clients that benefit the environment,<br />

local charities, and not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>its. As part <strong>of</strong><br />

this project, when clients choose to receive their<br />

year-end documents in an electronic format, a<br />

contribution is made in their name to one <strong>of</strong><br />

seven local charities. In recognition <strong>of</strong> its work<br />

to promote green initiatives, Pinnacle PAC was<br />

awarded the Green Award from the Castlegar<br />

Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce in 2011.<br />

In addition, Doug was instrumental in turning<br />

a once desolate residential lot into the “Downtown<br />

Art Farm,” an outdoor art gallery<br />

and urban community garden that supports<br />

Castlegar’s food bank. He donated the land,<br />

provided the funding, and contributed countless<br />

volunteer hours to the project.<br />

“On a personal level,” he says, “I’m really<br />

proud <strong>of</strong> what we were able to achieve with the<br />

Art Farm.”<br />

Doug credits much <strong>of</strong> his interest in the arts to<br />

his partner Willow.<br />

“Before I met Willow, I think I was much<br />

more <strong>of</strong> a left-brain thinker,” he says. “It was her<br />

passion for the arts, and her artistic nature,<br />

that really spurred my interest in these kinds <strong>of</strong><br />

projects.”<br />

Doug’s other forays into the arts community<br />

include serving as logistics coordinator on the<br />

board <strong>of</strong> the Castlegar Sculpture Walk, a legacy<br />

project aimed at beautifying the downtown core.<br />

Through sponsorships from local businesses and<br />

individuals, Sculpture Walk oversees the installation<br />

<strong>of</strong> sculptures and art pieces around town.<br />

“One <strong>of</strong> my goals for the future is to turn<br />

Sculpture Walk into a self-sustaining initiative,”<br />

he says. “It has grown into such an amazing<br />

program, and we want to make sure it continues<br />

to succeed.”<br />

Currently, Doug is also spearheading efforts<br />

to revitalize downtown Castlegar through an<br />

initiative called the “Vacant Windows Project,”<br />

which aims to beautify the city by placing local<br />

art in the windows <strong>of</strong> vacant buildings. In<br />

addition, his firm features local artists on its<br />

company homepage every month, and contributes<br />

gallery space showcasing local talent in three <strong>of</strong><br />

its <strong>of</strong>fices on an ongoing basis.<br />

“I am lucky enough to be in a position where<br />

I can contribute to the economic and social<br />

well-being <strong>of</strong> my community,” Doug says. “I<br />

do what I can to support and empower local<br />

businesses, artists, and food providers. The end<br />

result will be enrichment <strong>of</strong> our whole region.”<br />

Jasvinder S.<br />

(Jas) Kalsi, CA,<br />

CPA (Illinois)<br />

Jas Kalsi, a sole-practitioner<br />

in Surrey, has<br />

been an active volunteer<br />

with Lower Mainlandbased<br />

organizations for<br />

many years—particularly<br />

athletic and cultural programs and initiatives.<br />

His involvement with the Canadian International<br />

Dragon Boat Festival Society is his most<br />

long-standing, spanning more than 14 years.<br />

“I initially became involved as a paddler in the<br />

mid-1990s, joining ‘Team Masala’ with a group<br />

<strong>of</strong> friends,” Jas says. “I enjoyed competing in the<br />

event so much, that when I heard the Society<br />

was looking for a treasurer, I jumped at the<br />

chance to apply for the position.”<br />

He has been a fixture on the board ever since.<br />

“I’ve continued to work with the organization<br />

because I believe in its goals and objectives,” he<br />

says. “I work with great people, and we organize an<br />

event that is truly world class. Dragon boating<br />

is an event where people <strong>of</strong> all capabilities—<br />

juniors, seniors, individuals with physical<br />

challenges such as visual impairment, survivors<br />

<strong>of</strong> cancer and other diseases—can all come<br />

together and compete on an equal basis.”<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 17


In 2005, Jas took on the role <strong>of</strong> chair.<br />

“My responsibilities include ensuring that the<br />

festival continues to be successful—not only<br />

financially, but also for every single participant,<br />

volunteer, spectator, and sponsor,” he says. “We<br />

now operate a year-round facility, which includes<br />

training for coaches and paddlers, and educational<br />

activities for our junior members. This initiative<br />

culminates every year with the Dragon Boat<br />

Festival in <strong>June</strong>. It is the largest and most<br />

successful annual dragon boat festival outside<br />

<strong>of</strong> Hong Kong, with over 100,000 spectators<br />

coming out to watch.”<br />

Under his leadership, the Society has increased<br />

revenues from year-long programs by 50%, and<br />

continually operates without a deficit. Together<br />

with staff and board members, Jas has also<br />

helped build and implement the Society’s plans<br />

for succession and strategic leadership. He also<br />

played a lead role in organizing an initiative to<br />

develop a community boathouse in Vancouver.<br />

The community boathouse was recently recognized<br />

by City Council as an approved amenity<br />

centre, and Jas and his colleagues are now working<br />

on a conceptual plan.<br />

When it comes to the Society’s success, Jas is<br />

quick to credit his tight-knit team, saying: “I am<br />

so proud <strong>of</strong> the staff, my fellow board members,<br />

and the literally hundreds <strong>of</strong> volunteers who<br />

have helped to shape this Society and make it a<br />

key Vancouver event.”<br />

In addition to volunteering with the Society,<br />

Jas serves on the advisory board <strong>of</strong> the Vancouver<br />

International Bhangra Celebration, and as a<br />

director and treasurer for Badminton <strong>BC</strong>. Past<br />

volunteerism includes coaching for five years<br />

with the Surrey Youth Soccer Association.<br />

“From a very young age, my siblings and I<br />

were brought up with the notion that giving<br />

back to the community should be an extremely<br />

important part <strong>of</strong> our lives,” Jas explains. “I’m<br />

grateful to my parents for that lesson. And I’m<br />

also grateful for the support my girlfriend Walaa<br />

and my four kids give me in pursuing these<br />

activities, because my volunteer work provides<br />

me with a great sense <strong>of</strong> accomplishment, pride,<br />

and happiness.”<br />

Doug Wallis,<br />

CA<br />

For more than 10 years,<br />

Doug Wallis has been<br />

committed to furthering<br />

the goals <strong>of</strong> the Canadian<br />

Network for International<br />

Surgery (CNIS),<br />

a Vancouver-based organization<br />

created to promoting lasting and<br />

sustainable improvements in health and safety in<br />

developing countries.<br />

He first learned about the organization in 2001,<br />

while working as the director <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

advisory services for the ICA<strong>BC</strong>.<br />

“I <strong>of</strong>ten dealt with the public, including<br />

NPOs, and I was very aware <strong>of</strong> the need for the<br />

skills that CAs can bring to such NPOs,” says<br />

Doug, now a partner with Smythe Ratcliffe<br />

in Vancouver. “The CNIS was looking for a<br />

volunteer CA, and I called to learn more. Their<br />

capacity-building model was and continues<br />

to be a major impetus to my involvement. The<br />

organization sends MDs and nurses to Africa to<br />

teach skills to local practitioners, and the local<br />

practitioners who receive this training then use<br />

those skills to improve the lives <strong>of</strong> many, many<br />

Africans over an extended period. The ripple<br />

effect is quite amazing.”<br />

He joined the organization in 2002 as chair <strong>of</strong><br />

the finance committee. At that time, the CNIS<br />

was struggling with its finances, so Doug helped<br />

organize the records and provided guidance<br />

and assistance in developing the accounting and<br />

funding systems. By helping to make the organization<br />

more stable, he also helped the CNIS<br />

address its biggest challenge: obtaining funding<br />

from the Canadian International Development<br />

Agency (CIDA).<br />

Special grants from the CIDA, in turn, enabled<br />

Doug to travel to Africa in 2004 and 2006 to<br />

volunteer in the field. During his first trip, he<br />

spent two weeks in Uganda, working with the<br />

administrator <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the CNIS’s African<br />

partner organizations, the Injury Control Centre<br />

at Makerere Medical School in Kampala to help<br />

the Centre improve its financial systems and the<br />

quality <strong>of</strong> financial reporting to stakeholders.<br />

“It was fascinating to experience the cultural<br />

differences in how the business side <strong>of</strong> health<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essions in Africa differs from our North<br />

American model,” Doug recounts. “The differences<br />

are indeed striking.”<br />

In 2006, he travelled to Ethiopia to contribute to<br />

a six-day workshop presented by the CNIS, during<br />

which he taught participants about accountability<br />

through budgeting, financial reporting, and<br />

communication. The workshop was part <strong>of</strong> a<br />

larger project to build six sustainable teaching<br />

laboratories for surgical skills in the country’s<br />

main medical teaching institutions.<br />

“Now that I’ve had the opportunity to travel<br />

to Africa myself, I have a sense <strong>of</strong> what our<br />

Canadian volunteers receive back for their<br />

participation,” he says. “It’s very gratifying. And<br />

it’s also gratifying to work with the qualified and<br />

dedicated individuals who serve on our board.”<br />

Doug chaired the CNIS board from 2006 to<br />

2008, and continues to chair the finance committee.<br />

Earlier in his career, he volunteered with<br />

the Crisis Centre <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong> in Vancouver, and with<br />

a variety <strong>of</strong> organizations in Prince Rupert<br />

(where he lived during the 1970s and 1980s).<br />

“In the end, you do the volunteer work<br />

because it’s important,” he says. “You just find<br />

the time. The internal rewards are clearly worth it.”<br />

Paul<br />

Winstanley, CA<br />

Paul Winstanley has been<br />

contributing to the community<br />

ever since his days<br />

as an articling student.<br />

“While playing in the<br />

field hockey section <strong>of</strong><br />

the Vancouver Rowing<br />

Club, I was put forward as a director <strong>of</strong> the<br />

board by that section,” Paul recounts. “Once the<br />

other board members found out I was a CA<br />

student, they pressed me into service as treasurer.<br />

I was by far the youngest on the board, and it<br />

was very educational to be around such capable,<br />

experienced volunteers.”<br />

An accomplished amateur athlete who played<br />

cricket for the Canadian Junior National Team<br />

and field hockey for both the <strong>BC</strong> Senior Field<br />

Hockey Team and the Senior National Field<br />

Hockey Team during the 1970s, Paul eventually<br />

parlayed his love <strong>of</strong> team sports into a new<br />

volunteer role as coach <strong>of</strong> youth boys’ soccer<br />

with the Lynn Valley Soccer Association in<br />

1986. Since then, he has gone on to coach youth<br />

girls’ soccer with the West Vancouver Soccer<br />

Association, youth boys’ baseball with the Lynn<br />

Valley Little League, and field hockey with local<br />

clubs, and regional and provincial organizations.<br />

“Coaching is about helping young people<br />

develop self-confidence to allow their potential<br />

to be realized,” Paul <strong>of</strong>fers. “Team sports are an<br />

18 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


excellent forum to develop social skills and how<br />

to work together towards a common goal.”<br />

He continues to serve as head coach for<br />

Handsworth Secondary School’s senior field<br />

hockey team, having coached the team since<br />

2003. Under his leadership, the team has won<br />

numerous championships, including the 2011<br />

<strong>BC</strong> “AAA” Provincial Championship.<br />

In 2010, Paul received the Community Sport<br />

Volunteer Award from the North Shore<br />

Sports Awards. The award recognized not<br />

only his coaching efforts but also his extensive<br />

contributions at the board level. In addition<br />

to volunteering with organizations such the<br />

Hollyburn Family Services Society, the West<br />

Vancouver Family Place Society, and the West<br />

Vancouver Soccer Association, Paul served<br />

as coordinator <strong>of</strong> the West Vancouver Field<br />

Hockey Club women’s section for six years,<br />

during which he helped increase the number <strong>of</strong><br />

Club teams in the women’s league from three to<br />

nine. He also helped found the Adanacs High<br />

Performance Program, which provides recruiting<br />

opportunities for athletes who want to play field<br />

hockey at the university level (to date, over 100<br />

players have received scholarships to universities<br />

across North America). And as a director (ongoing)<br />

<strong>of</strong> the West Vancouver Field Hockey Facilities<br />

Society, he worked tirelessly to help bring a new<br />

artificial turf field designed for field hockey to<br />

the North Shore.<br />

All the while, Paul has juggled his volunteerism<br />

with his work as a sole-practitioner in West<br />

Vancouver and his responsibilities as a father <strong>of</strong><br />

three.<br />

“The rewards far exceed the time and effort,”<br />

he says. “And my wife Diane was the reason I<br />

was able to spend time in the community doing<br />

what I loved to do.”<br />

Sadly, Diane lost a lengthy battle with breast<br />

cancer on March 20th. A few days before her<br />

passing, Paul was able to share the news <strong>of</strong> his<br />

latest award.<br />

“I told her that this award was largely due to<br />

her support, and she still showed her sense <strong>of</strong><br />

humour and said ‘too bloody right!’” he says.<br />

“This award is for her.”<br />

Michelle McRae is the editor <strong>of</strong> Beyond Numbers<br />

magazine.Vanessa Woznow is the ICA<strong>BC</strong>’s manager<br />

<strong>of</strong> public affairs.<br />

ICA<strong>BC</strong>’s Benevolent Fund<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers financial support to<br />

members in need<br />

All information is held in the strictest<br />

confidence<br />

To apply for financial assistance, contact:<br />

David Chiang, CA·CIA<br />

Senior Director <strong>of</strong> Member Services<br />

and Fund Secretary<br />

Phone: 604-488-2629<br />

Toll Free: 1-800-663-2677<br />

Email: chiang@ica.bc.ca<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 19


Ritchie W. McCloy Award Goes to<br />

Shane Onufrechuk, CA<br />

By Michelle McRae<br />

The Ritchie W. McCloy Award for CA Volunteerism recognizes the value <strong>of</strong> a CA or non-CA’s contributions to<br />

the CA pr<strong>of</strong>ession, whether through an individual project or a series <strong>of</strong> activities. In addition to their dedication<br />

to the pr<strong>of</strong>ession, award recipients must embody values such as openness, honesty, and generosity. This year’s<br />

recipient is Shane Onufrechuk, CA.<br />

Shane Onufrechuk has been an active<br />

contributor to the CA pr<strong>of</strong>ession in <strong>BC</strong><br />

ever since he moved to this province<br />

from Alberta in 1997. In addition to being a<br />

long-time member <strong>of</strong> both the ICA<strong>BC</strong> PD<br />

Taxation Program Committee Advisory Group<br />

and the ICA<strong>BC</strong> Taxation Forum, Shane has<br />

contributed extensively to the <strong>Institute</strong>’s pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

development program, the CA School<br />

<strong>of</strong> Business (CASB), and the CA Education<br />

Foundation <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong> (CAEF).<br />

“Most <strong>of</strong> my volunteer efforts have been tied<br />

to education,” he says. “I’ve always had a strong<br />

interest in education—particularly within the CA<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ession. I think the quality <strong>of</strong> our education<br />

program is very high, and really like the idea<br />

<strong>of</strong> being involved in the various education<br />

programs delivered to students and members.”<br />

Shane’s early contributions to the pr<strong>of</strong>ession<br />

included marking exams and serving on the<br />

board <strong>of</strong> examiners for the School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Chartered</strong><br />

Accountancy (the precursor to CASB). With the<br />

advent <strong>of</strong> CASB, he became involved in developing<br />

and reviewing cases and scenarios.<br />

“It was a lot <strong>of</strong> fun to do that kind <strong>of</strong> creative<br />

work,” he says. “I haven’t been nearly as involved<br />

in curriculum development for CASB in<br />

the last few years, but I continue to teach the<br />

face-to-face modules. And I particularly enjoy<br />

the Module 6 UFE prep program, because I get<br />

to work with some very bright, motivated<br />

students on higher level, ‘real life’ CA skills.”<br />

Shane is equally enthusiastic about his work<br />

with the <strong>Institute</strong>’s PD program, which began 10<br />

years ago.<br />

“I really enjoy teaching, so I never felt it was a<br />

hardship,” he says. “Members really do seem<br />

to appreciate when people are willing to take<br />

the time to teach PD courses. I think this is<br />

especially true in the area <strong>of</strong> taxation, which a lot<br />

<strong>of</strong> people view as challenging. Given that it’s an<br />

area I specialize in, it’s nice to simply share<br />

my expertise with someone and get a thanks in<br />

return.”<br />

Shane has also shared his expertise as a course<br />

developer and lecturer for the CICA’s PD<br />

program, and through his service on the <strong>BC</strong><br />

<strong>Institute</strong>’s PD Taxation Program Committee<br />

Advisory Group. The Advisory Group meets<br />

regularly to ensure that the ICA<strong>BC</strong>’s taxation<br />

course <strong>of</strong>ferings meet the needs <strong>of</strong> members.<br />

Shane joined the Group in 2005, and has served<br />

as chair for the last five years.<br />

“A number <strong>of</strong> us have been on the committee<br />

for a long time, so there is a sense <strong>of</strong> camaraderie<br />

and history that makes working together a<br />

pleasure,” he says. “Also, a number <strong>of</strong> us have<br />

done a lot <strong>of</strong> teaching in the program, so I think<br />

we have a good feel for the important <strong>issue</strong>s.”<br />

Moira Bryans, CA, director <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

development for the ICA<strong>BC</strong>, describes Shane’s<br />

contributions as invaluable.<br />

“Shane has made a significant contribution to the<br />

PD tax program, identifying topics and resources<br />

that ensure the highest quality for our education<br />

programs,” Moira says. “He authors several tax<br />

courses that are <strong>of</strong>fered across Canada, and for<br />

many years has also been a respected and popular<br />

instructor. His enthusiasm and expertise for tax<br />

is a great asset to our PD program. Under his<br />

guidance, the size and quality <strong>of</strong> our tax courses<br />

has grown substantially. We are indebted to<br />

him for the time and talent he has given to our<br />

members’ pr<strong>of</strong>essional development.”<br />

Shane also currently chairs the ICA<strong>BC</strong> Taxation<br />

Forum, which he joined in 2006. The Forum<br />

helps the ICA<strong>BC</strong> coordinate information-sharing<br />

meetings with tax practitioners and employees<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Canada Revenue Agency. It also helps<br />

coordinate the “Tax Traps & Tips” articles published<br />

in Beyond Numbers, and the RRSP and tax<br />

tips released to media each year.<br />

“My favourite role within the Forum is getting<br />

involved in organizing the annual CRA roundtable,”<br />

he says. “It has allowed me to meet the<br />

senior people at the CRA and discuss <strong>issue</strong>s <strong>of</strong><br />

concern for our members. I think, in a number<br />

<strong>of</strong> cases, we’ve been able to identify and resolve<br />

<strong>issue</strong>s that were really making tax practitioners’<br />

lives a challenge.”<br />

Stella Leung, CA, pr<strong>of</strong>essional standards advisor<br />

for the ICA<strong>BC</strong>, has worked with Shane for a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> years.<br />

“Shane has been serving on the Taxation Forum<br />

for many years now, and he has been very<br />

generous in sharing his expertise by writing a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> Tax Traps & Tips articles for Beyond<br />

Numbers,” Stella says. “He is also a regular<br />

participant in the Forum’s liaison meetings with<br />

the CRA, and he always asks very insightful<br />

questions!”<br />

20 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Shane is also an ongoing contributor to the<br />

CAEF, having joined its board <strong>of</strong> governors in<br />

2010.<br />

“Being on the Foundation’s board <strong>of</strong> governors<br />

allows me to get involved in the improvement <strong>of</strong><br />

the quality <strong>of</strong> accounting education,” Shane<br />

says. “I find that extremely rewarding. Getting<br />

to brainstorm as to the most cost-effective way<br />

to provide the most benefit, with really smart<br />

people who know the accounting education<br />

landscape, is a lot <strong>of</strong> fun.”<br />

He manages to fit these various commitments<br />

into a very busy schedule. The senior tax advisor<br />

with Davis LLP in Vancouver is also a husband<br />

and father <strong>of</strong> two, a member <strong>of</strong> the Canadian Tax<br />

Foundation, a director <strong>of</strong> the Human Dignity<br />

Initiative (a charitable organization), and an avid<br />

runner and triathlete.<br />

“Like most things in life, there is never enough<br />

time, until you actually do it, and then, magically,<br />

somehow there is,” Shane says. “Unless you<br />

make time for these kinds <strong>of</strong> things, I think<br />

you can go through life missing out on some<br />

wonderful opportunities. I’ve met so many<br />

incredible people through my volunteer involvement<br />

with the pr<strong>of</strong>ession, and it feels like I<br />

get a lot more out <strong>of</strong> it than I could possibly be<br />

putting in.”<br />

Still, he admits it isn’t easy: “Obviously these<br />

commitments have come at the expense <strong>of</strong> time<br />

with my family. My wife Gail has been exceedingly<br />

supportive <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> my endeavours, in all areas,<br />

and I am fortunate to be with someone so<br />

understanding. I couldn’t do this without her.<br />

I also feel fortunate to have worked with Scott<br />

Sinclair and Tim Duholke [both FCAs], who<br />

were—and continue to be—great role models as<br />

CAs who give more to the pr<strong>of</strong>ession than they<br />

take.”<br />

While the same can be said for Shane, he is<br />

quick to share any kudos with others.<br />

“It was incredibly kind <strong>of</strong> someone to nominate<br />

me for the Ritchie McCloy Award, but there are<br />

many others at the <strong>Institute</strong> who are equally, if<br />

not more, deserving,” he says. “That being said,<br />

it does feel nice to be appreciated.”<br />

“I’ve met so many incredible<br />

people through my volunteer<br />

involvement with the pr<strong>of</strong>ession,<br />

and it feels like I get a lot more<br />

out <strong>of</strong> it than I could possibly be<br />

putting in.”<br />

aic_bc_beyond_numbers(december2011)_Layout 1 12/8/2011 10:19 AM Page 1<br />

We Value Canada<br />

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better than an educated<br />

guess is an educated answer.<br />

You can’t afford to guess when it comes to property portfolios.<br />

Consult an AIC designated member to ensure you have the<br />

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210 - 10451 Shellbridge Way<br />

Richmond, British Columbia V6X 2W8<br />

Tel: (604) 284-5515 • Fax: (604) 284-5514<br />

info@appraisal.bc.ca • www.appraisal.bc.ca<br />

Appraisal <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> Canada<br />

British Columbia<br />

Advisory Services | Consultation | Due Diligence | Feasibility Studies | Valuation<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 21


Working, Living, and Investing<br />

in Regional <strong>BC</strong> in 2011<br />

By Marlyn Chisholm<br />

In 2011, most <strong>of</strong> the province saw improved fortunes. Overall, exports grew, and both the goods and services sectors saw modest but positive employment<br />

gains. Lumber exports continued to recover, and for the first time coal was <strong>BC</strong>’s top export. Electricity and other energy exports also climbed, although<br />

the value <strong>of</strong> natural gas declined due to lackluster prices. And while there were signs <strong>of</strong> a recovery in the US, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>’s export growth occurred in the<br />

Pacific Rim—particularly the fast-growing Chinese and South Korean markets. Between 2008 and 2011, the Pacific Rim’s share <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>’s exports grew from<br />

32% to 43%; the US share declined from 56% to 43% during this same time period.<br />

Overall, our provincial economy has recovered from the recession <strong>of</strong> 2008-09. Looking forward into <strong>2012</strong>, it is expected the province will continue to see<br />

modest economic growth, building on last year’s export gains. Surging world demand for <strong>BC</strong> coal and minerals, and some major infusions <strong>of</strong> investment<br />

capital on both public and private sector projects will drive this growth, however tighter fiscal policy and slowing housing market activity are expected to<br />

suppress these forces to some degree.<br />

Working in Regional <strong>BC</strong><br />

Job Creation<br />

Last year, <strong>BC</strong>’s employed labour force grew by 18,200, to reach 2.28 million. This number sits above the province’s pre-recession high. The service sector<br />

accounted for 74% <strong>of</strong> this growth.<br />

The Mainland/Southwest enjoyed the largest absolute increase in employment, with 30,700 new jobs. This was largely dominated by growth in the goodsproducing<br />

sector, with increased employment in construction and other resource industries.<br />

The second-largest job gains occurred in Northwest <strong>BC</strong> (the Nechako and North Coast combined), with 2,900 new employed workers, while the Kootenays<br />

ranked third, with a gain <strong>of</strong> 2,700 jobs. Growth in both <strong>of</strong> these regions was led by employment gains in the service sector.<br />

The Thompson-Okanagan and Vancouver Island/Coast were the only regions that saw employment losses in 2011, with declines <strong>of</strong> 2,500 and 16,700<br />

respectively. Job losses in the Thompson-Okanagan occurred primarily in the resource and agriculture sectors. In the Vancouver Island/Coast region, stagnant<br />

population growth and a slowdown in capital investment and construction activity all contributed to a regional economic slowdown. The greatest losses were<br />

concentrated in the service sector, and occurred outside <strong>of</strong> the Victoria Census Metropolitan Area.<br />

Table 1: Employment in All Development Regions, 2006-2011 (000s)<br />

Job Creation (000)<br />

Region 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 5-Year 1-Year<br />

2006-11 2010-11<br />

Cariboo 82.8 85.0 83.5 75.5 80.3 81.2 -1.6 0.9<br />

Kootenay 68.4 76.7 71.6 71.0 69.4 72.1 3.7 2.7<br />

Mainland/Southwest 1306.2 1357.6 1382.9 1369.2 1388.4 1419.1 112.9 30.7<br />

Northwest <strong>BC</strong> 42.8 42.0 44.8 41.5 40.4 43.3 0.5 2.9<br />

Northeast 34.0 37.0 37.7 35.8 37.0 37.2 3.2 0.2<br />

Thompson-Okanagan 247.6 250.4 256.6 248.0 257.2 254.7 7.1 -2.5<br />

Vancouver Island/Coast 365.5 373.9 389.3 377.0 383.8 367.1 1.6 -16.7<br />

British Columbia 2,147.2 2,222.6 2,266.4 2,217.9 2,256.5 2,274.7 127.5 18.2<br />

Goods 453.8 483.5 490.9 438.8 442.7 447.4 -6.4 4.7<br />

Services 1,693.4 1,739.0 1,775.6 1,779.1 1,813.8 1,827.2 133.8 13.4<br />

Source: Statistics Canada<br />

Unemployment<br />

After peaking at 7.7% in 2009, <strong>BC</strong>’s unemployment rate declined slowly over the next two years, to reach 7.5% in 2011. In March <strong>2012</strong>, the provincial<br />

unemployment rate was 7.0%, well below the rate <strong>of</strong> March 2011 (8.0%).<br />

All <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>’s Development Regions saw their unemployment rates decline in 2011, with the one exception being Vancouver Island/Coast. The greatest<br />

improvement took place in the Northeast, where estimated unemployment declined by 1.9 percentage points (ppt) to reach 4.9%—a reflection <strong>of</strong> strong<br />

economic activity and a tight labour market—and the Kootenay’s rate declined by 1.1 ppt, to reach 8.2%. The Thompson-Okanagan ranked third, with a<br />

decline in its unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> 0.7 ppt, but this decline was caused by a significant number <strong>of</strong> workers leaving the labour market.<br />

Due to the number <strong>of</strong> lost jobs in 2011, the unemployment rate in the Vancouver Island/Coast rose by 1.4 ppt to reach 7.7%, its highest level since 2004.<br />

22 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Table 2: Unemployment Rate in All Development Regions, 2006-2011<br />

Percentage point<br />

change<br />

Region 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 5-Year 1-Year<br />

2006-11 2010-11<br />

Cariboo 6.1 5.1 6.7 12.1 8.1 7.6 1.5 -0.5<br />

Kootenay 6.2 5.5 4.9 8.7 9.3 8.2 2.0 -1.1<br />

Mainland/Southwest 4.5 4.0 4.3 7.2 7.6 7.3 2.8 -0.3<br />

Northwest <strong>BC</strong> 6.8 8.1 7.8 10.6 10.2 8.6 1.8 -1.6<br />

Northeast 1 3.7 2.1 4.8 7 6.8 4.9 1.2 -1.9<br />

Thompson-Okanagan 5 4.4 5.5 8.8 8.6 7.9 2.9 -0.7<br />

Vancouver Island/Coast 4.9 4.3 4.4 7.3 6.3 7.7 2.8 1.4<br />

British Columbia 4.8 4.3 4.6 7.7 7.6 7.5 2.7 -0.1<br />

Source: Statistics Canada<br />

In 2011, four Development Regions saw the youth unemployment rate decline, particularly in the north, where resource-related jobs were plentiful.<br />

Investing in Regional <strong>BC</strong><br />

Business and investment activity<br />

According to the <strong>BC</strong> Major Projects Inventory (MPI), in the fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 2011 there were 542 major projects proposed in <strong>BC</strong>, <strong>of</strong> which 349 had broken<br />

ground. The approximate value <strong>of</strong> these projects was $189.7 billion. 2 Residential/commercial projects accounted for half <strong>of</strong> all projects cited in the MPI, 3<br />

with the remaining occurring in utilities, transportation and warehousing, public services, energy and mining, manufacturing, and other services. 4<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the projects proposed or underway last year were concentrated in the more heavily populated Mainland/Southwest, Vancouver Island/Coast, and<br />

Thompson-Okanagan Development Regions, with these regions accounting for approximately 62% <strong>of</strong> all estimated capital investments in <strong>BC</strong>. 5<br />

In the Mainland/Southwest, commercial and residential investments accounted for 64% <strong>of</strong> all major projects. In comparison, in the Cariboo, North Coast,<br />

Nechako, and Northeast Development Regions the mineral, oil and gas sectors comprised 77% <strong>of</strong> all investments.<br />

While the absolute number <strong>of</strong> resource-related projects is small compared to the proliferation <strong>of</strong> residential/commercial projects in <strong>BC</strong>, the former are<br />

expected to generate considerable economic activity during their construction and operation. Direct provincial tax revenues from the existing natural<br />

resources industry are projected to be $2.986 billion in <strong>2012</strong>/2013, or 7% <strong>of</strong> all <strong>BC</strong> government revenue. 6 Activity in the province’s resource sector is expected<br />

to continue to grow over the next few years, particularly as demand for these products increases.<br />

Incorporations 7<br />

Between 2010 and 2011, <strong>BC</strong>’s business incorporations rose by 1.8%, to reach 30,844. This increase reflected strengthened investor and entrepreneurial<br />

confidence in most regions <strong>of</strong> the province. While five <strong>of</strong> the eight Development Regions saw positive growth in this indicator, the provincial average was<br />

buoyed by strong growth in the Nechako, North Coast, and Northeast. The most dramatic increase in business incorporations occurred in the North Coast,<br />

which recorded a one-year increase <strong>of</strong> 23.7%. The Nechako and Northeast experienced 12.5% and 11.5% gains in this indicator respectively, a signal that<br />

many entrepreneurs saw merit in starting businesses in these regions.<br />

The Kootenay, Thompson-Okanagan, and Vancouver Island/Coast experienced small declines in this indicator, marking the fourth year in a row that these<br />

regions have remained at levels below their 2007 peak.<br />

continued on page 30<br />

1<br />

Values for 2011 have been estimated because <strong>of</strong> data suppression below 1,500.<br />

2<br />

<strong>BC</strong> Major Projects Inventory, December 2011. This estimate excludes the capital cost <strong>of</strong> projects that were completed or on hold.<br />

3<br />

“All projects” includes those that were proposed, started, completed, and on hold as <strong>of</strong> December 2011.<br />

4<br />

Ibid.<br />

5<br />

<strong>BC</strong> Major Projects Inventory, December 2011. This estimate excludes the capital cost <strong>of</strong> projects that were completed or on hold.<br />

6<br />

British Columbia Ministry <strong>of</strong> Finance, Budget and Fiscal Plan, <strong>2012</strong>/13 to 2014/15, Table 1-8, Revenue by Source. February 21, <strong>2012</strong>. Includes oil and gas,<br />

minerals, energy.<br />

7<br />

Bankruptcies are not discussed because data for 2011 is unavailable until later in <strong>2012</strong>.<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 23


Making the Most <strong>of</strong> Your<br />

Retirement<br />

By PPC Canada<br />

A note from Member Services: The <strong>Institute</strong> provides its members and students, as<br />

well as their immediate family members, with a number <strong>of</strong> benefits through PPC<br />

Canada’s Employee and Family Assistance Program. Most members are aware <strong>of</strong><br />

the provision <strong>of</strong> confidential counselling services; however, there are many other<br />

free and confidential services available under this benefit program.<br />

The PPC series in Beyond Numbers is intended to highlight these services. Our May<br />

instalment <strong>of</strong>fered tips for coping with stress. This latest instalment explains how<br />

planning ahead can make for a much more satisfying retirement.<br />

For more information about PPC and your member benefits, visit the ICA<strong>BC</strong><br />

website at www.ica.bc.ca/ppc. To book services, contact PPC directly at<br />

www.ca.ppcworldwide.com or call 1-800-663-9099. To access the online health<br />

and wellness tools, use the following log-in on the PPC website: username: “healthy”;<br />

password: “living”; key code for e-counselling: “healthyliving.”<br />

As you know, there are many different ways to spend your retirement years—from travelling<br />

across the country in a motor-home to volunteering abroad. Perhaps you’ve already started<br />

your retirement planning, and have explored different financial options to ensure that you<br />

can live comfortably after you retire. But have you considered “practising” retirement in advance <strong>of</strong> the<br />

actual thing?<br />

Regardless <strong>of</strong> how happy the thought <strong>of</strong> retirement makes you, or how eager you are to start your next<br />

adventure, it’s important to remember that retirement is a major life change, and one that can be<br />

overwhelming. So before you enter, <strong>of</strong>ficially, into this new phase <strong>of</strong> life and jump into a new schedule<br />

or commit yourself to new activities, it would be wise to “practise” your retirement lifestyle first. In<br />

doing so, you may learn that you prefer a boat to an RV, or would rather stay close to your grandkids<br />

than make a permanent move to Arizona.<br />

Start planning<br />

When planning for your retirement, it helps to think in blocks <strong>of</strong> two to five years. This will give you<br />

room to experience a lifestyle and make adjustments as needed. You may like to go hiking, but after<br />

two to five years, will you have had your fill? By breaking retirement into separate increments, you also<br />

give yourself the liberty to explore completely different options.<br />

In prioritizing these plans, be sure to consider your physical condition or any specific health considerations<br />

that may arise. For example, you might want fit any activities that require a high level <strong>of</strong><br />

physical stamina into the first few years <strong>of</strong> retirement, when you are likely to have more energy. Of<br />

course, there are those who defy the odds, and run marathons well into their 80s!<br />

Take action<br />

Even if you are years away from retirement, you can still take some action now. Just as you should<br />

begin planning financially for retirement years in advance, so should you begin planning what you will<br />

do with your time. Consider all aspects <strong>of</strong> retirement by asking yourself the following questions:<br />

• Where will I live? For some retirees, retirement means moving to a new location. Some want to be<br />

closer to family, and some simply want to escape the cold. You may be dreaming <strong>of</strong> a home in the<br />

desert, on the water, or in the mountains, but ask yourself: Can I really live there year-round? Before<br />

committing to a new home, try out the area through smaller stays. Also:<br />

> Visit at different times during the year. If you’ve visited during the peak-touring season and have<br />

only seen your potential locale at its best, try to visit at other times <strong>of</strong> the year.<br />

> Consider the access or proximity to health care. It may sound ideal to live in a quiet, rural location,<br />

especially if you’ve lived in a fast-paced urban environment for many years; however, rural living can<br />

also have its disadvantages, particularly when it comes to amenities. Check to see where clinics or<br />

hospitals are located. In all likelihood, you will become more dependent on such facilities as you age.<br />

• Where will my spouse/partner be during<br />

this time? Will he/she be retiring at the same<br />

age? If not, how will we balance our schedules<br />

and plans?<br />

• What will I do with my time? This is undoubtedly<br />

a huge question, but it is important<br />

to explore your interests before making<br />

extensive plans that are focused in any one<br />

direction.<br />

> Develop your interests. If you’ve always<br />

wanted to learn a new hobby, test it out<br />

before retirement, because you may find<br />

that it isn’t as exciting or as fulfilling as you<br />

thought. Take some introductory classes<br />

now to find out what really interests you.<br />

> Practice the new lifestyle. You won’t know<br />

if you’ll be content engaging in your new<br />

activities until you try them out. Take a<br />

few days to practice being “retired” and<br />

focus solely on the activities you have in<br />

mind.<br />

· For example, if you plan to do extensive<br />

travelling in a motor-home, but have<br />

never taken a trip in an RV, rent a motorhome<br />

and try it out! You need to know<br />

what you’re getting into. You might love<br />

it, or you might discover that you don’t<br />

actually like driving a big vehicle very<br />

much. Better to find out before you<br />

invest in an RV!<br />

· Another example: If you’re thinking<br />

about channelling a lot <strong>of</strong> your energy<br />

into volunteerism, try out some opportunities<br />

now.<br />

> Figure out if there are any hobbies or<br />

activities that you and your spouse/partner<br />

could share in retirement.<br />

• Can I live within my budget? Living on a<br />

fixed budget may be a new experience for<br />

you. Calculate your living expenses, and<br />

practise living for a month or two within the<br />

limits that your retirement plan will allow.<br />

This experience should help you answer the<br />

following questions:<br />

> Can I maintain my desired lifestyle under<br />

this budget?<br />

> Will it allow me to take the trips I’ve<br />

planned?<br />

> Will it enable me to pay for my activities?<br />

If you find that your budget can’t accommodate<br />

your desired lifestyle, you’ll need to<br />

reassess some <strong>of</strong> your decisions. You still have<br />

time to explore other options, such as working<br />

part-time during retirement or saving more<br />

now.<br />

24 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Assess your retirement<br />

The great thing about “practising” retirement is<br />

that you can do it more than once to test out<br />

new ideas. Once you’ve done one or more trial<br />

runs, here are some follow-up questions to answer:<br />

• Is there anything missing in this lifestyle?<br />

• Does it feel balanced? Remember that these<br />

activities will not be breaks from the workday.<br />

• What does my spouse/partner think about<br />

these plans? Many couples discover that they<br />

have different perspectives when it comes to<br />

retirement. Anticipate differing opinions,<br />

and negotiate a compromise you can both<br />

live with.<br />

• What does my family think? Family members<br />

may have different assumptions/expectations<br />

regarding your retirement, so express your<br />

expectations clearly, and let them know what<br />

they can expect from you with regard to your<br />

time and availability.<br />

The freedom that comes from retirement can be<br />

overwhelming, but with a little preparation<br />

ahead <strong>of</strong> time, you’ll be able to make this transition<br />

a smooth one and discover the lifestyle that<br />

works best for you.<br />

PPC Canada can help you with<br />

your retirement planning!<br />

Did you know that, as member <strong>of</strong> the<br />

ICA<strong>BC</strong>, you—along with your immediate<br />

family members—are eligible to receive<br />

free pr<strong>of</strong>essional assistance in trying to<br />

help prepare for a life transition such as<br />

retirement?<br />

PPC Canada provides services to<br />

assist with all <strong>of</strong> life’s challenges. Below<br />

are some <strong>of</strong> the ways that PPC can<br />

assist you and your family:<br />

• Financial <strong>issue</strong>s: consultation with<br />

certified financial pr<strong>of</strong>essionals for<br />

<strong>issue</strong>s related to debt management<br />

and retirement planning.<br />

• Legal <strong>issue</strong>s: one-on-one<br />

consultations with a certified legal<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional and referrals.<br />

• Nutritional coaching: consultation<br />

and nutritional planning with a<br />

registered dietician.<br />

• Quitting smoking: PPC’s “Quitcare”<br />

program helps individuals to kick the<br />

habit with the help <strong>of</strong> trained coaches.<br />

• Counselling services: to assist you<br />

with the emotional side effects <strong>of</strong><br />

planning for retirement.<br />

CFO - $200,000 – Our candidate<br />

has excellent public company<br />

experience within the mining<br />

industry and is very familiar with<br />

operating mines and mineral<br />

exploration and development.<br />

They are seeking an opportunity<br />

within a similar industry where<br />

they will have the opportunity to<br />

oversee all <strong>of</strong> the financial functions<br />

for an organization, assist in<br />

strategic direction and act as a key<br />

resource and integral part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

senior management team. They<br />

are experienced with international<br />

travel and enjoy working in a public<br />

company environment.<br />

Director <strong>of</strong> Finance - $130,000<br />

– Our candidate has current<br />

experience within the hi-tech and<br />

distribution sectors and would<br />

like to continue their career with a<br />

progressive organization. They are<br />

seeking an opportunity to oversee<br />

all <strong>of</strong> the financial functions for<br />

an organization and act as a key<br />

resource and integral part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

senior management team.<br />

Accounting Manager - $65,000 – A<br />

designated individual is looking<br />

for a position as an Accounting<br />

Manager with a growing company.<br />

They have solid experience gained<br />

in the manufacturing and forestry<br />

industries. This person has had<br />

exposure to supervision and experience<br />

preparing financial statements,<br />

yearend working papers,<br />

budgets, cash flows, etc.<br />

Intermediate Accountant - $48,000<br />

– A senior level student who is<br />

nearing completion <strong>of</strong> their program<br />

is seeking a new opportunity<br />

within a growing organization.<br />

They have a majority <strong>of</strong> their<br />

experience with high growth<br />

companies. They have experience<br />

in preparing balance sheet<br />

reconciliations, preparation <strong>of</strong><br />

journal entries, monthly accrual<br />

entries, assisting with the monthend<br />

preparation, regulatory remittances,<br />

etc.<br />

Accounts Payable Clerk - $40,000<br />

– This person has excellent experience<br />

with all facets <strong>of</strong> accounts<br />

payable including coding and<br />

inputting invoices, vendor followup,<br />

reconciling accounts, etc. This<br />

person is desirous <strong>of</strong> finding a<br />

position with a larger organization<br />

that can <strong>of</strong>fer a stable work environment.


Tax Traps & Tips<br />

Transfer Pricing: Latest Status Report<br />

By Gordon Denusik, CA, and Jason Evans<br />

Simple fact: If your company has cross-border transactions with related parties, your company<br />

has to address transfer pricing. And because it’s an area on which all tax authorities continue to<br />

focus their resources, transfer pricing (and, in particular, the consequences <strong>of</strong> a transfer pricing<br />

reassessment) is creating some sleepless nights for owner-managers, CFOs, and controllers.<br />

The purpose <strong>of</strong> this article is to pick up where “Transfer Pricing Audits Present Unique Challenges”<br />

(Beyond Numbers, May 2011) left <strong>of</strong>f, and provide you with more information that demonstrates the<br />

uniqueness <strong>of</strong> transfer pricing vis-a-vis other forms <strong>of</strong> tax, along with an update on some <strong>of</strong> latest<br />

developments in the transfer pricing world.<br />

Transfer pricing – secondary adjustments<br />

The concept <strong>of</strong> secondary adjustments is one <strong>of</strong> the unique characteristics <strong>of</strong> transfer pricing.<br />

When a taxpayer carries out transactions with non-resident companies and—on audit—is reassessed<br />

by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on the basis that the original terms and conditions were not<br />

representative <strong>of</strong> arm’s length pricing, the taxpayer faces not one, but two adjustments: the primary and<br />

secondary adjustments. The primary adjustment increases taxable income, thus resulting in additional<br />

income tax, related interest, and possibly penalties. The secondary adjustment is a deemed dividend,<br />

for which withholding tax (per Part XIII <strong>of</strong> the Income Tax Act or Act) and related interest and penalties<br />

apply.<br />

The premise behind the secondary adjustment or deemed dividend is to account for the benefit<br />

conferred on a non-resident participating in a transaction, if the non-resident is considered to have<br />

been overpaid for goods, services, or intangible property received by the company.<br />

Example: If a Canadian corporation buys goods from a related nonresident<br />

entity for $100, but the CRA reassesses for $20 on the basis<br />

that the arm’s length price was $80, the Canadian corporation is subject<br />

to the following adjustments:<br />

1. Primary adjustment: income tax and related interest on the $20<br />

taxable income – 30% <strong>of</strong> $20 = $6 plus interest and any penalties.<br />

2. Secondary adjustment: Part XIII withholding tax, and related interest and<br />

penalties on the $20 deemed dividend – 25% <strong>of</strong> $20 = $5 plus interest<br />

and penalties. (The 25% rate assumes no reduced tax treaty rate.)<br />

Total taxes on a $20 transfer pricing income adjustment= $11 plus<br />

interest and any penalties.<br />

Taxpayers are <strong>of</strong>ten surprised by the application <strong>of</strong> the secondary adjustment. Not only can the total<br />

tax, interest, and penalties arising from the secondary adjustment be significant—the CRA can also<br />

start collection actions on the entire amount owing even if the taxpayer is objecting to the primary<br />

adjustment. Further, because the secondary adjustment is a deemed dividend and not an actual<br />

dividend, any Canadian withholding tax is generally not eligible for a foreign tax credit in the other<br />

jurisdiction.<br />

Federal budget proposes<br />

changes to secondary<br />

adjustments<br />

The <strong>2012</strong> federal budget announced on March<br />

29, <strong>2012</strong>, proposes to clarify the tax implications<br />

<strong>of</strong>, and ambiguities regarding, secondary adjustments<br />

in transfer pricing transactions.<br />

Currently, for example, it is not entirely clear<br />

in certain scenarios whether the provisions <strong>of</strong><br />

the Act that create the deemed dividend interact<br />

properly with the obligations to withhold tax. As<br />

an example, consider transfer pricing adjustments<br />

that involve a transaction between a Canadian<br />

company and a related sister corporation. Does<br />

the Act allow the CRA to impose a deemed<br />

dividend under such a scenario? If so, is it by<br />

way <strong>of</strong> the ultimate parent directing the global<br />

intercompany arrangements, thus conferring a<br />

benefit? And, if the parent conferred the benefit,<br />

which treaty is relevant for the reduced withholding<br />

tax—the treaty <strong>of</strong> the parent company<br />

(which may have directed the global intercompany<br />

arrangements) or the treaty <strong>of</strong> the other party to<br />

the transaction?<br />

New proposed paragraphs to section 247 <strong>of</strong><br />

the Act would provide the necessary and clear<br />

interaction to allow the CRA to impose secondary<br />

adjustments (i.e. deemed dividends) in all<br />

scenarios, even the example above. The only<br />

exception would be where the other transacting<br />

party is a controlled foreign affiliate <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Canadian corporation; in this case, the benefit<br />

conferred on the non-resident would be more<br />

akin to a capital contribution than a dividend,<br />

and no deemed dividend/secondary adjustment<br />

would arise for the Canadian corporation.<br />

The <strong>2012</strong> budget proposals also provide clarity<br />

as to which non-resident is deemed to have<br />

received the dividend. The proposals state that<br />

the treaty <strong>of</strong> the non-resident who is party to<br />

the transaction—not the treaty <strong>of</strong> the parent<br />

company—is the relevant one in determining<br />

withholding tax on the deemed dividend. This<br />

clarification could result in higher withholding<br />

taxes, as the other party to the transaction (for<br />

example, a foreign sister company) may not have<br />

sufficient share ownership in the Canadian<br />

entity to qualify for the most reduced treaty rate<br />

for dividends.<br />

For example, imagine a scenario in which the<br />

adjustment arises from a transaction with a sister<br />

company in Mexico, and where the ultimate<br />

parent <strong>of</strong> both the Canadian and Mexican<br />

companies is a US company. Under the budget<br />

proposals, there would be a 15% withholding<br />

tax on the deemed dividend. This 15% rate<br />

would be applied because <strong>of</strong> the Canada/Mexico<br />

treaty, and because the Mexican company does<br />

26 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


not have any shareholding in the Canadian<br />

company. Without the budget proposals, the<br />

withholding tax may only be 5%, on the basis<br />

that: a) the US parent conferred a benefit to<br />

Mexico, b) the arrangement falls under the<br />

Canada/US treaty, and c) the US has shareholdings<br />

in the Canadian company.<br />

The budget proposals provide for the taxpayer<br />

to have the transfer pricing adjustment repatriated<br />

in order to avoid the application <strong>of</strong> withholding<br />

tax, and to avoid the interest that would<br />

otherwise be payable on the withholding tax<br />

reassessment (note: certain action steps would be<br />

required to demonstrate repatriation). However,<br />

this potential relief from secondary adjustments<br />

would be subject to the “concurrence <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Minister.” In other words, the CRA would<br />

have the leeway to make the ultimate decision.<br />

Currently, it is CRA administrative practice<br />

to allow repatriation <strong>of</strong> a transfer pricing<br />

adjustment, and thus enable taxpayers to avoid<br />

the assessment <strong>of</strong> the secondary adjustment,<br />

only if—among other conditions—the taxpayer<br />

agrees not to appeal the primary transfer pricing<br />

income tax adjustment. As for taxpayers who<br />

wish to proceed with repatriation under the new<br />

measures to avoid the secondary adjustments,<br />

we are not sure what criteria the CRA would<br />

impose in order to give its concurrence.<br />

The new measures discussed above would<br />

apply to transactions that occur on or after<br />

March 29, <strong>2012</strong>.<br />

Downward adjustments at the<br />

discretion <strong>of</strong> the CRA<br />

The budget proposal to give the CRA the<br />

decision-making power to grant repatriation<br />

is <strong>of</strong> concern to tax practitioners given the<br />

experiences taxpayers have had with downward<br />

adjustments via Subsection 247(10) <strong>of</strong> the Act.<br />

Generally, if your company discovers an error<br />

subsequent to filing an income tax return, you<br />

can simply file an amended return to correct the<br />

error (information circulars 75-7r3 and 84-1<br />

provide guidance on this). However, for transfer<br />

pricing, Subsection 247(10) <strong>of</strong> the Act states<br />

that no downward transfer pricing adjustment<br />

shall be made unless “…in the opinion <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Minister, the circumstances are such that it<br />

would be appropriate that the adjustment be<br />

made.” In other words, the CRA has the authority<br />

to reject any taxpayer’s request to amend a previously<br />

filed income tax return where the request<br />

involves correcting the transfer pricing and<br />

producing a downward adjustment to taxable<br />

income. Throughout the country, the CRA has<br />

used its authority to reject requests made by<br />

taxpayers for downward adjustments.<br />

Ensure that your company’s transfer<br />

pricing is correct before filing the<br />

income tax return, because a “one-way<br />

street rule” applies after the tax return<br />

is filed. This means that only the tax<br />

authority can make favourable transfer<br />

pricing adjustments.<br />

This “one-way street rule”—where the authority, and not the taxpayer, is allowed to make favourable<br />

transfer pricing adjustments after a tax return is filed—is not unique to Canada. Similar rules apply in<br />

other countries, including the US. Specifically, 1.482-1(a)(3) <strong>of</strong> the US Transfer Pricing Regulations<br />

states: “…no timely or amended returns will be permitted to decrease taxable income based on<br />

allocations or other adjustments with respect to controlled transactions.” Moreover, a decision by the<br />

US Court <strong>of</strong> Federal Claims (Intersport Fashions West, Inc. v. United States) earlier this calendar year<br />

emphasizes the inability to amend the transfer pricing after a return has been filed. The Internal<br />

Revenue Service (IRS) had rejected a taxpayer’s claim to amend its return to correct a calculation error<br />

in transfer pricing, and the Claims Court supported the IRS’s decision.<br />

Increased US transfer pricing audit activity<br />

While the CRA has always been very active in conducting transfer pricing audits, IRS activity in this<br />

area generally used to be limited to very large multinationals, with very large cross-border transactions.<br />

This has changed over the last few years, with the IRS acquiring additional resources.<br />

As a result, the likelihood <strong>of</strong> Canadian-owned US subsidiaries being contacted by the IRS and<br />

subjected to IRS transfer pricing audits has increased. And it is not only the IRS that may scrutinize<br />

transfer pricing—US states have become more active as well. In fact, a number <strong>of</strong> US states—for<br />

example, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Louisiana—have even gone as far to retain the services <strong>of</strong> outside<br />

transfer pricing consultants to conduct examinations on their behalf. What’s frightening about this<br />

scenario is that, typically, these consultants are being compensated on a contingency basis—in other<br />

words, they’re being paid a percentage <strong>of</strong> any amounts ultimately collected on adjustments they’ve<br />

proposed.<br />

The upshot? You’ve always had to be ready for a CRA transfer pricing audit; now, you may also have<br />

to be ready for a US federal or even US state transfer pricing audit.<br />

More news on the horizon: Supreme Court decision on Glaxo<br />

In January <strong>2012</strong>, the Supreme Court <strong>of</strong> Canada heard one <strong>of</strong> the most important transfer pricing<br />

cases in Canada to date, The Queen v. GlaxoSmithKline Inc. The Supreme Court will likely render its<br />

decision on the case later this year. This decision should provide helpful guidance on how to interpret<br />

and apply Canada’s transfer pricing law, including clarification as to whether the “reasonable business<br />

person test” should play a role in transfer pricing. You can expect to hear more about this case, and<br />

about transfer pricing in general, in a future <strong>issue</strong> <strong>of</strong> Beyond Numbers.<br />

Gordon Denusik, CA, and Jason Evans both work with the Transfer Pricing Group <strong>of</strong> KPMG LLP in<br />

Vancouver. Denusik is a partner and Evans is a senior manager.<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 27


Financial Facts & Money Matters<br />

Wealth Management – Discover What You<br />

Don’t Know About Your Clients<br />

By Tanner Philp, CA, CIM<br />

Editor’s note: This article is the second in a five-part series on wealth management<br />

<strong>issue</strong>s by Tanner Philp (Part 1 was our May <strong>2012</strong> cover story). Look for Part 3 to<br />

appear in the October <strong>issue</strong> <strong>of</strong> Beyond Numbers in our Financial Facts & Money<br />

Matters column.<br />

In my first article on wealth management <strong>issue</strong>s, I provided context and a framework to help clients<br />

develop a strategic roadmap to financial well-being. In this and subsequent articles, I will provide<br />

greater detail on what I view as the fundamental building blocks <strong>of</strong> a good wealth management plan.<br />

The expression “early queen deployment” comes from the game <strong>of</strong> chess and references a tendency<br />

<strong>of</strong> novices to launch the game’s most powerful piece prematurely. This mistake <strong>of</strong>ten leads to their<br />

downfall. As technical subject-matter experts, I believe we have a tendency to fall into this trap when<br />

working with clients. I have observed that pr<strong>of</strong>essionals such as CAs, lawyers, and investment managers<br />

are <strong>of</strong>ten eager to impress their clients with their technical prowess, and sometimes do so without<br />

context and before giving the client an opportunity to fully articulate their most pressing needs. This is<br />

classic early queen deployment—acting without knowledge <strong>of</strong> the entire landscape.<br />

It is understandable that advisors <strong>of</strong>ten default to their own areas <strong>of</strong> expertise when helping<br />

clients. For example, a CA might think the best first step with a client is creating a tax planning<br />

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strategy; for a lawyer, it might be creating a<br />

creditor management structure; and for an investment<br />

manager, it might be determining asset<br />

mix. Each advisor tends to rush into their area <strong>of</strong><br />

expertise, believing it ought to be the highest<br />

priority for clients. However, advisors might not<br />

know what their clients’ highest priorities are<br />

and, if so, risk misdirecting them.<br />

In my first article, I discussed the need to build<br />

an after-tax cash flow model for clients to<br />

understand their future cash inflows and outlays.<br />

Planning and risk mitigation opportunities<br />

naturally emerge from such a cash flow model,<br />

which provides missing context for assessing<br />

the need for and ROI <strong>of</strong> wealth management<br />

strategies. Cash flow models are built from<br />

assumptions <strong>of</strong> the future—sometimes called<br />

variables. In order to determine these variables,<br />

or at least a proxy, we need to engage in a<br />

detailed discovery process with clients.<br />

As logical as this may sound, it is worth reiterating<br />

here that advisors regularly fall prey to<br />

early queen deployment. If you want to create<br />

value-add and lasting relationships with your<br />

clients, you need to unlock their dreams and<br />

fears before discussing solutions.<br />

Components <strong>of</strong> discovery<br />

The goal <strong>of</strong> discovery is to amass sufficient<br />

information about a client to help build a wealth<br />

management plan that takes into consideration the<br />

client’s unique circumstances. Any experienced<br />

advisor will tell you that there are no cookiecutter<br />

families—each one is unique. With that<br />

in mind, here’s a laundry list <strong>of</strong> some areas<br />

to learn about, which may indicate planning<br />

opportunities or risks to mitigate. Given the<br />

breadth <strong>of</strong> information that makes up a family<br />

picture, this is certainly not an exhaustive list;<br />

rather, these are some <strong>of</strong> the areas that I believe<br />

are more frequently relevant:<br />

• Family dynamics: May include work/home<br />

roles, marital break-ups, prior relationships,<br />

inheritance, problem children or extended<br />

family, disabled dependents, health-care needs,<br />

and more. This topic can be a minefield, so<br />

tread carefully. That said, using a wealth<br />

management tool to solve a family <strong>issue</strong> for a<br />

client can create a significantly greater sense<br />

<strong>of</strong> allegiance than solving an <strong>issue</strong> that’s<br />

purely financial.<br />

• Business ownership: May include capital<br />

structures, operational plans, succession<br />

plans, exit strategies, management teams, and<br />

more. Understanding how a business is<br />

owned and run can indicate opportunities to<br />

integrate personal and corporate planning,<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten related to tax planning and creditor<br />

BeyondNumbers-ad-square_<strong>2012</strong>.04.10.indd 1<br />

28 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong><br />

4/18/12 11:18:03 AM


management. Ultimately, helping a client<br />

monetize a business may be the best solution<br />

to all <strong>issue</strong>s.<br />

• Real estate: May include ownership structures,<br />

principal residences, vacation properties,<br />

investments, liquidity, and more. Understanding<br />

real estate holdings can reveal<br />

opportunities to balance risks across the<br />

broader range <strong>of</strong> a client’s assets, and can lead<br />

to potential tax planning opportunities and<br />

risks (for example, US vacation properties).<br />

This is <strong>of</strong>ten balanced with personal use <strong>of</strong><br />

property.<br />

• Charitable giving: May include interests,<br />

available structures, quantum, timing, and<br />

more. Often, the burning question is how<br />

much a client can afford to give. Cash flow<br />

modelling and understanding taxable benefits<br />

and control structures is vital. However,<br />

these technical points have to be balanced<br />

with the client’s goal to give back to their<br />

community in a meaningful way, as defined<br />

by the client.<br />

• Retirement plans: May include activities,<br />

lifestyle, expenditure needs, sources <strong>of</strong> capital,<br />

and more. The information collected on this<br />

topic forms the basis for the cash inflow and<br />

outflow assumptions in the important after-tax,<br />

cash flow model. When it comes to expenditures<br />

and income streams, “How much? and<br />

“When?” are vital variables.<br />

• Risk appetite: This is the client’s willingness<br />

to take tax-planning risk, creditor risk, and<br />

investment risk. Perception and reaction to<br />

risk indicates the available set <strong>of</strong> wealth<br />

management solutions—from mundane to<br />

aggressive. If an advisor doesn’t have a good<br />

read on their client’s risk appetite, they risk<br />

compromising the relationship every time<br />

they recommend a course <strong>of</strong> action.<br />

Each <strong>of</strong> the items listed above can yield myriad<br />

planning opportunities. For example: If a client<br />

has entered into a second marriage while raising<br />

kids from the first marriage, there may be a need<br />

for a testamentary trust in the estate plan; a<br />

business without a successor may indicate<br />

the need for an exit plan; a disabled child may<br />

indicate the need for a disability trust; and so on<br />

and so forth. These ideas are not products—they<br />

are solutions to risks and opportunities identified<br />

during the discovery process. This customized<br />

approach, based on a deep discovery process, is<br />

what sets excellent advisors apart from the pack.<br />

“If you want to create value-add and<br />

lasting relationships with your clients,<br />

you need to unlock their dreams and<br />

fears before discussing solutions.”<br />

Tips for discovery<br />

Because clients don’t walk around with a dossier containing the pertinent information needed to help<br />

them, discovery can be a difficult process. Advisors will need to work to get this information. In some<br />

cases, it can take years to fully understand a client. Openly conferring with other advisors is valuable<br />

during this process, and it is always interesting to hear what different advisors take from the same<br />

conversation.<br />

Here are some tips to engage in discovery with your clients:<br />

• Use open-ended questions where possible, and keep closed-ended questions that result in yes/no<br />

answers to the minimum required. “What are your plans in retirement?” is likely to elicit a more<br />

engaging response than: “Do you plan to travel in retirement?” The latter can easily be answered<br />

with one word.<br />

• Avoid the use <strong>of</strong> double-barrelled and leading questions that can eat up valuable time and<br />

make the client feel like they need to conform to your expectations. For example, here’s a leading<br />

question: “Given that you are tight for cash and have to support your kids, do you think you will<br />

travel much?”<br />

• Follow the bouncing ball. If a client wants to talk about a particular item, let them. Ask questions<br />

that continue the conversation along that path until you feel it has been exhausted. Having a reference<br />

list <strong>of</strong> questions can be useful, but don’t be so regimented that you miss a learning opportunity—the<br />

client’s answer to the first question will usually tell you what to ask next, and so on. Also, don’t feel<br />

that you need to learn everything in one meeting. As mentioned earlier, discovery takes time.<br />

• Talk with other advisors to fill in missing pieces <strong>of</strong> information. Again, clients are not necessarily<br />

good at giving the information advisors actually need. This information usually trickles out over<br />

longer periods <strong>of</strong> time, and not usually to the same person.<br />

• Visit clients at their home, at least some <strong>of</strong> the time. When you are at a client’s home, you can<br />

observe some <strong>of</strong> the intimate aspects <strong>of</strong> their life. Ask them about the picture <strong>of</strong> their grandchildren<br />

on the wall and follow the bouncing ball: “Have you considered providing some funding for their<br />

education?” A positive response indicates potential value in several solutions: family trust planning,<br />

RESPs, and estate planning, to name a few.<br />

• Socialize with clients, as appropriate. Spending time with clients in a casual setting provides<br />

an opportunity to talk about matters other than business, and that’s when the really important<br />

information emerges.<br />

On the road to a wealth management plan...<br />

A detailed and thoughtful discovery plan, generated over time, provides the necessary information to<br />

design and implement a strategic wealth management plan. In my next article, I’ll bridge from discovery<br />

to the next important step in wealth management: building an after-tax cash flow model.<br />

Tanner Philp, CA, CIM, is an investment counsellor at R<strong>BC</strong> PH&N Investment Counsel in Vancouver,<br />

where he is responsible for providing wealth and discretionary investment management solutions to private<br />

clients.<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 29


PD News<br />

JUNE-JULY PD PROGRAM<br />

For detailed course descriptions or a complete<br />

schedule <strong>of</strong> upcoming PD seminars, consult<br />

your spring <strong>2012</strong> PD catalogue or visit our website<br />

at www.icabc-pd.com. To register, call the<br />

PD department at 604-681-3264.<br />

Spring/Summer Conferences<br />

Information Technology Conference<br />

<strong>June</strong> 14-15, 8:30am-4:30pm<br />

Vancouver Convention Centre West<br />

CAs in Industry PD Day<br />

<strong>June</strong> 19, 8:30am-5pm<br />

Vancouver Convention Centre West<br />

Victoria CA Conference Day<br />

<strong>June</strong> 21, 8:30am-5pm<br />

Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa<br />

Our popular conferences provide members<br />

with the most efficient way to obtain<br />

practical information for use in the<br />

workplace. A complete list <strong>of</strong> topics and<br />

conference speakers will be provided in<br />

future mailings, as well as on our website<br />

at www.icabc-pd.com.<br />

Free Seminars for CAs<br />

Tax in the Current Time Zone<br />

<strong>June</strong> 20, 7:30-9:30am<br />

Vancouver Convention Centre West<br />

Understanding Financial Statements for<br />

Non-Financial Directors<br />

<strong>June</strong> 21, 8:00-9:30am<br />

Vancouver Convention Centre West<br />

Quality Control – How to Make It<br />

Work for You<br />

July 11, 8:00-10:00am<br />

Vancouver Convention Centre West<br />

These sessions are free for CA members<br />

only. Seats are limited, and preregistration<br />

is required. For more<br />

information, go to www.icabc-pd.com or<br />

email pdreg@ica.bc.ca to register.<br />

Accounting & Assurance<br />

Business Combinations for Private and<br />

Public Enterprises<br />

This seminar will provide guidance related to<br />

the accounting for business combinations in both<br />

the public and private enterprise environment.<br />

It will provide an understanding <strong>of</strong> Section<br />

1582/IFRS 3 in the application <strong>of</strong> the acquisition<br />

method, and the preparation <strong>of</strong> consolidated<br />

financial statements.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 14, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Wealth Management Tools and Practices<br />

This seminar will give pr<strong>of</strong>essional advisors the<br />

tools they need to help themselves or their clients<br />

develop personal financial plans; collaborate<br />

with other pr<strong>of</strong>essional advisors who provide<br />

financial advice; and help integrate clients’<br />

personal financial planning into their corporate<br />

and family affairs.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 12, 9am-12:30pm, Abbotsford<br />

<strong>June</strong> 14, 9am-12:30pm, Vancouver<br />

IFRS – Foreign Currency Translation<br />

This half-day seminar will provide practical<br />

guidance regarding the terminology and methodology<br />

<strong>of</strong> foreign currency translation under<br />

IAS 21 and IAS 29. It will highlight differences<br />

between IFRS and Canadian GAAP, using examples<br />

to enhance significant differences.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 15, 9am-12:30pm, Vancouver<br />

The CAS Audit <strong>of</strong> Simple Entities<br />

This seminar will provide practical guidance<br />

on how the CAS requirements can be applied<br />

proportionally to the audit <strong>of</strong> very small entities,<br />

and how to prepare documentation that complies<br />

with the CAS in a cost-effective manner. A case<br />

study using a micro not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>it organization<br />

will be used to reinforce the learning.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 18, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

ASPE: A Comparison to Part V<br />

This seminar will compare GAAP standards<br />

contained in CICA Handbook – Accounting Part V<br />

with those in Accounting Standards for Private<br />

Enterprises, now included in Part II <strong>of</strong> the CICA<br />

Handbook – Accounting. The objective <strong>of</strong> this<br />

course is to help participants understand what<br />

has and has not changed from current practice<br />

in all areas, and the impact <strong>of</strong> these changes on<br />

financial statements.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 21, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

July 5, 9am-5pm, Victoria<br />

Corporate Treasury Management<br />

The treasury function has evolved from cash<br />

management and insurance to funding strategy,<br />

complex risk-management techniques, and<br />

oversight <strong>of</strong> many aspects <strong>of</strong> corporate risk<br />

management and loss reduction. This seminar<br />

will provide participants with the tools needed<br />

to add value to the treasury function in their<br />

organizations.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 21, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

ASPE: A Survey <strong>of</strong> the Standards<br />

This seminar is designed for individuals seeking<br />

an in-depth, detailed review <strong>of</strong> ASPE. All<br />

ASPE Handbook sections will be reviewed and<br />

discussed in the material. The seminar will also<br />

feature an introduction on the changeover from<br />

GAAP to ASPE.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 25-26, 9am-5pm, Abbotsford<br />

July 12-13, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

IFRS – A Comparison to Part V<br />

This seminar will examine the major differences<br />

between CICA Handbook – Accounting Part V<br />

(pre-changeover GAAP) and CICA Handbook –<br />

Accounting Part I (IFRS) for pr<strong>of</strong>it-oriented<br />

entities. The focus will be on the IFRS with significant<br />

differences from pre-changeover Canadian<br />

GAAP.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 27, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Principles and Practices <strong>of</strong> Business<br />

Acquisitions<br />

This seminar will focus on the major considerations<br />

involved in analysing a possible acquisition,<br />

making a deal, financing the transaction, and<br />

operating the merged entity.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 27, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

ASPE: The Transition<br />

This half-day seminar will review the retrospective<br />

impacts <strong>of</strong> adopting ASPE. The measurement<br />

and recognition changes required or considered<br />

on adoption will be explored. The objective <strong>of</strong><br />

the course is to provide deeper knowledge and<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> the financial statement transition<br />

requirements <strong>of</strong> ASPE.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 28, 9am-12:30pm, Vancouver<br />

IFRS – A Survey <strong>of</strong> the Standards<br />

This seminar will provide a solid introduction<br />

to IFRS. Focus will be on IFRS that apply to<br />

most pr<strong>of</strong>it-oriented entities and that differ from<br />

Canadian GAAP. Note: The seminar will not<br />

provide a direct comparison with Canadian GAAP.<br />

July 5-6, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

30 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


IFRS – An Update<br />

IFRS standards are changing and it is important<br />

to keep abreast <strong>of</strong> recent developments. This<br />

half-day seminar will provide participants with a<br />

review <strong>of</strong> new and revised IFRS, and an up-todate<br />

snapshot <strong>of</strong> other projects being considered<br />

by IFRS standards setters.<br />

July 9, 9am-12:30pm, Vancouver<br />

Financing Strategies<br />

This seminar will provide an in-depth review <strong>of</strong><br />

the various forms <strong>of</strong> financing used to fund capital<br />

projects and acquisitions, or to restructure<br />

existing capital. By using real-life examples,<br />

identifying common pitfalls, and highlighting<br />

key elements and case studies, the seminar will<br />

put financial executives in a better position to<br />

seek out and negotiate with capital providers.<br />

July 10, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

PSAB 101<br />

This seminar will help participants understand<br />

the accounting recommendations <strong>of</strong> the Public<br />

Sector Accounting Board (PSAB). It will enable<br />

them to apply the recommendations in the<br />

preparation <strong>of</strong> government financial statements,<br />

and develop financial reporting in accordance<br />

with PSAB. The course will review the key<br />

recommendations in the PSAB Handbook, and<br />

a variety <strong>of</strong> examples will be used to help<br />

participants understand the application <strong>of</strong> these<br />

recommendations.<br />

July 12, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Management<br />

New: The Mobile Web for <strong>Accountants</strong><br />

This seminar will explore how financial pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />

can position themselves to take full<br />

advantage <strong>of</strong> portable Internet-connected devices<br />

such as smartphones and tablets. This information<br />

is especially relevant for accountants who,<br />

increasingly, are expected to be plugged in at all<br />

times, work on the fly, respond immediately,<br />

continuously monitor their clients, and collaborate<br />

at anytime from anywhere.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 18, 9am-12:30pm, Abbotsford<br />

July 25, 9am-12:30pm, Kelowna<br />

What’s Your Point? Present with Presence<br />

Whether you are standing onstage in front <strong>of</strong> a<br />

large audience, or sitting at a board room table<br />

or across a desk from a client, this workshop will<br />

help you get organized and deliver your message<br />

clearly and memorably.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 22, 9am-5pm, Victoria<br />

July 10, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Building Better Business Cases<br />

This seminar will give participants the tools they<br />

need to better evaluate and critically monitor<br />

capital expenditure (CAPEX) business cases. It<br />

will provide the knowledge and skills needed to<br />

help participants avoid making CAPEX business<br />

case flaws and errors.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 22, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Winning-Edge Negotiation Skills<br />

This seminar will teach you a proven, practical,<br />

step-by-step approach to win-win negotiations,<br />

and show you how to protect yourself from<br />

“hardball” negotiators. Learn how to win your<br />

opponent over, rather than win over your opponent.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 22, 9am-5pm, Victoria<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Presence<br />

In today’s world, we need to make a good first<br />

impression quickly, whether we’re communicating<br />

by email, voicemail, or face to face. This practical<br />

workshop will provide you with valuable skills<br />

to increase your effectiveness and your confidence<br />

in any situation, and will help you build<br />

better business relationships.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 26, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Project Management – Tips & Traps<br />

This seminar will take you through the steps to<br />

successfully implement project management. It<br />

is intended for senior managers who want to<br />

understand the applicability <strong>of</strong> this tool, and/or<br />

want to identify opportunities for improvement<br />

in their own organizations or in their clients’<br />

organizations.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 26, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

You’re Speaking: But Are You Connecting?<br />

In this seminar, you’ll learn how to make minor<br />

changes to your personal speaking style that will<br />

lead to a major improvement with each audience<br />

you address. You’ll come away with ideas and<br />

skills that will help you get results in less time.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 28, 9am-12:30pm, Vancouver<br />

Excel - Advanced<br />

Although many accountants consider themselves<br />

experts at using Excel, most are self-taught and do<br />

not use Excel to its full potential. This course is<br />

designed to take experienced, self-taught users to<br />

the next level. It will provide real world examples<br />

developed by accountants for accountants.<br />

July 16, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

New: Excel Boot Camp<br />

This course is an intensive, two-day program<br />

designed to take experienced, self-taught users <strong>of</strong><br />

Excel to the next level. It will provide real-world<br />

examples developed by accountants for accountants,<br />

and will cover features in Excel 2003,<br />

2007, and 2010.<br />

July 19-20, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Taxation<br />

Income Tax Refresher: Corporate Tax<br />

This two-day seminar will go beyond corporate<br />

tax preparation to review the personal and<br />

corporate tax-planning opportunities that are<br />

available for corporate taxpayers.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 22-23, 9am-5pm, Vancouver<br />

Basic Canadian Income Tax Issues in<br />

Cross-Border Transactions<br />

This half-day seminar will provide participants<br />

with a basic overview <strong>of</strong> several key <strong>issue</strong>s,<br />

including certain Canadian income tax reporting<br />

requirements relating to the taxation <strong>of</strong> transactions<br />

between Canadian companies and non-resident<br />

businesses.<br />

This seminar will be valuable to members in<br />

industry and practitioners who deal with, or expect<br />

to deal with, cross-border business transactions.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 26, 9am-12:30pm, Vancouver<br />

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do<br />

When a marriage or common law relationship<br />

ends, the division <strong>of</strong> family assets can be complicated.<br />

Learn how business and family assets are<br />

classified in family law, and the role you can play<br />

in advising both lawyers and clients effectively.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 26, 9am-12:30pm, Vancouver<br />

New: Canadian Resident Trusts & Estates<br />

with Non-Resident Beneficiaries<br />

The objective <strong>of</strong> this seminar is to help attendees<br />

understand the taxation <strong>issue</strong>s and reporting<br />

requirements for an estate or trust that is resident<br />

in Canada or deemed resident in Canada, where<br />

there are one or more beneficiaries who do not<br />

reside in Canada. Planning techniques to minimize<br />

taxation will be discussed.<br />

<strong>June</strong> 28, 7:30-9:30am, Vancouver<br />

Remember that our spring/summer<br />

program provides your last chance<br />

to use your 2011-<strong>2012</strong> PD passports,<br />

which expire July 31, <strong>2012</strong>. There are<br />

no carry-forward provisions for<br />

unused portions.<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 31


Plugged In: News for and about members & students<br />

Announcements<br />

Congratulations to our 50- and 60-year members!<br />

50-year members<br />

Mr Dennis E. Atkinson, CA<br />

Mr Robert H. Baker, CA<br />

Mr Ross E. Bird, CA<br />

Mr Robert D. Brawn, CA<br />

Mr Douglas K Bruce, CA<br />

Mr Irving A. Buckwold, CA<br />

Mr Malcolm A. Christie, CA<br />

Mr Arthur L. Cinnamon, CA<br />

Ms Sonja K. Clark, CA<br />

Mr A Brian W. Coleman, CA<br />

Mr Robin R. Cordwell, CA<br />

Mr Hugh A. Creighton, CA<br />

Mr Russell W. Daneluk, CA<br />

Mr Antony W. Dawson, CA<br />

Mr Kenneth M. Dye, FCA<br />

Mr Olaf M. Falkenhagen, CA<br />

Mr Charles A. Fiford, CA<br />

Mr Kenneth M Fleming, CA<br />

Mr Robert A. Food, CA<br />

Mr Lawrence Fox, CA<br />

Mr D. Stuart Fraser, CA<br />

Mr George R. Fraser, CA<br />

Mr James D. Gray, CA<br />

Ms Mavis J. Hadland, CA<br />

Mr Jack W. Halpin, CA<br />

Mr Harold B. Hancock<br />

Mr Barrie L. Henderson, CA<br />

60-year members<br />

Mr Walter E. Askin, CA<br />

Mr John R. Croll, FCA<br />

Mr Derek J. D. Falck, CA<br />

Mr John E. Goodwin, CA<br />

Mr Robert A. Gourlay, CA<br />

Mr Jeremy H. V. Hooper, CA<br />

Mrs Blanche A. Howard, CA<br />

Mr William G. Inkster, CA<br />

Mr Robert E. Jamison, FCA<br />

Mr Robert W. Johnson, CA<br />

Mr David A. Jones, CA<br />

Mr Sammy Kee, CA<br />

Mr Alan K. Kemp-Gee, CA<br />

Mr Irving M. Kirsch, CA<br />

Mr Paul R. Kissack, CA<br />

Mr Robert J. Koster, CA<br />

Mr Michael R. Kotchan, CA<br />

Mr Earl W. Large, CA<br />

Mr Kenneth W. Lepin, CA<br />

Mr Ian M. Lochhead, FCA<br />

Mr Raymond E. Lucas, CA<br />

Mr Frederick A. Marsh, CA<br />

Mr Hugh W. McAdams, CA<br />

Mr Brian R. McCreadie, CA<br />

Mr Fred McKave, CA<br />

Mr Alan R McKinlay, CA<br />

Mr E. Michael McMahon, FCA<br />

Mr Sultanali G. Mohamedani, CA<br />

Mr Roy A. Moore, CA<br />

Mr D Bruce Morris, CA<br />

Mr Leif S. Nordahl, CA<br />

Mr Earl V. Nordstrand, CA<br />

Mr Clifford J. Hill, CA<br />

Mr William G. Homenuk, CA<br />

Mr Stanley B. Jenkins, CA<br />

Mr Keith M. Lightbody, CA<br />

Mr Frank B. Mason, CA<br />

Mr Joseph M. Ostafichuk, CA<br />

Mr James A. H. Pearson, CA<br />

Mr George R. Pritchard, CA<br />

Mr John R. Redworth, CA<br />

Mr Joseph F. B. Reilly, CA<br />

Mr Edward D. Renyk, CA<br />

Mr Alan W. Richman, CA<br />

Mr Larry R. Ridenour, CA<br />

Mr Reginald M. M. Rowe, CA<br />

Mr Donald R. Rush, CA<br />

Mr Kenneth A. Sherlock, CA<br />

Mr Gordon A. Sladen, CA<br />

Mr Roger D. Smith, CA<br />

Mr Ross S. Smith, FCA<br />

Mr David L. Staley, CA<br />

Mr George A. Stekl, CA<br />

Mr Robert J. Sundberg, CA<br />

Mr Graham S. Thompson, CA<br />

Mr Bui Thorlacius, CA<br />

Mr Roy B. Treasurer, CA<br />

Mr Jan B. Ullstrom, CA<br />

Mr H. William C. Watson, CA<br />

Mr Robert A. Watts, CA<br />

Mr Royston L. Welham, CA<br />

Mr John M. Wilson, CA<br />

Mr Thomas F. Rose, CA<br />

Mr Rupert N. Salomon, CA<br />

Mr David R. Sinclair, FCA<br />

Mr Harold H. Wolf, CA<br />

FVCAA Event Notice<br />

The Fraser Valley CA Association (FVCAA) is pleased to announce the following upcoming event:<br />

<strong>June</strong> 7, <strong>2012</strong><br />

ICA<strong>BC</strong> Executive & Committee Activities, Unification Activities, FVCAA Scholarship Presentation<br />

Keynote speaker: Incoming ICA<strong>BC</strong> President Gord Holloway, FCA (associate partner/practice leader, KPMG)<br />

The event will take place at the Cascade Community Centre in Abbotsford and start at 8am. The cost for the event is<br />

$35.00 and includes breakfast. RSVP to Laurie Daschuk at Laurie@fvcaa.ca.<br />

32 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


In memoriam<br />

Our deepest condolences to the<br />

family and many friends <strong>of</strong> Ken<br />

Maddison, FCA. Ken passed away<br />

peacefully on April 8, <strong>2012</strong>, after a<br />

short battle with cancer.<br />

Ken was well-respected in the<br />

business community. He worked in<br />

public practice for 31 years, and<br />

retired as a senior partner <strong>of</strong> KPMG.<br />

He also served as a director <strong>of</strong> several<br />

public companies in Canada and the<br />

United States.<br />

Deeply committed to public service,<br />

Ken held positions <strong>of</strong> leadership with<br />

many community organizations,<br />

including the United Way <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Lower Mainland; the North Fraser<br />

Harbour Commission; Sports <strong>BC</strong>; the<br />

Burnaby Parks & Recreation<br />

Commission; the Pacific Coast<br />

Association <strong>of</strong> Port Authorities (to<br />

which he was elected a life member);<br />

the Canada Summer Games; and the<br />

<strong>BC</strong> Lacrosse Association—to name<br />

but a few.<br />

Those members who knew Ken will<br />

also remember his alter ego, “Jelly<br />

Bean” the clown. Ken volunteered for<br />

more than 30 years as Jelly Bean,<br />

bringing smiles and comfort to<br />

children at parades and at the <strong>BC</strong><br />

Children’s Hospital. A proud Mason<br />

and a Shriner, he was a member <strong>of</strong><br />

the clown unit <strong>of</strong> Maple Leaf Park<br />

Lodge #63. In addition to serving as<br />

president <strong>of</strong> the clown unit, Ken also<br />

served as treasurer and CFO <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Shriners <strong>of</strong> British Columbia and<br />

Yukon, <strong>of</strong> which he was made<br />

treasurer emeritus. In addition, he was<br />

a member <strong>of</strong> the Canadian Shriners<br />

Hospital Committee and a tireless<br />

fundraiser for the Hospital.<br />

Ken was also a member <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Vancouver Golf Club and a long-time<br />

member <strong>of</strong> the Terminal City Club. In<br />

addition to golf, he enjoyed fishing<br />

and gardening.<br />

Ken is survived by his wife Elaine, his<br />

children, brother, grandchildren,<br />

stepchildren, and many other family<br />

members. Donations in his memory<br />

may be made to the Shriners Hospital<br />

for Children or the Canadian Cancer<br />

Society.<br />

Notice to all Yukon Members<br />

<strong>2012</strong> Yukon <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Chartered</strong> <strong>Accountants</strong> Annual General Meeting<br />

The Yukon <strong>Institute</strong>’s annual general meeting (AGM) will take place at 4:00 pm<br />

on Friday, <strong>June</strong> 22, <strong>2012</strong>, at the Edgewater Hotel, located at 101 Main Street,<br />

Whitehorse, YT. You will be able to access all meeting material via the Yukon<br />

<strong>Institute</strong>’s website at www.icayk.com effective May 31, <strong>2012</strong>.<br />

Notice to all <strong>BC</strong> Members<br />

REMINDER – ICA<strong>BC</strong> <strong>2012</strong> Annual General Meeting<br />

The ICA<strong>BC</strong>’s 107th annual general meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday, <strong>June</strong><br />

20, <strong>2012</strong>, at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, located at 655 Burrard Street,<br />

Vancouver, <strong>BC</strong>. The meeting will start at 3:30 pm.<br />

Agenda for AGM<br />

1. Notice <strong>of</strong> Meeting<br />

2. The Membership<br />

3. Appointment <strong>of</strong> Scrutineers<br />

4. Minutes <strong>of</strong> 106th AGM <strong>of</strong> <strong>June</strong> 22, 2011 (available online at www.ica.bc.ca)<br />

5. President’s Report (available online)<br />

6. Financial Statements as at March 31, <strong>2012</strong> (available online)<br />

7. Appointment <strong>of</strong> Auditors – <strong>2012</strong>/2013<br />

8. Notice <strong>of</strong> Motions – Amendments to the Bylaws and Rules <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

Conduct (available online)<br />

9. Election <strong>of</strong> Council – <strong>2012</strong>/2013 through 2013/2014 (available online)<br />

10. Other Business<br />

11. Adjournment<br />

Meeting material on ICA<strong>BC</strong> website<br />

Meeting material—including proxy, Council candidate voting information, and all<br />

other meeting material—is available on the <strong>Institute</strong>’s website at www.ica.bc.ca.<br />

If you do not have access to the Internet, you may request that a meeting<br />

package be mailed to you by contacting the <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice at 604-681-3264<br />

or 1-800-663-2677 (toll free in <strong>BC</strong>).<br />

PRL Notice – Cancelled Licences<br />

Pursuant to its meeting <strong>of</strong> May 11, <strong>2012</strong>, the Practice Review & Licensing<br />

Committee announces that the following firms are no longer in public practice<br />

under these names:<br />

Firm Name<br />

Brent Zazubek<br />

Burkett & Abercrombie<br />

C.B. Wilson <strong>Chartered</strong> Accountant<br />

Chan Foucher LeFebvre LLP<br />

Chan Foucher LeFebvre LLP<br />

Chan Foucher LeFebvre LLP<br />

DG Smith & Company<br />

Graham Alce CA<br />

Jem Business Services Inc.<br />

N.J.R. MacKinnon, C.A.<br />

R.A. Hussey & Associates Inc.<br />

Rick Dauphinee Ltd.<br />

City<br />

North Vancouver<br />

Victoria<br />

Kelowna<br />

Quesnel<br />

Vanderho<strong>of</strong><br />

Prince George<br />

Fort St. John<br />

Nanaimo<br />

West Vancouver<br />

Vancouver<br />

Kelowna<br />

West Vancouver<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 33


Working, Living, and Investing in Regional <strong>BC</strong> in 2011<br />

continued from page 19<br />

Table 3: Business Incorporations in All Development Regions, 2006-2011<br />

Percentage point<br />

change<br />

Region 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 5-Year 1-Year<br />

2006-11 2010-11<br />

Cariboo 601 560 557 440 456 476 -20.8% 4.4%<br />

Kootenay 603 730 644 490 504 494 -18.1% -2.0%<br />

Mainland/Southwest 24,114 24,538 21,445 19,483 22,714 23,335 -3.2% 2.7%<br />

Nechako 137 131 118 72 88 99 -27.7% 12.5%<br />

North Coast 90 106 108 85 76 94 4.4% 23.7%<br />

Northeast 669 542 444 327 479 534 -20.2% 11.5%<br />

Thompson-Okanagan 3,196 3,446 3,124 2,375 2,577 2,476 -22.5% -3.9%<br />

Vancouver Island/Coast 3,863 3,983 3,645 3,159 3,411 3,335 -13.7% -2.2%<br />

British Columbia 33,273 34,036 30,085 26,431 30,305 30,844 -7.3% 1.8%<br />

Source: Statistics Canada<br />

Number <strong>of</strong> business establishments<br />

After three years <strong>of</strong> growth, the number <strong>of</strong> business establishments in <strong>BC</strong> slipped in 2011, decreasing by 1,383, or 0.4%, to reach 368,879. The greatest<br />

losses occurred among establishments with 20 or more employees, while the number <strong>of</strong> the establishments with no employees (i.e., self-employed or sole<br />

proprietorships) grew by 0.5%.<br />

A review <strong>of</strong> regional data shows that in most cases, the total number <strong>of</strong> business establishments declined for almost all size categories. Only the Nechako<br />

saw an overall increase in the number <strong>of</strong> business establishments, recording a modest growth rate <strong>of</strong> 0.1%.<br />

The North Coast and Kootenay Development Regions underwent the greatest declines, with the total number <strong>of</strong> establishments falling by 1.7% and 1.4%<br />

respectively. In both cases, the greatest losses were incurred by large establishments with 50 or more employees.<br />

Two exceptions to this contraction in the number <strong>of</strong> establishments was a 0.8% gain in businesses with no employees in the Mainland/Southwest (reflecting<br />

an ongoing trend toward greater self-employment), and an increase in the number <strong>of</strong> establishments with 20 to 40 employees in both the Nechako and the<br />

North Coast. This was a reflection <strong>of</strong>f on-going growth in transportation and warehousing, construction, and several service sector industries.<br />

Living in Regional <strong>BC</strong><br />

Educational attainment<br />

Labour force educational attainment plays a central role in productivity gains, and helps to determine our province’s competitive position in the world<br />

market. Between 2010 and 2011, <strong>BC</strong>’s share <strong>of</strong> the labour force with post-secondary education rose from 64.4% to 65.9%, a gain <strong>of</strong> 1.5 ppt. Over the past<br />

five years, this indicator has risen by 5 ppt, but in absolute terms <strong>BC</strong> still lags behind some eastern Canadian jurisdictions, such as Ontario.<br />

In 2011, labour force educational attainment rose in all Development Regions, except for the Northeast and Vancouver Island/Coast. The principle driving<br />

force behind rising education levels was industry’s growing need for workers with technical skills, specialized training, or an advanced degree. The largest gains<br />

were made in the Kootenay, Northwest, and Cariboo (8.1 ppt, 5.3 ppt, and 2.7 ppt respectively). Nevertheless, they still lag behind the educational<br />

attainment levels <strong>of</strong> the Mainland/Southwest and Vancouver Island/Coast, although the gap is closing. (See Table 4 on page 31.)<br />

Dependence on the social safety net<br />

In 2011, there was no overall change in <strong>BC</strong>’s social safety net dependency. The share <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>’s workforce-age adults who depended on basic income assistance<br />

and employment insurance remained steady at 2%. The story is more positive at the regional level. In six out <strong>of</strong> eight Development Regions, social safety net<br />

dependency declined, as more workers re-entered the labour force; in the other two, the dependency ratio remained the same.<br />

The greatest decline in this indicator took place in the North Coast and Nechako, where social safety net dependency declined by 0.4 ppt, and the Northeast ranked<br />

second place, with a decline <strong>of</strong> 0.3 ppt. Dependency in the Mainland/Southwest and Thompson-Okanagan declined slightly, by 0.1 ppt, while it remained the same<br />

in the Kootenay and Vancouver Island/Coast.<br />

In spite <strong>of</strong> these favourable developments, there have been no significant changes in absolute rankings among regions. The Northeast continues to enjoy the lowest<br />

social safety net dependency ratio in <strong>BC</strong>, at 1.2%, and the Mainland/Southwest Development Region is second lowest at 1.7%. At the high end <strong>of</strong> the spectrum, the<br />

North Coast Development Region persisted in having the highest dependency ratio in the province, at 4.8%.<br />

34 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Table 4: Percent <strong>of</strong> Labour Force Age 25 to 54 with a Post-Secondary Certificate/Diploma or<br />

Higher, 2006 to 2011<br />

Percentage point<br />

change<br />

Region 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 5-Year 1-Year<br />

2006-11 2010-11<br />

Cariboo 50.9 52.4 56.2 55.7 53.1 55.8 4.9 2.7<br />

Kootenay 53.1 53.3 53.2 56.8 55.1 63.2 10.1 8.1<br />

Mainland/Southwest 64.1 64.4 65.1 65.0 67.1 68.4 4.3 1.3<br />

Northwest <strong>BC</strong> 51.3 44.7 47.7 50.8 54.0 59.3 8.0 5.3<br />

Northeast 48.4 54.8 53.9 53.8 49.6 48.5 0.1 -1.1<br />

Thompson-Okanagan 54.6 58.7 57.5 60.7 59.6 61.5 6.9 1.9<br />

Vancouver Island/Coast 59.4 59.8 62.3 62.0 64.1 64.0 4.6 -0.1<br />

British Columbia 61.0 61.7 62.6 63.0 64.4 65.9 5.0 1.5<br />

Source: Statistics Canada<br />

Full report available online<br />

The full version <strong>of</strong> the <strong>BC</strong> Check-Up, Regional Edition is available on the <strong>BC</strong> Check-Up website at www.bccheckup.com under “Regional Edition.” For more<br />

information about the report, contact Vanessa Woznow, the <strong>Institute</strong>’s manager <strong>of</strong> public affairs, at woznow@ica.bc.ca.<br />

Marlyn Chisholm is the principal <strong>of</strong> Chisholm Consulting and the lead economist on the ICA<strong>BC</strong>’s annual <strong>BC</strong> Check-Up report.<br />

Classifieds<br />

KELOWNA CA FIRM LOOKING TO<br />

EXPAND CLIENT BASE -<br />

We are a well-established accounting<br />

firm with <strong>of</strong>fices throughout the<br />

Okanagan looking to further expand<br />

our operations by purchasing existing<br />

clients or an existing firm. We <strong>of</strong>fer a<br />

wide variety <strong>of</strong> experiences and a<br />

good breadth <strong>of</strong> knowledge <strong>of</strong> small<br />

to medium-sized business as well as<br />

personal taxes. If you are looking for<br />

an opportunity to scale down your<br />

business or retire, we have<br />

experience in <strong>of</strong>fice purchases and<br />

will focus on making a smooth as<br />

possible transition. We will work with<br />

you and your clients to make sure the<br />

fit is good and that the clients are<br />

comfortable with the transition.<br />

Please contact:<br />

bckelownaca@gmail.com.<br />

Confidentiality will be respected.<br />

VANCOUVER - Mid-size CA firm<br />

looking to assist with your succession<br />

plan. $500k to $2m range. We can<br />

buy or merge in if the fit is right.<br />

Staying on after a purchase to affect<br />

a smooth transition is possible. Reply<br />

in confidence to:<br />

mergeprose@gmail.com.<br />

MERGER OR SUCCESSION<br />

OPPORTUNITY - Successful mid-size<br />

Vancouver-based firm is looking to<br />

expand through succession or<br />

merger opportunities throughout the<br />

lower mainland. Reply in confidence<br />

to mergeopportunities@gmail.com.<br />

SUCCESSION OR RETIREMENT<br />

PURCHASE - Downtown Vancouver<br />

multi-partner firm is looking to<br />

expand by assisting with your<br />

retirement or succession plan.<br />

Please reply to:<br />

successionpurchase@gmail.com.<br />

OFFICE SHARING FOR SOLE<br />

PRACTITIONER OR FIRM - We are<br />

an established small firm <strong>of</strong> 9 people<br />

(Vancouver Champlain Heights area)<br />

looking for a sole-practitioner or<br />

small firm to share our <strong>of</strong>fices and<br />

administrative resources. Ideal for<br />

the new practitioner starting out or<br />

for the established firm wanting to<br />

cut-costs. The <strong>of</strong>fice was tastefully –<br />

but not extravagantly – built out in<br />

2010 and can accommodate an<br />

additional 10 people very comfortably.<br />

The building has ample free parking<br />

and is located in a park-like setting<br />

beside a recreation centre and tennis<br />

courts. We are also open to a future<br />

partnership and/or buy-out with the<br />

right individual/firm. If interested,<br />

please email your name and<br />

telephone to employ.bc@gmail.com.<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 35


At Your Service<br />

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Joe Bring, CA, CBV jbring@knv.com<br />

Direct line: 604‐560‐8005 www.knv.com<br />

PH: 604‐536‐7614 1‐800‐761‐7772<br />

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CUSTOMS CONSULTANTS<br />

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36 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


Employment<br />

This is your opportunity to impact the direction <strong>of</strong> the Tax<br />

Team at D+H Group LLP. Working with our 2 Tax Partners,<br />

you will set the direction for tax planning in our growing<br />

business.<br />

You will be responsible for working directly with partners<br />

and clients on tax planning and reorganizations. You will<br />

play a key role in developing the pr<strong>of</strong>essional and technical<br />

skills <strong>of</strong> our growing Tax Team.<br />

Requirements:<br />

+ ten or more years <strong>of</strong> full-time tax experience with an<br />

emphasis on planning<br />

+ completed the CICA In-Depth Tax Courses<br />

+ detailed knowledge <strong>of</strong> income tax rules and planning<br />

opportunities for CCPC organizations<br />

Position <strong>of</strong>fers excellent advancement potential and<br />

competitive compensation. Flexible work arrangements<br />

available. Send your resume and cover letter<br />

to resume-pr<strong>of</strong>@dhgroup.ca.<br />

+<br />

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A B.C. Limited Liability Partnership <strong>of</strong> Corporations<br />

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FINANCIAL REPORTING<br />

Manage future growth<br />

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This is a senior position requiring extensive<br />

US GAAP Public company reporting,<br />

budgeting and MD&A experience.<br />

The successful candidate will hold a CA<br />

designation with at least 5 years post<br />

designated experience and will have worked<br />

with complex US listed companies. Ability<br />

to lead teams in a dynamic and busy<br />

environment is essential.<br />

Contact Gavin Ryan<br />

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or 604 648 4319<br />

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SENIOR FINANCIAL<br />

ANALYST<br />

Add value through analysis<br />

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>BC</strong>’s largest, publicly traded<br />

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detailed financial planning and analysis.<br />

Responsibilities include monthly<br />

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planning and financial modelling.<br />

The successful candidate will have<br />

demonstrable success within an FP&A<br />

capacity, coupled with a strong commercial<br />

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for more details at:<br />

tpearson@hays.ca<br />

or 604 648 4281<br />

$80,000 - $100,000<br />

FINANCE MANAGER<br />

FINANCIAL SERVICES<br />

Entrepreneurial and analytical<br />

Join this dynamic financial services business<br />

with operations across Canada. Utilise your<br />

strong technical accounting skills with great<br />

commercial acumen as you perform a broad<br />

range <strong>of</strong> accounting duties.<br />

Working with the senior management team<br />

you will also closely support the decision<br />

making with insightful performance related<br />

information.<br />

A CA with 2-5 years post designation<br />

experience, you have a strong track record <strong>of</strong><br />

working with dynamic and complex<br />

businesses and a desire to grow with a<br />

company.<br />

Contact Gavin Ryan<br />

for more details at:<br />

gryan@hays.ca<br />

or 604 648 4319<br />

$80,000 - $90,000<br />

<strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong> ica.bc.ca 37


For the Pr<strong>of</strong>ession<br />

National Harmony in Practice Review<br />

Programs: Update<br />

By Roger Merkosky, CA<br />

Changes to the practice review methodology and report in<br />

summer <strong>2012</strong><br />

Several years ago, the provincial CA institutes across the country embarked on a project to<br />

harmonize their practice review programs. So far, this has yielded a three-year risk adjusted cycle for<br />

practice reviews, a common method <strong>of</strong> file selection, and CA training <strong>of</strong>fices being assessed<br />

on practical experience requirements. The final leg <strong>of</strong> the project is to harmonize the way firms are<br />

evaluated.<br />

New evaluation methodology and a new report will be implemented for practice reviews starting in<br />

July <strong>2012</strong>. This new process will assist the Practice Review & Licensing Committee (“the Committee”)<br />

in performing its objective assessment <strong>of</strong> a firm and in determining appropriate remedial actions,<br />

and—more importantly—it will enable practitioners to constructively review any deficiencies to be<br />

addressed in order to improve the quality <strong>of</strong> their practices.<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> this new process, a structured approach to the classification and evaluation <strong>of</strong> deficiencies<br />

has been established. Effective July <strong>2012</strong>, deficiencies will be classified as either:<br />

• Reportable deficiencies – deficiencies considered important with respect to financial statement<br />

presentation and disclosure, and the documentation supporting engagement reports, as well as compliance<br />

with the Canadian Standard on Quality Control and the Rules <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Conduct; or<br />

• Non-reportable deficiencies – immaterial deficiencies that are only discussed with the firm. These<br />

deficiencies will not be submitted to the Committee, nor will they be categorized; instead, they will<br />

simply be listed in the report and presented for educational purposes only.<br />

Reportable deficiencies<br />

Reportable deficiencies will be categorized as follows:<br />

• Financial statement presentation deficiencies;<br />

• Audit deficiencies;<br />

• Review deficiencies;<br />

• Compilation deficiencies;<br />

• Canadian Standard on Quality Control deficiencies; and<br />

• Rules <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Conduct deficiencies.<br />

The reportable deficiencies will be identified by file and, other than those relating to quality control or<br />

Rules <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Conduct, will be further categorized as either “significant reportable deficiencies”<br />

or “other reportable deficiencies.” This further sub-categorization will be based on the severity <strong>of</strong> the<br />

deficiency, and will help practitioners and the members <strong>of</strong> the Committee focus on the really important<br />

items.<br />

Simplified firm rating system<br />

The firm rating system will be simplified to three ratings:<br />

1. Meets requirements – The firm meets the requirements <strong>of</strong> the practice review program.<br />

2. Meets requirements with action plan – The firm needs to take a specified course <strong>of</strong> action to meet<br />

the requirements <strong>of</strong> the practice review program.<br />

3. Does not meet requirements – The firm does not meet the requirements <strong>of</strong> the practice inspection<br />

program, resulting in consequences ranging from a partial or full re-inspection to a referral to<br />

discipline.<br />

Scope<br />

Although these changes are focused on assurance<br />

and compilation engagements, the scope <strong>of</strong> the<br />

practice review program in <strong>BC</strong> will continue to<br />

include other assurance-type engagements, tax<br />

engagements, and specialized services that a firm<br />

might provide, and CA training <strong>of</strong>fices will continue<br />

to be part <strong>of</strong> the practice review program.<br />

Communication with<br />

practitioners<br />

As usual, practice review <strong>of</strong>ficers will go over the<br />

report with the firm, and practitioners will be<br />

C<br />

given the opportunity to provide comments<br />

prior to the report being finalized. Practitioners M<br />

will also be able to submit written comments to<br />

Y<br />

the Committee, and those whose firms receive a<br />

CM<br />

rating <strong>of</strong> “Does Not Meet Requirements” will<br />

MY<br />

be called by a member <strong>of</strong> the Committee to<br />

discuss the rating and the process.<br />

CY<br />

CMY<br />

Start date<br />

K<br />

Again, the new methodology and report will be<br />

implemented for practice reviews starting in July<br />

<strong>2012</strong>. If you have any questions about these<br />

changes, please contact me at merkosky@ica.bc.ca.<br />

Roger Merkosky, CA, is the director <strong>of</strong> Practice<br />

Review & Licensing at the ICA<strong>BC</strong>.<br />

Watch for the PR&L<br />

team in the field:<br />

Melvin Berg, CA<br />

Dennis Bettiol, CA<br />

David Braithwaite, CA<br />

Jennifer Jones, CA<br />

Dick Miller, CA<br />

Bruce Milley, FCA<br />

Valerie Warren, CA<br />

Catherine Wei, CA<br />

38 ica.bc.ca <strong>June</strong>/Summer <strong>2012</strong>


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