Calling for Volunteers !
NOTES & NEWS
A live broadcast of the US presidential inauguration followed , during which Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States . The subsequent panel session , “ The New American President and Canada : Politics of Prosperity ,” examined the impact President Trump ’ s government might have on the Canadian economy , as well as on Canada / US relations . Panel members Michael Audain , chair of Polygon Homes Ltd .; Graham Clarke , chair and CEO of Vancouver International Maritime Centre ; Dr . Ira Kalish , chief global economist at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu ; and Kari Yuers , president and CEO of Kryton International Inc ., discussed how a more protectionist US government could affect existing trade agreements , Canadian exports , and highly integrated sectors of the Canadian economy , such as automobile manufacturing . Panellists also identified the importance of continuing to diversify trade partners , including with emerging Asian economies . The third session , “ The Economic Balance Sheet : CEO Perspective of the Year Ahead ,” featured business leaders from BC ’ s health , property , technology , and forestry sectors . Panellists Sue Paish , president and CEO of LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services ; John Stovell , CEO of Reliance Properties Ltd .; Ray Walia , CPA , CMA , CEO of Launch Academy ; and Susan Yurkovich , president and CEO of the Council of Forest Industries , identified opportunities for , and limitations to , growth in their respective areas . They expressed a mixed outlook for BC ’ s economy in 2017 , citing the continued net in-migration of skilled workers and increased opportunities for public-private partnerships as positives , while identifying government intervention in the housing market and depressed global prices for natural resources as constraints to economic growth . The forum ’ s final session , “ Voting for the Future : British Columbia ’ s 2017 Election ,” gave the stage to four representatives from the BC Liberals and the BC NDP : the Honourable Shirley Bond , Liberal MLA for Prince George-Valemount and minister of jobs , tourism and skills
Above ( l to r ): Panellists Sue Paish , John Stovell , Ray Walia , CPA , CMA , and Susan Yurkovich share their perspectives on the outlook for the BC economy during the presentation “ The Economic Balance Sheet : CEO Perspective of the Year Ahead .” Below ( l to r ): Rick Cluff moderates the panel discussion “ Voting for the Future : British Columbia ' s 2017 Election ,” featuring MLAs Shirley Bond , Carol James , Bruce Ralston , and Andrew Wilkinson . Photos by Matt Borck of Sara Borck Photography .
training , and minister responsible for labour ; Carole James , NDP MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill and opposition spokesperson for finance ; Bruce Ralston , NDP MLA for Surrey-Whalley and opposition spokesperson for natural gas development , trade , multiculturalism , softwood lumber agreement , manufacturing , and oil & gas commission ; and the Honourable Andrew Wilkinson , Liberal MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena and minister of advanced education . The panel identified housing affordability and the cost of living as key themes in the upcoming election , and also debated hot topics such as liquefied natural gas projects , the housing supply , and the Site C dam . Wrapping up the forum , Robin Silvester , chair of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority , thanked the participants for sharing their insights .
Calling for Volunteers !
CPABC has many opportunities for members who are interested in volunteering their services to the profession . In addition to serving on regulatory committees , chapters , advisory groups , and forums , there are opportunities to mentor CPA candidates and students , represent the profession at recruitment events , and serve as subject-matter experts in interviews with local media . Those interested in volunteering in their local communities have the opportunity to join CPA Canada ’ s Community Connect program to present financial literacy sessions and / or join the CRA ’ s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to volunteer at tax clinics ( see reminder on page 13 ).
A list of volunteer opportunities can be found in the Members section of the bccpa . ca website under “ Volunteer Opportunities .” If you ’ d like to get involved , complete and submit the online form to express your interest . We welcome your participation !
CPABC in Focus • Mar / Apr 2017 11