FP Canada lends support to national CPA body

FP Canada is among the organizations supporting membership in the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) as its membership model changes.

Beginning April 1, 2026, CPAs can voluntarily hold direct membership in CPA Canada instead of automatically being members through their provincial regulatory body.

In a release on Thursday, CPA Canada said the Canadian Public Accountability Board, which oversees audits by accounting firms, as well as FP Canada will support their respective individual CPAs in remaining CPA Canada members. Effective April 1, CPAs at seven of the largest public accounting firms will also become CPA Canada members.

FP Canada said in an emailed statement that it will cover the cost of CPA Canada membership for its internal staff members with the CPA credential — three people including president and CEO Tashia Batstone.

“FP Canada, as a national organization committed to serving the public interest, supports CPA Canada in recognition of the critical role that a national professional body plays in advancing harmonized standards and elevating Canada’s influence on the global stage,” FP Canada’s statement said.

In 2024, the provincial regulatory bodies representing CPAs in Ontario and Quebec officially split from CPA Canada after disagreements arose over governance. CPA Canada evolved to be a voluntary national body.

Last year, FP Canada and CPA Canada entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU), paving the way for collaboration between the financial planning and accounting professions.

The MOU “reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, consistency, and public trust — ensuring Canadian professionals are both supported by a cohesive framework at home, and respected internationally,” FP Canada’s statement said.

Michelle Schriver

Michelle is a senior reporter for Advisor.ca and sister publication Investment Executive. She has worked with the team since 2015 and been recognized by the National Magazine Awards and SABEW for her reporting. Email her at michelle@newcom.ca.