Exposing the Myth: CPABC’s False Public Interest Claim and the Monopoly Behind CPA Canada Standards

🛑 If CPABC Claims to Act in the Public Interest — Why Are CPA Canada Standards Locked Behind a Paywall for CPA Members Only?

The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) has repeatedly claimed to act “in the public interest.” But this claim collapses under scrutiny. If CPABC and its national affiliate, CPA Canada, were truly working for all Canadians, then:

👉 Why are the CPA Canada Handbook and standards not freely available to all qualified professionals?

👉 Why are they restricted to CPA members only, hidden behind paywalls and login barriers?

👉 Why does CPABC falsely assert monopoly authority over accounting and auditing in BC — contrary to the very law that governs them?

⚖️ Understanding the Truth: CPABC Is a Membership Organization — Not a Universal Regulator

Under Section 3 of the CPA Act (BC), CPABC’s objects (goals) are explicitly limited to its own members and students. The legislation grants CPABC the authority to:

• Promote the knowledge of its members (Section 3(a))

• Establish admission and discipline standards for its own registrants (Section 3(b–d))

• Represent the interests of its members (Section 3(e))

Only Section 3(f) references the “public interest” — but even this is limited to CPABC's internal regulatory mandate. Courts interpret such clauses narrowly, especially where monopolistic behaviour and market restrictions are involved.

💡 Important Legal Point:Section 46 of the CPA Act (BC) confirms that non-CPA professionals have the legal right to practise accounting and auditing in BC: “This Act does not affect the right of a person who is not a member to practise as an accountant or auditor in British Columbia.”

Further, Section 46(f) allows for professionals acting under other legal authorities — such as those licensed through CGPA Canada, a federally certified body — to offer services lawfully.

💼 The CPA Canada Handbook: A Paywalled Monopoly, Not a Public Resource

If CPABC and CPA Canada were truly concerned with the public interest, why restrict access to accounting, auditing, and ethical standards? Consider:

• The CPA Canada Handbook is locked behind a subscription paywall.

• Only CPA members can legally access the profession’s key standards.

• Other professionals — even highly qualified international accountants — must either pay steep fees or remain excluded.

  
  

This is not public interest. This is protectionism.

Compare this to international standards under the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) — such as IFRS, IAS, and ISAs — which are freely available to the world. CGPA Canada proudly trains its members to these global standards and supports transparency, accessibility, and affordability.

📌 The Real Public Interest: Competition, Inclusion, and Transparency

True public interest means:

✅ Giving the public more choice in who they hire as accountants and auditors

✅ Ensuring all professionals, not just CPAs, can access the standards needed to serve clients

✅ Respecting federal and international organizations like CGPA Canada that maintain rigorous, transparent standards

✅ Promoting healthy competition — not regulatory bullying disguised as “public interest”

🚨 CPABC’s Overreach Is Not Just Misleading — It May Be Illegal

Public warnings or notices issued by CPABC that imply monopoly authority over the accounting profession in BC may violate:

• The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCPA)

• The Competition Act (Canada)

• Principles of administrative fairness and statutory interpretation

CPABC’s powers are limited to its own members., It cannot discipline, restrict, or defame professionals from other recognized organizations — including CGPA Canada.

✅ CGPA Canada: Transparent. Accountable. Truly in the Public Interest.

CGPA Canada operates under internationally recognized standards and is registered as a federally certified educational and licensing body. Our members:

• Are trained in IFRS, ISAs, and international ethics standards

• Are fully authorized to provide audit, review, compilation, and taxation services

• Adhere to continuing professional development (CPD) obligations that exceed global benchmarks

• Practice ethically, lawfully, and independently — in Canada and abroad

  
  

🔓 Conclusion: CPABC’s “Public Interest” Argument Is a Smokescreen for Monopoly Control

CPABC does not represent all accountants in British Columbia. Its attempt to claim universal authority is unsupported by the law — and contrary to the very concept of “public interest.”

We invite regulators, professionals, and the public to look deeper — and recognize that professional choice, competition, and access to knowledge are the true hallmarks of public interest.

🛑 If CPABC Truly Served the Public Interest… Why Are Critical Accounting Standards Hidden Behind a Paywall? Behind the logo lies a monopoly — where knowledge is locked, diversity is blocked, and the public is misled. CGPA Canada stands for transparency, equity, and global access. It’s time to challenge the illusion.