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Act, Bylaws, and Code of Professional Conduct – CGPA Canada

CGPA Canada's regulatory authority is grounded in federal legislation, including the Income Tax Act, the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (NFP Act), and the Private Training Act (British Columbia). Under this framework, members of CGPA Canada are recognized as possessing the requisite training, education, and professional competence to practise as qualified accountants in British Columbia and across Canada.


CGPA Canada's regulatory processes are governed by the NFP Act, the Private Training Act, the Income Tax Act, as well as its own Bylaws and Bylaw Regulations. These instruments collectively establish CGPA Canada’s authority to license, accredit, and oversee accounting professionals, while maintaining the highest standards of public trust, ethics, and professional conduct.


CGPA Canada – Bylaws and Governing Legal Framework


CGPA Canada (The Institute of Chartered Global Practising Accountants of Canada) operates under a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework that includes its organizational bylaws, federal and provincial legislation, and international standards. Below is a breakdown of its governing instruments and authorities:


1. CGPA Canada Bylaws


CGPA Canada is governed internally by its Bylaws, which set out the rules and structures for:


  • Membership Admission & Categories(e.g., Associate, Fellow, Honorary, Student Members)

  • Professional Conduct & Ethics(Aligned with IFAC’s Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants)

  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)(Members are required to complete annual CPD as per IES 7 and IES 8)

  • Public Practice Licensing(Including requirements for audit, review, compilation, and taxation)

  • Disciplinary Procedures(Due process for investigation, appeal, and sanctions)

  • Governance Structure(Role of Council, Committees, CEO, and Executive Leadership)


These bylaws ensure CGPA Canada maintains transparency, professionalism, and compliance with national and international benchmarks for accountancy regulation.


2. Legal Authority and Acts


CGPA Canada derives its legitimacy from several Canadian federal and provincial acts, including:


a) Income Tax Act (Canada)

  • Under subparagraph 118.5(1)(a)(ii), CGPA Canada is recognized as a certified educational institution and professional body, allowing members and students to claim tuition and certification-related tax credits.


b) Canadian Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (NFP Act)

  • CGPA Canada is federally incorporated under this act as a national not-for-profit professional body, granting it the authority to regulate, accredit, and license accounting professionals across Canada.


c) Provincial Education and Labour Recognition

  • CGPA Canada is formally recognized by key provincial and federal ministries, including:

    • British Columbia Ministry of Education

    • Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour (Canada)

    • The Private Training Act, British Columbia


Additionally, under the Private Training Act (British Columbia), CGPA Canada has received regulatory confirmation of its exempt status. This exemption acknowledges CGPA Canada as a non-commercial, professional designation-granting institution focused on public service and professional excellence, not career-college training.


These recognitions affirm that CGPA Canada is authorized to:

  • Confer professional designations

  • Issue academic and professional certificates

  • Accredit qualifications and programs

  • Maintain compliance with Canadian law and international standards


Together, these statutory recognitions reinforce CGPA Canada’s standing as a nationally respected, lawfully incorporated, and globally aligned professional body in the fields of accounting, taxation, and public finance.


3. Alignment with International Standards


CGPA Canada’s framework also aligns with global standards, including:

  • International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) principles

  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

  • International Accounting Standards (IAS)

  • IES 8: Competence Requirements for Audit Professionals

  • IAASB and IPSASB Guidelines


4. Compliance, Audits & Enforcement


CGPA Canada enforces its bylaws through:

  • Annual Practice Reviews

  • Random CPD Audits

  • Ethics Investigations

  • Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance for Practising Members


Members found in breach of professional or ethical standards are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of membership or license.


Summary

CGPA Canada operates with full legal, regulatory, and ethical authority as a professional accounting body in Canada. Its bylaws, federal incorporation, and compliance with international accountancy standards ensure that its members are held to the highest standards of public accountability, professional integrity, and technical competence.

CGPA Canada's educational model is focused on professional designation and public service—not commercial training. This confirmation reinforces CGPA’s status as a nationally respected, non-commercial institution offering globally recognized accounting, tax, and finance credentials. CGPA Canada is fully recognized by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training under the Private Training Act, confirming its exempt status as a professional body providing non-career training programs. This recognition reinforces CGPA Canada’s legitimacy, regulatory compliance, and standing as a nationally respected professional institution in accounting, tax, and public finance. CGPA Canada operates with integrity and in accordance with British Columbia law.
CGPA Canada is fully recognized under the Private Training Act (British Columbia) as an exempt, non-commercial professional body, offering specialized programs in accounting, taxation, and public finance.

 
 
 

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