Latest news with #LoriMathison
Toronto Star
07-08-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
CPABC: Housing affordability a barrier to keeping residents in B.C.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to BC Check-Up: Live, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on demographic and affordability trends across the province, B.C. added nearly 167,000 new residents between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, an increase of 3.0 per cent. 'Once again, international migration was the main source of B.C.'s population growth in 2024,' said Lori Mathison, FCPA, LLB, president and CEO of CPABC. 'However, changes to federal immigration policy have slowed population growth considerably.'
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Upcoming pilot program opens accounting opportunities for Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nations
Provincial organizations are helping boost accounting job opportunities for Indigenous communities with a new program. Last month, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Vancouver by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of British Columbia, MST Education and Training Society and Humanity Financial Management Inc. to develop education, mentorship and employment opportunities for an Accounts Payable Program. The new program will help unemployed or underemployed Indigenous individuals receive hands-on training and exposure in entry-level accounting jobs and other paths. The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations will be the first to pilot the new initiative. 'I think there is a recognition that we need to do more to provide education and opportunities to Indigenous peoples, and this was seen as a great entry point where there was a need for more people with skills in accounts payable,' said Lori Mathison, president and CEO of the CPABC. 'So everyone kind of just pulled together to come up with an idea of a program that could really make a difference.' CPABC is the training, governing and regulatory body for over 40,000 certified public accountant members and 6,000 candidates and students. The organization's mission is protecting the public through enforcing high professional and ethical standards in the accounting industry and contributing to advancing public policy. The Accounts Payable Program aims to encourage more Indigenous people in the accounting industry, a field they're underrepresented in. In a CPABC Indigenous strategy update from 2022 , the organization found 286 members and 53 B.C. candidates from one of their educational programs had self-identified as Indigenous. The strategy noted the numbers represent just over 0.6 per cent of total membership and less than one per cent of B.C.'s total candidate population. Since then, Mathison said that number has grown to 331 CPABC members who self-identify as Indigenous, 285 of whom are B.C. residents. Squamish Nation councillor Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) said having more Indigenous people in the finance field is a growing need. 'I think that this opportunity definitely broke some barriers and is creating pathways to collaborate,' Williams said. 'It's creating accessibility, it's strengthening our partnership, but also highlights our three nations' needs, and the openness to these entities willing to work together.' Williams said the Squamish Nation has a huge financial department, but only around 15 per cent are from the nation. That number is a 'glaring' capacity need Williams said in comparison to other departments, which have higher percentages of either Indigenous people or Squamish Nation members. 'We're hoping to carry that smoke signal home to our families, to share the story that this is an opportunity that you should endure, getting in the finance field,' he said. The program will also provide capacity development for First Nations governments, business entities and Indigenous organizations to support the needs of growing Indigenous economies, according to a press release. Former chief for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Jen Thomas said the new hands-on training programs will open new pathways for potential employment in financial fields and provide new education opportunities. 'Investing in our next seven generations is a priority for our Nation, and we greatly appreciate the support,' Thomas said in a press release. Williams said the program is a meaningful step in investing in financial careers, but also looking forward. 'We're looking at financial careers and building that financial capacity within our nations, and [there's] no better way to invest in our people and their skills, but we're investing in our future,' he said. Mathison said the program's development is currently underway, with the pilot aiming to launch next winter with its first cohort of students. Based on the results of the pilot, she said they might be able to expand the program into other areas and Indigenous communities. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
CPABC, AFOA BC, MST ETS, and HFMI sign MOU to support building financial capacity
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A key to building financial capacity is to develop programs that assist underemployed or unemployed individuals to acquire education, mentorship, and employment in entry-level accounting positions. On June 4, 2025, the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of British Columbia (AFOA BC), MST Education and Training Society (MST ETS), and Humanity Financial Management Inc. (HFMI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The initial scope of the MOU is to develop education, mentorship, and employment components for an Accounts Payable Program to be piloted within the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh communities. This program will help underemployed or unemployed Indigenous individuals find work in entry-level accounting positions, providing them hands-on training and exposure to the accounting profession and other career paths. The program will also provide capacity development for First Nations governments and business entities, as well as Indigenous organizations, to support the needs of growing Indigenous economies. Quotes Lori Mathison, FCPA, FCGA, LLB, President and CEO of CPABC 'Enhancing the accessibility of the profession to serve all of society, including Indigenous peoples, is central to our mandate. We are excited to collaborate with our partners to build financial capacity among First Nations and Indigenous organizations in B.C. By supporting the education and training of Indigenous individuals, we will contribute to the growth of Indigenous economies. This agreement is a significant milestone in strengthening CPABC's partnership with AFOA BC, MST ETS, and HFMI.' Wendy Ham CPA, CGA, CAFM, Executive Director of AFOA BC 'AFOA BC is honoured to be a part of this initiative to help break down barriers to education for Indigenous people. This program is a great collaborative effort between our organizations and we each bring a unique perspective to the partnership with a common goal to introduce Indigenous youth into the world of finance and accounting.' Chief Wayne Sparrow, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band) 'Building financial capacity is vital to ensuring the long-term success of First Nations. Through this partnership, a new path towards financial careers is being created for Indigenous people, especially those who may not have access to traditional programs. We anticipate this program will support members to eventually step into key finance roles that strengthen Indigenous governments and businesses. When we invest in our people's skills, we invest in our future.' Sxwixwtn Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Spokesperson and Council Member 'This agreement offers a new path for those within our Nations to work towards a career in finance and accounting. Many would love to pursue a career in these fields, but don't have the necessary skills to achieve employment. This MOU will ensure people will have access to the training, education, and employment opportunities necessary to eventually find sustainable employment in these essential areas. We hold our hands up to AFOA BC, MST ETS, HFMI, and CPABC for investing in our collective future.' Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) 'The new hands-on training programs will open new pathways for potential employment in Accounts Payable and other related financial fields, and we are extremely excited to embark on this new educational opportunity with our partner organizations. Investing in our next seven generations is a priority for our Nation, and we greatly appreciate the support.' Gordon Holley, CPA, CA, FCPB, Co-founder and Advisor of Humanity Financial Management Inc. 'Humanity Financial is honoured to work alongside AFOA BC, CPABC, Shelley Bevz, and MST Education and Training Society to develop this accessible Accounts Payable practicum program. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work together to build a program that will make it easier for Indigenous community members to start a career in finance.' NOTE: A photo of the signing is available by request. About Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia is the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 40,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA candidates and students. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy. About Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of British Columbia (AFOA BC) Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of British Columbia is dedicated to helping Indigenous people better manage and govern their communities through enhanced financial and management practices. AFOA BC works with First Nations to offer training in the areas of financial management, human resources, and governance. About MST Education and Training Society (MST ETS) MST Education and Training Society is a partnership of The Musqueam Indian Band, the Squamish Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, to work together to collaboratively deliver work force skill development programs targeted to First Nations and ensure community members will benefit from jobs and economic activity within their traditional territories. About Humanity Financial Management Inc. (HFMI) Humanity Financial Management Inc. is a licensed BC CPA firm, unique in the financial services sector, implementing strategies that facilitate improvements in the financial health and wellness of their social purpose and First Nation clients, enabling them to better deliver on their unique and crucial missions.
Hamilton Spectator
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
CPABC: Major project activity in Southwest B.C. rises in 2024
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to BC Check-Up: Invest , an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on investment trends across the province, the value of major projects in Southwest B.C. was $136.8 billion in Q3 2024, up 20.6 per cent from one year earlier. 'Expanding infrastructure investment is crucial in order to support the region's growing population and enhance the region's economic stability,' said Lori Mathison, FCPA, FCGA, LLB, president and CEO of CPABC. 'It's encouraging to see more projects break ground and a stronger pipeline compared to last year.' Projects under construction accounted for just under half of the total inventory value, $64.4 billion, as construction started on 23 projects with a total capital cost of $4.3 billion between July and September 2024. 'The B.C. government has ramped up capital spending on health care and transportation in recent years, and a lot of that new activity has happened in the Lower Mainland,' continued Mathison. 'Coupled with the dramatic need for more housing, it is easy to see why major project activity in Southwest B.C. outperformed the rest of the province in 2024.' Construction began on 30,367 housing units in Southwest B.C., down 14.6 per cent compared to 2023. There were fewer starts in both the attached and detached markets, where new activity fell by 14.1 per cent and 18.0 per cent respectively. High-density projects such as apartments and row housing accounted for 88.4 per cent of the total. 'The fact of the matter remains that we need a lot more housing in Southwest B.C.,' concluded Mathison. 'The construction industry has grappled with higher interest rates the last couple years and now has a trade war to contend with. The resulting high costs are a significant challenge to our real need to dramatically increase the housing supply.' To learn more, see . About CPA British Columbia The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 40,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA students. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy. CPAs are recognized internationally for bringing superior financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, and leadership to organizations.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CPABC: Major project activity in Southwest B.C. rises in 2024
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to , an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on investment trends across the province, the value of major projects in Southwest B.C. was $136.8 billion in Q3 2024, up 20.6 per cent from one year earlier. 'Expanding infrastructure investment is crucial in order to support the region's growing population and enhance the region's economic stability,' said Lori Mathison, FCPA, FCGA, LLB, president and CEO of CPABC. 'It's encouraging to see more projects break ground and a stronger pipeline compared to last year.' Projects under construction accounted for just under half of the total inventory value, $64.4 billion, as construction started on 23 projects with a total capital cost of $4.3 billion between July and September 2024. 'The B.C. government has ramped up capital spending on health care and transportation in recent years, and a lot of that new activity has happened in the Lower Mainland,' continued Mathison. 'Coupled with the dramatic need for more housing, it is easy to see why major project activity in Southwest B.C. outperformed the rest of the province in 2024.' Construction began on 30,367 housing units in Southwest B.C., down 14.6 per cent compared to 2023. There were fewer starts in both the attached and detached markets, where new activity fell by 14.1 per cent and 18.0 per cent respectively. High-density projects such as apartments and row housing accounted for 88.4 per cent of the total. 'The fact of the matter remains that we need a lot more housing in Southwest B.C.,' concluded Mathison. 'The construction industry has grappled with higher interest rates the last couple years and now has a trade war to contend with. The resulting high costs are a significant challenge to our real need to dramatically increase the housing supply.' To learn more, see About CPA British ColumbiaThe Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 40,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA students. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy. CPAs are recognized internationally for bringing superior financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, and leadership to organizations. CONTACT: For more information: Jack Blackwell, Economist 604.259.1143 news@
