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Unification of the Accounting Profession Media Release

CGA Ontario releases unification framework and launches website for related updates and discussions

TORONTO, ON (January 17, 2012) – Following several months of exploratory discussions regarding unification of the accounting profession, the leadership of the professional bodies representing the majority of Canada’s CGAs, CMAs and CAs has released a unification framework.

The unification framework is designed to:

• Best position the profession to protect the public through the provision of a common certification program and a single set of high ethical and practice standards;

• Enhance and protect the designation’s value in an increasingly competitive and global environment;

• Contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of the Canadian accounting profession;

• Govern the accounting profession in an effective and efficient manner.

CGA Ontario distributed the framework to its membership today and also launched a new website to connect members and students with CGA Ontario’s leaders and provide current and credible unification details. The website, http://www.unitedprofession.org, features a discussion forum open to the public along with blog posts and videos from CGA Ontario.

Current forum topics include:

• The proposed certification model.

• Is a unified Canadian profession more effective in standard setting for the profession globally?

• Using legacy designations (CGA, CMA, CA) in combination with the CPA designation.

• How will the proposed benefits of a unified profession affect you as an individual member?

Discussions on the opportunities unification represents for the accounting profession, its members and the public interest will provide information to develop a provincial merger proposal. If the unification framework transitions into a merger proposal, CGA Ontario members will vote to determine how the Association proceeds.

In addition, CGA Ontario will host town halls over the next few months to further engage members.

For more details on the unification framework and CPA certification program, visit http://www.unitedprofession.org

Doug Brooks, FCGA, CEO, CGA Ontario and Blake Mercer, FCGA, chair, board of directors, CGA Ontario discuss the unification framework.

About the Certified General Accountants of Ontario

CGA Ontario is a self-governing body that grants the exclusive rights to the CGA designation and controls the professional standards, conduct and discipline of its 20,000 certified general accountants (CGAs) and 8,000 students in the CGA program of professional studies in the province of Ontario. http://www.cga-ontario.org / http://www.cga-more.org

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Media contact:

Shawn Griffiths
Manager, Public Relations
CGA Ontario
Tel.: (416) 544-4781
Email: sgriffiths@cga-ontario.org