Economy & Policy Press Release
BC’s population growth slowed in 2020 while inadequate housing supply pushing prices higher
B.C.’s population growth declined by nearly a third in 2020 to only 56,757 new residents.
Jun 14, 2021 Share
Career Development Editorial Multimedia
How to engage your virtual team using emotional intelligence
One of the biggest challenges for leaders has been keeping their employees engaged. We have seen tactics like virtual happy hours and Zoom check-in calls.
By Carolyn Stern Jun 14, 2021 Share
Career Development Editorial Multimedia
How to optimize sleep and downtime to be at your best
For many people, getting enough quality sleep and downtime can be challenging. But without it, we can’t get the mental and physical rest needed to be at our best in the workplace and in our daily lives.
By Steve Rio Jun 11, 2021 Share
Career Development Editorial Multimedia
Too many distractions? Try these techniques to boost your productivity
Do you feel like you’re pulled in too many directions at work? Or that you don’t have enough time to deal with all of the requests and interruptions that come your way? 
By Ann Gomez Jun 7, 2021 Share
CPA Profession Editorial Multimedia
Maintaining resilience in tough economic times is vital
If there is one central theme that could be highlighted for the year of 2020, it would undoubtedly be the fragility of health, and the need to preserve it at all costs. 
By Business in Vancouver Jun 4, 2021 Share
Economy & Policy Editorial Multimedia
BC suffers job losses due to circuit breaker, but economy is still expected to resurge this year
After eleven consecutive months of job gains in BC, April marked a set back as both the province and the country as a whole saw total employment decline.
By Aaron Aerts May 20, 2021 Share
Resources for CPAs Editorial Magazine
Taking the first step to a digital transformation
One silver lining that has emerged over the past year is that the majority of organizations have realized the value of digital efforts—from client service to marketing to stakeholder engagement—and are putting resources into planning and implementing them.
By Rob Gilfoyle May 14, 2021 Share
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May/June 2021
Current Issue CPABC In Focus

May/June 2021

In this issue: Meet some amazing CPABC members as we celebrate the newest honourees of our Member Recognition Program (cover story), interview three CPAs who are spearheading mental health initiatives at KPMG GVA (feature story), and profile a CPA who—together with his certified therapy dog—is brightening the days of long-term care residents (Snapshot).

Plus: Government initiatives to improve the mental health of Canadian workers; a primer on microaggressions; how to secure the family legacy through business continuity; and five questions to ask when building a digital transformation strategy.

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CPABC Member Stories & Opportunities

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CPA-led BC produce company disrupts industry across Canada
CPA Profession
CPA-led BC produce company disrupts industry across Canada
More than ever, people need to make healthy choices in their lives, and Davis Yung, CPA, CMA, is proud to be part of that process. 
By Business in Vancouver
May 12, 2021
Prioritizing mental health at work
Career Development
Prioritizing mental health at work

How KPMG GVA is supporting wellness and destigmatizing illness

By Michelle McRae
May 5, 2021
Why it’s important to encourage positive mental health in the workplace
Career Development
Why it’s important to encourage positive mental health in the workplace
Approximately one in every five Canadians experience mental health issues. In a workplace of 100, that’s 20 staff who may be experiencing mental health problems. 
By Kerri Wilcox
May 4, 2021
Mental health in the workplace: What will the new normal look like?
Career Development
Mental health in the workplace: What will the new normal look like?
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, many are experiencing unprecedented stresses and feelings of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 40% of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic.
By Kerri Wilcox
May 3, 2021
Vancouver CPA shares his time—and his wonder dog—with those in need
CPA Profession
Vancouver CPA shares his time—and his wonder dog—with those in need
Stuart Mah, CPA, CMA, and his 10-year-old certified therapy dog Nugget provide much-needed companionship to the long-term care residents at Mount St. Joseph Hospital. 
By Megan Hooge
Apr 21, 2021
Flexibility critical in hard hit service industry
CPA Profession
Flexibility critical in hard hit service industry
If there was one activity that feels most altered by the pandemic it would have to be dining out. 
By Business in Vancouver
Feb 18, 2021
Demystifying debt: CPA FinLit volunteer helps young people understand how to leverage debt to their advantage
Personal Finance
Demystifying debt: CPA FinLit volunteer helps young people understand how to leverage debt to their advantage
Canadians recently reached a dubious high point – collectively, we have amassed $100 billion in credit card debt.
By Leah Giesbrecht
Nov 18, 2020
Bringing calm resolve to turbulent times
CPA Profession
Bringing calm resolve to turbulent times

Geoffrey Dodds, CPA, CA, embraces his role as chair of the CPABC board even as COVID-19 continues to disrupt norms.

By Michelle McRae
Nov 10, 2020
WELL Health leverages technology to transform healthcare
CPA Profession
WELL Health leverages technology to transform healthcare
Long wait-times in a crowded space is often the scenario for those visiting their doctors. But with COVID-19, this scenario has changed for many patients seeking care from their doctors. 
By Vince Kanasoot
Nov 9, 2020
Small steps have a big impact: Volunteer helps high school students improve financial literacy
Personal Finance
Small steps have a big impact: Volunteer helps high school students improve financial literacy
As much as parents plan financially for their children’s future and offer tips on how to manage money, the time will come when young people will need to take ownership of their finances. 
Nov 5, 2020
Helping kids get financially smart for life: Volunteer stokes passion for real-world skills
Personal Finance
Helping kids get financially smart for life: Volunteer stokes passion for real-world skills
“I wish I’d known how to start saving for retirement when I was young… I would’ve liked to have known how to draw up and keep to a budget... I would have benefited from an explanation of how to use credit cards properly…”  
By Leah Giesbrecht
Nov 2, 2020
Meet the LUSH employee whose career has taken her all over the world
CPA Profession
Meet the LUSH employee whose career has taken her all over the world
If there are two things most of us hope to achieve in life, it’s finding our dream job and travelling the world. Having a career that combines both?
By Daily Hive
Sep 29, 2020
How KPMG’s “1,000 Acts of Kindness” has inspired employees and lifted communities
CPA Profession
How KPMG’s “1,000 Acts of Kindness” has inspired employees and lifted communities
After seeing the societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic ripple through local communities, KPMG’s offices in Metro Vancouver and Victoria mobilized employees to take action.
By Megan Hooge & Vince Kanasoot
Sep 9, 2020
The journey to the C-suite: Nick Bozikis, CFO at Article
CPA Profession
The journey to the C-suite: Nick Bozikis, CFO at Article
Nick Bozikis, CPA, CA, has always been very curious. And his curiosity has helped him adapt to new environments and trends throughout his career.
By Vince Kanasoot
Aug 14, 2020
Safety and people: How Quails’ Gate approached its reopening strategy
CPA Profession
Safety and people: How Quails’ Gate approached its reopening strategy
Like many industries, BC’s wine industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. As an industry that relies heavily on tourism activity, retail sales, and temporary foreign workers, wineries across BC had to find innovative ways to stay operational when the province effectively shut down from March through May of this year. 
By Vivian Tse
Aug 13, 2020
Traction Guest’s solution to minimizing traditional physical touchpoints at workplaces
CPA Profession
Traction Guest’s solution to minimizing traditional physical touchpoints at workplaces
As the global economy reopens in the wake of unprecedented business closures due to COVID-19, “new normals” are developing in all aspects of our daily routines. Traction Guest, a Burnaby-based visitor management system (VMS) company, has been at the forefront of facilitating the safe and efficient return to workplaces.
By Vince Kanasoot
Jul 29, 2020
Modo provides vehicles for frontline workers throughout COVID-19
CPA Profession
Modo provides vehicles for frontline workers throughout COVID-19
When containment measures for COVID-19 began in March, most people no longer had to commute except to access essential services. But for essential workers, things were much different.
By Vince Kanasoot
Jul 6, 2020
Thinkific helps lead the evolution of virtual learning during COVID-19
CPA Profession
Thinkific helps lead the evolution of virtual learning during COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to peak across the world in early March, the world’s population went into their homes and stayed there. As a result, our reliance on digital communications reached an all-time high.
By Vince Kanasoot
Jun 24, 2020
Leading community cheer: How Steamworks pivoted its business to support COVID-19 relief
CPA Profession
Leading community cheer: How Steamworks pivoted its business to support COVID-19 relief
Since March, Vancouverites have been showing their appreciation for healthcare and other frontline workers by participating in the 7pm Cheer. In this spirit, Steamworks Group of Companies has found its own unique ways to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Mike Patterson, CPA, CA, and director of finance at Steamworks spoke with CPABC to discuss these initiatives, and the steps Steamworks has taken to navigate through the crisis.
By Vince Kanasoot
Jun 22, 2020
Supporting BC healthcare: How HME Mobility helped hospitals create capacity during COVID-19
CPA Profession
Supporting BC healthcare: How HME Mobility helped hospitals create capacity during COVID-19
When COVID-19 struck, hospitals worldwide were hit with an unprecedented influx of patients. An underlying problem, among many, was the lack of available hospital beds. HME Mobility, which sells and rents out home medical equipment throughout BC, was quick to step in to help.  
By Vince Kanasoot
Jun 15, 2020
Staying connected: How a CPA pivoted his commissary kitchen to support local entrepreneurs during COVID-19
CPA Profession
Staying connected: How a CPA pivoted his commissary kitchen to support local entrepreneurs during COVID-19
When Sarb Mund, CPA, CMA, first opened Commissary Connect, a network of shared commercial kitchen spaces in Vancouver for local food and beverage entrepreneurs, he was always thinking one step ahead.
By Vince Kanasoot
Jun 8, 2020
What I wish I knew when I was starting my career in accounting?
CPA Profession
What I wish I knew when I was starting my career in accounting?
With a passion for teaching and extensive international experience in financial reporting and internal audit, Bryan Parker brings a unique and relevant energy to the classroom.
By CPABC
May 28, 2020
Disruption period: Championing body positivity and eco-friendly entrepreneurship
CPA Profession
Disruption period: Championing body positivity and eco-friendly entrepreneurship
Periods. They’re a natural event that billions of people around the world experience. Relationships with periods differ from person to person: some love-hate, others embrace. But it’s still something that’s not talked about enough.
By Daily Hive
May 14, 2020
Disrupting data management: How Aquatic Informatics is strengthening public health protection
CPA Profession
Disrupting data management: How Aquatic Informatics is strengthening public health protection
Having been born and raised in British Columbia, it’s no surprise that James Reyes has a love for the great outdoors. Among the wealth of activities one has the benefit of enjoying in this province, James set his sights on fly fishing; a decade-long passion of his that led him to a new career.
By Business in Vancouver
Apr 14, 2020
Disrupting data analytics: Visier provides HR insights to businesses
CPA Profession
Disrupting data analytics: Visier provides HR insights to businesses
Strategic people management is key to helping organizations thrive. Through innovative software technology that provides insightful analytics and action plans, Vancouver-based Visier has disrupted how organizations manage their most important resource – their people. 
By Vince Kanasoot
Feb 26, 2020
Employer Spotlight: Interfor
CPA Profession
Employer Spotlight: Interfor
Since 2008, Interfor has invested $337 million in our BC Interior operations and today all three mills are top performing facilities. 
By CPABC
Oct 24, 2019
Global impact: Svante is disrupting the world’s CO2 marketplace
CPA Profession
Global impact: Svante is disrupting the world’s CO2 marketplace
Number one on the list of risks to organizational growth, according to CEOs around the world, is climate change. And while talk about combatting climate change abounds, impactful solutions that will be widely adopted seem in short supply.
By Leah Giesbrecht
Oct 15, 2019
A career dedicated to building Vancouver: A conversation with John McLaughlin
CPA Profession
A career dedicated to building Vancouver: A conversation with John McLaughlin

The impact of John McLaughlin’s career can be seen throughout Metro Vancouver. For over thirty years, he has played a major role in facilitating Vancouver’s commercial and residential property growth, as well as showcasing Vancouver’s vibrancy to the world. 

By Vince Kanasoot
Oct 3, 2019
Disrupting biotech: Interviewing Zymeworks’ Neil Klompas
CPA Profession
Disrupting biotech: Interviewing Zymeworks’ Neil Klompas
Combining different passions to make a career is a dream for many; some, however, make it a reality and become innovators in their field. For Zymeworks EVP Business Operations and CFO Neil Klompas, CPA, CA, guidance from a mentor during his undergraduate studies helped him see that a career fusing his passions – science and business – was not only feasible, but full of opportunity. 
By Leah Giesbrecht
Sep 23, 2019
Power disruption: Neurio revolutionizes home energy market
CPA Profession
Power disruption: Neurio revolutionizes home energy market
Technology has transformed our daily routines. Recent trends such as the sharing economy have changed how we get from point A to B, book our travel and accommodation, and shop.
By Vince Kanasoot
Sep 13, 2019
Semios: Solving agriculture’s challenges with smart tech and sustainability
CPA Profession
Semios: Solving agriculture’s challenges with smart tech and sustainability
How will the agriculture industry feed the hunger of a swelling global population as pressures mount from climate change, invasive pests, declining arable land, and limited water? To sustainably and effectively feed everyone, the United Nations estimates agricultural output must increase by 40% by 2050.
By Leah Giesbrecht
Aug 21, 2019
How Thinkific disrupts online learning
CPA Profession
How Thinkific disrupts online learning
In today’s digital age, “e-learning” might not seem like a revolutionary technology. But when the co-founders of Thinkific created their first online course in 2007, it set them on a path to disrupt the way people around the world create and access education.
By Megan Hooge
Aug 14, 2019
Loving the journey: Profile on Olga Gregoire, CPA, CGA, Controller, Energetic Services
CPA Profession
Loving the journey: Profile on Olga Gregoire, CPA, CGA, Controller, Energetic Services
“I am fluent in both Russian and English, but my primary language has always been numbers,” says Olga Gregoire, CPA, CGA.
By CPABC
Aug 13, 2019
Championing women’s health: In conversation with Gina Singh
CPA Profession
Championing women’s health: In conversation with Gina Singh
Advancing women’s health is a core mandate for Gina Singh, CPA, CA. As chief finance and operating officer of BC Women’s Health Foundation, she helps lead BC’s largest not-for-profit (NPO) organization focused on health care for women.
By Leah Giesbrecht
Jul 31, 2019
The journey to innovation: Modo’s story on disrupting the traditional vehicle ownership model
CPA Profession
The journey to innovation: Modo’s story on disrupting the traditional vehicle ownership model
The sharing economy has erupted worldwide in recent years and continues to boom. Whether it’s the short-term usage of cars, bikes, accommodation, or even furniture or sports equipment, there’s been a shift towards paying for temporary usage versus committing to ownership.
By Vince Kanasoot
Jul 25, 2019
Article uses tech and data mindset to disrupt furniture retail industry
CPA Profession
Article uses tech and data mindset to disrupt furniture retail industry
Digital disruption has re-invented how the retail industry services consumers, shaking down brick and mortar stores from its once prominent position, or else integrating them into multi-channel shopping experiences. One company that was quick to capitalize on these opportunities is Vancouver-based furniture retailer Article.
By Vince Kanasoot
Jun 14, 2019
MineSense: Unearthing smarter mining practices with tech
CPA Profession
MineSense: Unearthing smarter mining practices with tech
Until very recently the process of metal mining was characterized by a lack of visibility. Only after the lengthy, costly, and resource-intensive process of extracting material from the earth and sending it for processing and refining, would the true value of the material be confirmed.
By Leah Giesbrecht
May 15, 2019
Construction industry disruptor builds housing solutions
CPA Profession
Construction industry disruptor builds housing solutions
It’s no secret that the housing shortage is a top concern in Metro Vancouver. However, one construction company is playing a decisive role in addressing this issue.
By Leah Giesbrecht
Apr 29, 2019
A CPA designation was key to Matthew Anderson launching A&K Robotics
CPA Profession
A CPA designation was key to Matthew Anderson launching A&K Robotics
From Matthew Anderson’s perspective, the progression from becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant to becoming the co-founder of a robotics company is entirely logical.
By BCBusiness Magazine
Apr 25, 2019
Beyond the numbers: What today’s CPAs actually do
CPA Profession
Beyond the numbers: What today’s CPAs actually do
There are plenty of stereotypes and misnomers when it comes to describing Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs). However, today’s CPAs are working in diverse business fields and have some of the most vibrant roles in the workplace.
By Business in Vancouver
Apr 15, 2019
5 common mistakes entrepreneurs make, and how to avoid them
Resources for CPAs
5 common mistakes entrepreneurs make, and how to avoid them
Deciding to start your own business is an exciting endeavour that comes with a ton of flexibility, which is amazing. But it also requires a lot of responsibility, and that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
By Daily Hive
Apr 10, 2019
Leading the way in her profession and community – An interview with Kate Furber
CPA Profession
Leading the way in her profession and community – An interview with Kate Furber
A champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Kate Furber, a chartered professional accountant and partner at PwC Canada, is widely acknowledged as a leader within BC’s business community.
By Vince Kanasoot
Apr 4, 2019
Aspiring entrepreneurs, these are the 3 questions you need to ask yourself
Resources for CPAs
Aspiring entrepreneurs, these are the 3 questions you need to ask yourself
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? The thought of being your own boss certainly sounds appealing, but being an entrepreneur is about more than just having a good idea.
By Daily Hive
Mar 28, 2019
This CFO shapes the city: An interview with Judy Leung
CPA Profession
This CFO shapes the city: An interview with Judy Leung
Taking in Vancouver’s skyline, chances are your eyes will be drawn to a building developed by Westbank Corp. With over $25 billion of real estate projects constructed or currently under development, the company is behind a number of innovative developments shaping the face of Vancouver, such as TELUS Gardens, Woodwards, and looking ahead, Deloitte’s new downtown office.
By Leah Giesbrecht
Oct 1, 2018
Communicating for the win: An interview with Pamela Lee
CPA Profession
Communicating for the win: An interview with Pamela Lee
“Status quo is not an option – evolving and creating change in our business is something I’m very passionate about,” says Pamela Lee, CPA, CA. As chief financial officer (CFO) of Mr. Lube Canada, a leader in the country’s routine automotive maintenance industry, her commitment to collaborative stakeholder relationships drives changes that secure profitable new markets, business areas, and partnerships for the company. 
By Leah Giesbrecht
Sep 5, 2018
CPA and Canadian proud: Diverse stories of CPAs and how they’re giving back
CPA Profession
CPA and Canadian proud: Diverse stories of CPAs and how they’re giving back
The journey to become a CPA is challenging. For members who move to Canada from other countries, there is the additional task of transitioning into a new culture and professional landscape.
By Leah Giesbrecht & Vince Kanasoot
Jun 28, 2018
Time for parity – an interview with Shelley Brown
CPA Profession
Time for parity – an interview with Shelley Brown
“Canada has the opportunity to become one of the strongest economies in the world if we take advantage of our diversity,” notes Shelley Brown, FCPA, FCA, “and in Canada today I think appropriate diversity means parity.” 
By Leah Giesbrecht
Mar 5, 2018
Bridging the gap – Skills vs. needs
Economy & Policy
Bridging the gap – Skills vs. needs
CPAs in BC have consistently ranked the ability to attract and retain skilled talent as the greatest challenge to business success in this province. And it is with good reason. Over the past five years, BC has seen unprecedented job growth, especially in burgeoning sectors like tech; in fact, the pace of growth in the tech sector is so fast that labour demand has outstripped supply, making it difficult for tech companies to attract and recruit skilled talent. BC Tech estimated that our tech industry will need to fill approximately 35,000 positions by 2021. 
By Lori Mathison
Dec 13, 2017
Day in the life: Liana Lau, Google
CPA Profession
Day in the life: Liana Lau, Google
Today we follow a day in the life of Liana Lau, CPA, CA.
By CPABC
Sep 25, 2017