CFE Passers Shine at Convocation 2026

Both ceremonies, emceed by local entertainer Stefano Giulianetti, opened with a welcome from Harold Calla, FCPA, executive chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, who shared some inspirational words of advice with the graduating class.

Following this welcome, representatives of CPABC and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) offered their congratulations. In her opening remarks, CPABC President and CEO Lori Mathison, FCPA, LLB, commended the CFE passers for the effort they invested in their studies and the high standards they set throughout the process, saying, “As you step into your next chapter, I hope you will recognize the strength of what you’ve built and carry the confidence that you’ve earned.”

After her address, outgoing chair of the CPABC Board of Directors Alain LeFebvre, FCPA, encouraged the CFE passers to work and lead in ways that bring people together. “Your education has prepared you to navigate complex situations not only as individuals acting alone, but also as partners who understand the power of shared efforts,” he noted. CPAWSB CEO Yuen Ip, CPA, then spoke. He encouraged the CFE passers to think strategically, remain adaptable, and always do the right thing, saying, “Always act ethically. Be humble, respect others, and protect your integrity.”.

Valedictorians Laurel Dabb and Karrah Parke also contributed their voices and perspectives to the ceremonies. Both were among the 13 BC candidates who made the National CFE Honour Roll in 2025.

Addressing her peers at the morning event, Dabb reflected on how their shared skillset equips them to successfully navigate the future. “As we progress in our careers the type and scale of the challenges we face will change, but we will always be able to draw on the resilience, critical thinking, and technical expertise that we developed while earning our CPA designations,” she noted.

In the afternoon event, Parke commented on the skills and experiences she and her fellow CFE passers had gained in preparing for and writing the exam. “When looking at it in hindsight, that period of time was so formative and meaningful,” she said. “Meaningful because of what we proved, to ourselves and to others. We demonstrated that we can handle complexity and problem-solve under intense pressure. Meaningful, too, as a culmination of years of hard work to get to this point.”

Afterwards, graduates crossed the stage to enthusiastic cheers and applause from family, friends, mentors, and coworkers. Attendees then continued the celebrations at a reception that rounded out each event.

Congratulations to the class of 2026 – the next generation of CPAs!

A special note of thanks

CPABC wishes to thank all the sponsors who helped make the 2026 Convocation ceremonies successful and extend a special thanks to platinum sponsors KPMG and MNP; silver sponsors BDO Canada, Doane Grant Thornton, EY Canada, and Manning Elliott; bronze sponsor Deloitte; and A/V sponsor CPA Insurance Plans West.