Every year the CPA Centre hosts an annual symposium. The purpose is to enable the convergence of scholars across disciplines for study and dialogue on the future state of the accounting profession.
2023 Symposium
The Role of Accounting in Sustainability and Circular Economy
The CPA Centre for Public Policy and Innovation in Accounting hosted its annual symposium on November 3, 2023. The theme for 2023 was “The Role of Accounting in Sustainability and a Circular Economy.” There were speakers from academia, Walker Industries, and KPMG, as well as a panel discussion with a local mayor, and the CEO of Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. Prizes were presented to the winners of the high school and Brock Undergraduate video competition.
Guest Speakers:
- Dr. Leanne Keddie, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Carleton University
- Dr. Cheol Lee, Professor of Accounting, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Dr. Liette Vasseur, Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University
- Dr. Samir Trabelsi, Professor of Accounting, Brock University
- Gary Zalepa, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Mishka Balsom, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
- Paul Smith, Vice President of Finance, Walker Industries
- Ramsha Ahmed, ESG Manager, KPMG
- Mani Siddiqui, Founder of Jitto
Student Video Competition
High school and Brock University undergraduate students were invited to submit a short video about the role accounting can play in a circular economy for a chance to win a $1000 prize and attend the symposium.
High School Winners
Brock University Winners
Past Symposiums
2022 Symposium
Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA)
The CPA Centre for Public Policy and Innovation in Accounting at the Goodman school of Business was pleased to host a symposium in conjunction with Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) on the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA). This event was held in a hybrid format, online and in person at Goodman School of Business Atrium at Brock University. The free symposium featured speakers from NRCan, CPA Ontario and PWC as well as industry partners.
Guest Speakers:
- Mr. Ross Gallinger, President, RG Consulting
- Mr. Jason Manikkam, Deputy Director, Extractive Sector Transparency Office, Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada
- Emily Nickerson, Team Lead / Policy, Strategy and Partnerships, Extractive Sector Transparency Office, Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada
- Jacques Radder, Director, Accounting Advisory Services, PwC Management Services LP
- Dr. Galit A. Sarfaty, Canada Research Chair in Global Economic Governance, Associate Professor | Allard School of Law, The University of British Columbia
- Dr. Charles Cho, Professor/Erivan K. Haub Chair, Schulich School of Business, York University
- Mr. Daniel Mule, Policy Lead, Extractive Industries Tax and Transparency, Oxfam America
2020 Symposium
The Future of Accounting
Accounting finds itself at a critical juncture as innovative technology, analytics, and social issues are poised to reshape the industry. The symposium discussed the future of Accounting given these emerging issues.
Guest Speakers:
- Dr. Dan Simunic, Simon Fraser University
- Ms. Gigi Dawe, Director, Corporate Oversight and Governance, CPA Ontario
- Mr. Gus Leite, Partner, Digital Assurance Upskilling Leader, PwC Canada
- Dr. Louise Hays, University of Guelph
- Ms. Irene M. Wiecek, University of Toronto
- Mr. Ryan Kagan, Managing Partner, Ryan Kagan Accounting & Advisory, Inc
- Mr. Manav Kapoor, Office of the Auditor General of Canada
- Ms. Lucky Ma, Director, Funding Planning Team, CIBC
2018 Symposium
Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA)
Topics Covered:
- The Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA) brought into force June 1, 2015 mandates Canadian extractive sector companies to report any monies paid to government that could be construed as bribery.
- ESTMA and Accounting Disclosures
- ESTMA – The Auditor Perspective”
- ESTMA from a global perspective and other key issues pertinent to both industry professionals and academics.
Guest Speakers:
- Dr. Gordon RichardsonUniversity of Toronto
- Emily Nickerson, Director, Publish What You Pay Canada
- Tim McGuire, Global Account Director, Mining & Metals, Export Development Canada
- Victoria Vargas de Szarzynski, President, Strat-Advice; Brian Penny, Corporate Director
- David Whiteley, Partner, Capital Markets Accounting Advisory Services; PwC Management Services LP