Time passes too quickly!

June has arrived, which means this is my last column as president. But before I reflect on the events of the past year, let me first provide you with an important update:

Revised Rule 206 proposals

Pursuant to my February/March 2003 column, I would like to thank those members who provided

their input on the proposed changes to Rule 206 (Members Compliance with Professional Standards), as set out in the December 2002 interim report of the CICA's Ethics Standards Harmonization Committee (ESHC). As this proposal is important for all members, particularly those in industry, Council appreciates your input, which resulted in a comprehensive response to the ESHC that set out BC's position.

We've recently received revised proposals from the ESHC and believe most of the Institute's concerns have now been satisfactorily addressed. The revised proposals have been emailed to those members who provided input on the first report. The Institute's Bylaws Committee, as well as Council, will provide any final comments to the ESHC.

Note: If you are interested in receiving a copy of the updated proposals, please email Barry Mottershead, FCA, at mottershead@ica.bc.ca.

A look at the past year

I was fortunate to be elected president of the ICABC in June 2002. Since then, led by a strong, committed Council and our CEO Richard Rees, FCA, the Institute has continued to focus on its approved ends (goals) throughout the year's activities.

These ends, once again:

1. Upholding the integrity of the CA profession

2. Providing enough well trained students

3. Supporting members in their quest to be business advisors and assurance providers of choice

4. Buyers of our service recognize the skills and services of CAs

Here's a summary of the past year's events and activities:

* When Enron came to the fore, we took the opportunity to meet with our members and hold discussions in public forums to present what we, in BC, and our colleagues across the country were doing in response to the issues. We continue to work with regulators and the CICA post-Enron.

* We received a preliminary introduction of independence standards and were given the opportunity to present our comments.

* We've continued to work with the provincial government to update the Act under which we are governed.

* We instituted mandatory CPD for all CAs.

* We've increased our collaboration with the Certified Business Valuators, the Institute of Corporate Directors, universities, and others to develop more programs/seminars for all members.

* Our news coverage increased considerably, and despite lingering negative reaction to Enron, positive coverage has far out-weighed negative.

* We had many more opportunities to make presentations to public groups, business organizations, and government.

* Once again, our annual BC Check-Up sparked considerable interest. And Saskatchewan and Manitoba have initiated similar Check-Ups with the assistance of the BC Institute staff.

* The President's Tour was expanded, and I got the chance to meet many of our committed and enthusiastic members.

* Our various forums-Mid-Sized Firms, Regional Presidents, Young CAs, and National Firms-contributed greatly to the profession.

* We had our first graduates after three years of CASB operations, and their results were encouraging.

* We've continued to work towards expanding opportunities for our students. (We are both fortunate to have a demand for training positions with our firms and unfortunate that more spaces aren't currently available.)

* I attended a number of student events that showed me the quality of our students and recent graduates.

* The CA Education Foundation of BC sponsored our first-ever academic conference in early May (see page 12).

* And not to be forgotten, we held another Convocation, an event that gives us an opportunity every year to congratulate and celebrate the success of our newest members.

As outgoing president, I leave my post with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I'll have a little more free time. On the other, I'll miss the contact I've enjoyed with our members and the opportunity to work with our fine council, Richard Rees, and Richard's dedicated and extraordinarily qualified staff.

I've certainly appreciated the support of our membership and particularly the support of the partners and staff of my firm, Manning Elliott. I never expected the role of ICABC president to provide me with so much personal enjoyment. I can only hope it provides as much enjoyment to incoming president John Cowperthwaite, FCA. John has been very supportive of me and of the CA profession over the past years. His leadership as ICABC president will benefit us all.

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BY ROBIN A. W. ELLIOTT, FCA PRESIDENT