CGA Ontario Conference 2009

Friday, November 6
Morning Sessions | Afternoon Sessions | Panel Discussion | Social Event

Morning Fitness Walk/Run

6 a.m.

Join your fellow CGAs and begin the day with a healthy start! The morning fitness program — with both walking and running options available — departs from the main lobby of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

Sponsored by: NandanCharkoTurnerMoore LLP and Debra J. Taylor, CGA



Registration & Coffee with Exhibitors

7 a.m.

Sponsored by: The Canadian Payroll Association



Concurrent Sessions
8 to 10 a.m.

(pre-selection is not required)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) – What is the IMF’s role in the future of global financial regulation?

The global financial system has been under severe stress as the recent crisis broadened to include households, corporations, and the banking sectors in both advanced and emerging market countries. In the recent crisis, the Global Financial Stability Report traced the sources and channels of financial distress and provided policy advice on mitigating its effects on economic activity, stemming contagion, and mending the global financial system. Join Laura Kodres for this thought-provoking discussion about IMF’s role in international financial supervision and regulation.

Speaker: Laura Kodres


Grassroots Governance

Lessons learned regarding corporate governance have special meaning for the not-for-profit organization. Transparency and accountability are critical if the public is to continue funding the good work done by many small, grassroots organizations. These are the organizations that raise money for victims of personal tragedy, take care of the children in the community, provide support and advocacy for special interest groups, and so much more. What role do volunteers play in ensuring that public trust is maintained?

This session will focus on the primary roles and responsibilities of volunteer directors. The goal will be to better understand both their legal and ethical responsibilities.

Speaker: Michelle Causton, FCGA


Tapping the Iceberg

Let Tim Cork help you reach your potential with the Straight A’s Philosophy: Attitude, Aptitude and Action. He’ll educate and entertain while teaching you that:

  • Giving starts the receiving process.
  • You choose your attitude, everyday.
  • How to soar with the eagles - the people of wisdom.
  • The Straight A’s enhance career security and advancement in today’s challenging business environment.
  • The # 1 rule to networking is netgiving.
  • And much more!

Speaker: Tim Cork


Current Income Tax Issues

Join Tom McCallum, FCGA, as he reviews some of the current issues in income tax, with an emphasis on individuals and small to medium private corporations. Some of the grey areas, such as management remuneration and corporate structure, which are of continuous and ongoing concern, will also be canvassed. As always, the information and discussion will be on the practical side. Group discussion and interaction is an integral part of the presentation. You will leave this seminar with practical information and knowledge.

Speaker: Tom McCallum, FCGA


Refreshment Break

10 to 10:15 a.m.


Sponsored by: Munro Thompson Insurance Solutions


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Concurrent Sessions
10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

(pre-selection is not required)

Sponsored by: Robert Half International



How’s the Gray Matter Doing?

Brain not working quite the way you want it to? Information overload leading to noticeable ‘brain drain’ issue? Feel like you’re losing your mind some days? Don’t give up. There’s hope for you. Join Brian Thwaits as he gives you tips on how to boost your brain power.

Speaker: Brian Thwaits


Managing Through Change

When change occurs, whether it’s managing a recent merger or dealing with a turbulent economy, it’s up to the manager to support and guide employees through the transition process. The ability to lead and manage through challenging times is critical to a firm’s long-term success. Take a look at how change affects employees and what steps managers can take to help staff adjust and thrive amidst change.

Speaker: Dave King


Employment Standards

Want to know the most recent amendments to the Employment Standards Act? Gain a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations outlined in the Act. Learn about the program’s recent move to an electronic claims management system. Of particular interest are the enforcement tools and penalties available to officers, and details regarding the minimum wage increase.

Speakers: Giselle Rivet


L(earn)² Refocus on Results™

As we’ve all been reminded lately, business is cyclical. When your company enters a down period, it’s a good time to refocus and realign to ensure you and your staff are engaged and focused on producing successful results. In this high energy and fast-paced break-out style experience, participants are challenged to confront their fears and refocus on results. Participants are up on their feet moving around writing ideas, confronting fears to ultimately realign their thinking so that they can see what is possible in these difficult times. What leaders and employees choose to focus on determines their actions, motivation and results.

Speaker: Doug Bolger


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Concurrent Sessions
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

(pre-selection is not required)

Ethics – If It’s Right Why Do I Feel So Bad?

Ethical concerns lurk in seemingly ordinary decisions. Our failure to recognize the hidden issues can leave us feeling vaguely uncomfortable or even defensive when others shine a light into the dark corners. While codes of conduct, rules of ethical principles and laws provide some guidance and define boundaries they cannot replace personal integrity. This discussion will focus on identifying ethical issues, framing the decision and categorizing possible solutions. These seemingly simple exercises can form a basis by which to address any decision and are designed to give your brain a workout. How will you make a decision when all of the alternatives are right?

Speaker: Michelle Causton, FCGA


Mass Collaboration and Real Life

Web 2.0, social networks, wikis, and online collaboration are everywhere, challenging conventional wisdom about how things work. But these fashionable trends don’t change everything. Nor do they always make things better. David Ticoll provides a thoughtful, provocative critique of these innovations, and discusses where they belong in our personal, public, and work settings.

Speaker: David Ticoll


L(earn)² Get Connected ™

In this entertaining and interactive experience, you’ll uncover the secrets to networking and making lasting connections. This session focuses on developing your personal awareness and a powerful mindset that can shape every encounter you make. You can gain control of every situation; you just need to get connected.

Speaker: Michele Ferrari


Myths and Realities: Navigating Enterprise Risk from the Finance Officer’s Perspective

Audit and risk committees are increasing their focus on how their organization manages its risks, as well as benchmarking the risk management activities of their competitors and corporations in non-related industries. Corporate failures, the resulting corporate governance legislation, and mounting stakeholder pressure have prompted corporations to implement enterprise-wide risk management practices. Patrick Doig will address some of the acknowledged best practices for embarking on and achieving a successful enterprise risk management process.

Speaker: Patrick Doig


Ray ZahabLunch & Motivational Speaker

12:30 to 2 p.m.

Winner of some of the world’s most difficult and challenging ultra-distance foot races, Ray Zahab is motivated by challenge, distance and discovery. On New Year’s Day 2000, after going hiking with his brother John, Ray began a journey of discovery – of learning that some of the largest barriers to success are the ones we put upon ourselves. By breaking these down, we can achieve extraordinary things. Ray is a living example of such possibilities. He crossed the Sahara Desert in 11 days, running an average of 70 km a day he broke the world record for reaching the South Pole on foot in only 33 days. All of his adventures have a charitable and educational component, which is a huge part of Ray’s drive and passion.

Sponsored by: Lannick Group of Companies


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Concurrent Sessions
2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

(pre-selection is not required)

Sponsored by: Brendan Moore Enterprise Sales Tax Solutions



Innovative Network Ideas

Customers, suppliers, mentors, employers – people who can help you succeed. You just need to know how to network and how to use your network well. This seminar will help you:

  • Create an effective networking plan.
  • Identify the right people to meet and where to meet them.
  • Develop networking skills and your introduction.
  • Plan your follow up.
  • Use online networking resources.

Go ahead. Get networking. Get growing.

Speaker: Andrew Patricio


Short Termism – Debt and the Restructuring of the Global Economy

Three decades of short-term thinking led consumers to shift from saving to spending, culminating in the escalation of private debt to unsustainable levels. The credit crisis that emerged in the summer of 2007 began the long process of leveraging and the near collapse of the world’s financial system. When the massive and largely unfunded government entitlement programs are included, the need to restructure the global economy is unavoidable. Join Jonathan Wellum as he looks at a number of these crucial issues and how investors can capitalize on some of these long-term challenges.

Speaker: Jonathan Wellum


Get Ready for Ontario’s Harmonized Sales Tax

Ontario’s value-added tax (OVAT) is coming on July 1, 2010 and if you have questions, you are not alone. Diane Gaudon, CGA, will provide you with essential information intended to heighten your awareness of the sales tax issues that must be addressed by Canadian businesses as a consequence of Ontario’s harmonization. Participants will be armed with ideas to commence evaluation of current systems and procedures that will be required to ease the transition to OVAT. Diane will also discuss the impact of OVAT on Ontario businesses, highlight the differences between Ontario retail sales tax and OVAT and list major pros and cons.

This is a critical time for all GST registered businesses to start preparing for OVAT. Don’t get caught at the last minute trying to make changes; start now!

Speaker: Diane Gaudon, CGA


Gimme Credit – Borrowing, Lending and Securitization

A tidal wave of margin calls recently rolled over financial markets, and entire credit channels were washed away. How much normalcy has returned to credit markets in late 2009? Are lending markets delivering credit where needed, and are consumers and businesses willing to borrow? And will securitizations of home mortgages and leasing and other credit receivables return in anything like their past form? The answers to these questions send a message about the bigger economic picture.

Speaker: Finn Poschmann


Refreshment Break

3:15 to 3:30 p.m.


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Panel Discussion: Managing in Challenging Times

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The recent recessionary economic climate highlighted the pressures on costs and people during tough times. The volatile nature of the economy dictates the need for organizations to think long-term, as well as short-term, when dealing with employees. Join our panel for a lively discussion about how leaders respond to a rapidly-changing world and how they position themselves for future success.

Panelists:

Patrick Doig, Marsh Canada Limited
Joe Penachetti, FCGA, City of Toronto
Catherine Swift, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Moderator:

Carl Zehr, FCGA, City of Kitchener


New Members’ Welcome Reception

7 to 10 p.m.

This year, we’re introducing the New Members’ Welcome Reception, because after two jam-packed days of learning, it’s time for some fun! Join CGA Ontario chair, Everett Colby, FCGA, governors, chapter chairs and other conference delegates for an evening of music, magic and merriment as we welcome our newest CGAs who will be admitted to membership on Saturday.


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