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Scorch and Surge: Ontario Faces Sweltering Heat and Successive Storm Threats

Ontario is bracing for a stretch of intense weather as Environment Canada issues heat warnings across multiple regions, paired with a forecast of multi-day storm risks. Temperatures are expected to soar past 30°C, with humidex values pushing conditions into the high 30s and low 40s. The sweltering heat poses increased risks to vulnerable populations, including seniors, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Meteorologists warn that the heat won’t come alone. A line of unstable air sweeping across southern and central Ontario is expected to fuel daily thunderstorms through the weekend and into next week. These storms could bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, and isolated hail, further complicating the forecast. Officials are urging residents to take precautions: stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak hours, and check in on neighbours who may be at risk. Pet owners are also reminded to avoid walking animals during the hottest parts of the day. The co...

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How Deloitte's audit work was backdated and why CPA Ontario fined them $1.59-million

 


Deloitte is one of the Big Four accounting firms that provide audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services to clients worldwide. As a professional service provider, Deloitte is expected to adhere to high standards of quality, ethics and integrity in its work. However, in a recent disciplinary case, Deloitte admitted that it had violated several rules and regulations of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario), the regulatory body that oversees the accounting profession in the province.

According to CPA Ontario, Deloitte and some of its partners and staff engaged in improper conduct in relation to the audits of two public companies, identified as Company A and Company B, for the fiscal years 2014 to 2016. The improper conduct included backdating audit workpapers, altering or deleting audit evidence, failing to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence, failing to exercise professional skepticism and due care, and failing to comply with the Canadian Auditing Standards.

CPA Ontario also found that Deloitte failed to report the improper conduct to the regulator, as required by the bylaws, and failed to cooperate fully with the regulator's investigation. Deloitte also failed to implement adequate quality control policies and procedures to prevent or detect such improper conduct.

As a result of these findings, CPA Ontario imposed a total of $1.59-million in penalties on Deloitte and its partners and staff involved in the case. The penalties included fines, costs, reprimands, suspensions and restrictions on practice. Deloitte agreed to pay the penalties and admitted to the facts and liability in a settlement agreement with CPA Ontario.

The disciplinary case is a serious blow to Deloitte's reputation and credibility as an auditor. It also raises questions about the quality and reliability of the audits performed by Deloitte for other clients. The case also highlights the importance of having effective oversight and enforcement mechanisms for the accounting profession, to protect the public interest and maintain trust in the financial reporting system.


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