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CUSMA Wasn’t Renewed: The 10-Year Clock Now Running on Your Job, Prices and Savings

  Canadian Money Brief | Feature CUSMA Wasn't Renewed: The 10-Year Clock Now Running on Your Job, Prices and Savings By MoneySavings.ca | Published November 2, 2026 Quick quiz: is Canada's free trade deal with the United States still in place? The honest answer is yes and no. The agreement known here as CUSMA is still in force, but since July 1 it has been on a different footing, and the way it plays out over the next decade matters to your paycheque, your grocery bill and your savings. Most of us missed the moment because nothing visibly changed that day. That is exactly why it deserves a closer look, especially with the federal budget arriving Thursday. The short version: CUSMA did not end. It moved from a long-term deal to a deal that gets reviewed every year until 2036. Roughly 90% of what Canada sells to the U.S. has been crossing the border tariff-free because of it, so each annual review is a chance for that protection to be tested. For households, this is a slow-burn r...

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CPA Canada lays off 80 staff amid provincial divisions

 

CPA Canada, the national organization that represents chartered professional accountants across the country, has announced that it is cutting 20% of its workforce, or about 80 staff, as it faces a challenging operating environment.

The decision comes as two of the largest provincial oversight bodies, CPA Ontario and the Quebec CPA Order, are preparing to leave CPA Canada by the end of this year, following a disagreement over governance and financial issues.

CPA Canada president and CEO Pamela Steer said in a memo to staff last week that the organization had to streamline its operations “in order to position CPA Canada for long-term sustainability.”

She said that despite many discussions and efforts, it was clear that Ontario and Quebec would not change their current path, which means they will exit the national agreement that was signed in 2013 to unify the various professional accounting organizations and designations.

The split will have significant implications for the accounting profession in Canada, as CPA Canada is responsible for setting standards, coordinating education and exams, and advocating for the public interest, while the regional organizations are responsible for regulation and enforcement.

Both CPA Ontario and the Quebec CPA Order have said that their departure will not undo the unification of the profession, but rather allow them to focus on their own members and stakeholders.

However, CPA Canada has said that their decision puts the profession at risk of fragmentation and inconsistency, and undermines the credibility and reputation of the CPA designation.

The two provincial groups have cited concerns about CPA Canada’s financial transparency regarding education programs, which the national body has disputed. They have also sought stronger representation on the national board, which CPA Canada has said would compromise its independence and accountability.

CPA Canada said it will continue to work with the remaining provincial and territorial bodies to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and programs for its members and the profession. It also said it will explore new opportunities and partnerships to advance the CPA brand and the public interest.

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