New Archbishop of Toronto
VATICAN CITY (AP-CP) - Msgr. Thomas Collins, now Archbishop of Edmonton, has been named by Pope Benedict to lead the archdiocese of Toronto, the Vatican said yesterday.

Collins, 59, replaces retiring Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, who is 76.

"I have no doubt that he will be a responsible steward of the diocese, a faithful shepherd who will guide his flock for many years to come," said Ambrozic." I thank God for the privilege to serve as archbishop and offer gratitude to the clergy and laity who have supported me during my time in the archdiocese of Toronto. Be assured that you will always remain close to my heart and in my prayers."

Collins did theological study in London and Rome, including at the prestigious Gregorian Pontifical University.

"I am deeply honoured by the confidence the Holy Father has placed in me, calling me to lead the archdiocese of Toronto, one of the most diverse dioceses in the world," said Collins. "At the same time, I must thank those whom I have served in the archdiocese of Edmonton. I will always be grateful to them for their inspiring example of discipleship."

Rhetoric on Diversity Does Not Match Reality in Canadian Organizations

Ottawa, December 8, 2006 - Canadian organizations say that diversity is a priority, but barely half of those surveyed by the Conference Board have strategic plans for diversity and for creating and sustaining inclusive work environments.

"There is a disconnect between rhetoric and reality in the area of diversity in Canadian organizations. Many organizations have failed to turn their stated commitments into tangible action," said Prem Benimadhu, Vice-President, Governance and Human Resource Management.

"With labour shortages looming, the importance of developing diverse and inclusive workplaces cannot be overstated. Organizations that welcome 'diverse groups' into their workforces will have a competitive advantage over those that merely talk about practising diversity."

The Conference Board's first Report on Diversity: Priorities, Practices and Performance in Canadian Organizations, is based on survey results from 120 respondents, mostly managers and executives with responsibility for diversity within their organizations.

Although a majority of respondents say they consider diversity to be a priority, 42 per cent do not have a strategic plan for diversity. Fewer than half of respondents provide diversity training to their manager and employees, and 88 per cent of respondents rate their organizations as average or below average in preparing leaders to manage a diverse workforce.

The Conference Board survey data also indicates that only a minority of Canadian organizations have either met or exceeded the labour force availability rates for members of visible minorities, women, aboriginal people and persons with disabilities.

The report provides a portrait of more than just organizational performance on representation rates; it also presents information on more practical aspects of diversity-policies, practices and programs used to support diversity.

The report, which will be published on a biennial basis to measure the performance of Canadian organizations in creating diverse and inclusive work environments, is available to subscribers at www.e-library.ca .

Certified General Accountants Applaud Ontario Government's Efforts to Increase Access for Internationally Trained Professionals

Guiding principle of the CGA program: "to provide an opportunity for anyone with the desire and requisite talents to become a professional accountant." Passage of Bill 124, Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006, will enshrine a similar principle.
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DECEMBER 11, 2006
TORONTO, ONTARIO

The Certified General Accountants of Ontario offers high praise and support for the Ontario Government's efforts towards passage of Bill 124, Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006. Recognizing our leading role in admitting internationally trained professionals into the province's accounting profession, CGA Ontario was invited to address the standing committee on regulations and private bills of the McGuinty Government, specifically the ministry of the Honourable Michael Colle, responsible for Citizenship and Immigration.

Joyce Evans, FCGA, chair of the board of governors of the Association (and herself an immigrant to Canada) indicates, "Bill 124 strikes an appropriate balance between the paramount need for high professional standards to protect the public interest and a fair and transparent process to allow for access into the profession by qualified applicants. CGA Ontario is also pleased that the ministry proposes to establish an access centre for internationally trained individuals, to provide information and assistance on the requirements for registration, procedures for applying for registration and opportunities for internships."

At present, 25 per cent of certified general accountants received their original post-secondary education in another country; the same is true for 30 per cent of current students in the CGA program of professional studies. Our database indicates that CGAs and students in the CGA program speak 58 languages, other than English or French, as a first language. Earlier information gathered by the government from all three Canadian accounting bodies found that, on a percentage basis, CGA Ontario admitted 409 and 329 per cent more internationally trained professionals to membership than the other two accounting designations in the 2004 year (270 new CGAs versus 53 and 63 for the other accounting bodies).

Detailed to the Ontario Government was CGA Ontario's belief that recognition of qualifications of internationally trained professionals (wishing to work in any regulated profession in Ontario) should include the following five priorities: public protection; consistency; fairness and access; competencies and credentials; and disclosure. Link to a description of each priority:
 www.cga-ontario.org/contentfiles/media_relations/releases/releases/06-2007-05a.aspx#link1.

CGA Ontario's Position on Bill 124

CGA Ontario unreservedly supports the stated purpose of Bill 124, "To help ensure that regulated professions and individuals applying for registration by regulated professions are governed by registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair."

By example, the CGA program permits individuals to transfer credits from courses completed at an international accredited post-secondary institution, allowing them to enter the CGA program at a level consistent with their educational background. Our programs are constructed around "open access" to accommodate Ontarians from all walks of life, regardless of location, economic circumstances or country of origin.

Link to necessary characteristics of "open access":
 www.cga-ontario.org/contentfiles/media_relations/releases/releases/06-2007-05a.aspx#link2

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