Already 1 in 6 CMA annual graduates are internationally trained

    TORONTO, Dec. 13 /CNW/ - Certified Management Accountants of Ontario (CMA
Ontario) welcomes the passage of Bill 124 as a significant step forward in
ensuring fair and timely access to the professions for all candidates,
including the internationally trained.
    "This legislation, together with the right regulations and the commitment
of all regulators, can place Ontario at the forefront of fair access for the
internationally trained," said David Hipgrave, President and CEO of CMA
Ontario.
    In particular, CMA Ontario believes that the appointment of the Fairness
Commissioner, together with the reporting, certification and audit
requirements set out in the Bill, will play a vital role in establishing
consistent practice standards across all regulated professions, and building
confidence in the fairness of those practices. Similarly, the Access Centre
will be an important focal point for individuals and the many organizations
such as CMA Ontario that support them in settling in Ontario and achieving
full employment.
    "We support the objectives of Bill 124 and commend the McGuinty
government for its leadership in this legislation and the many programs and
services now offered to assist the internationally trained in the Province,"
said Hipgrave.
    CMA Ontario itself has long been a leader in expanding opportunities for
New Canadians. Already, one in six CMA Ontario annual graduates are
internationally trained, and that number is quickly increasing.
    "In January, we will be in India on the Premier's business mission to
explore opportunities for expanded programs in our top source market
internationally for prospective CMAs," added Hipgrave.
    Other CMA Ontario initiatives to accelerate access to the CMA profession
while upholding high standards for all candidates include:

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    -   CMA Ontario has established a bridging program that enables
        candidates to fast-track their eligibility for the CMA Entrance
        Examination. Candidates are no longer required to be employed as an
        entry requirement to this program and this enables New Canadians who
        have not yet secured employment to begin the program sooner and also
        provides them with access to CMA-bound employment opportunities.

    -   CMA Ontario evaluates transcripts, at no charge, from potential
        candidates anywhere in the world. This enables Ontario-bound
        internationally trained individuals to learn if they qualify for the
        bridging program, if they require additional studies to qualify for
        it, or if they can benefit from the mutual recognition agreements CMA
        Ontario has struck with other accounting bodies.

    -   Finally, together with the Government of Ontario, CMA Ontario
        provides a career map information service that expands the
        information available to prospective immigrants about the management
        accounting profession and the CMA accreditation requirements.
    >>

    Certified Management Accountants of Ontario is a self-governing
professional organization that awards the Certified Management Accountant
(CMA) designation to qualified candidates in Ontario. With 16,000 certified
members and 4,000 student members, CMA Ontario is an integral part of a
profession that is 47,000 members strong across Canada and around the world.
CMA Ontario maintains rigorous standards of accreditation and professionalism
in management accounting to protect the public interest.