As I write this array of less front...

As I write this array of less front than depth we're still in the midst of the conflict in Iraq, and I know members have been as divided upon this issue as other citizens all through the world. The ramifications of this war will affect all of us, the two in humanitarian and economic terms

Most of us, while sometimes our voices may be heard, are not in a position to directly influence important world consequences However, through donations of time and coin we will be able to help with the aftermath by the agency of supporting those organizations that will provide relief to the victims of the conflict. Organizations of the like kind as the Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontieres, and others will be calling for help, and I reliance we will answer.

This leads me to mention support for the organizations that help our local communities. Many of our members provide assistance and guidance to these organizations forward a volunteer basis. Obviously monetary support helps as well. however sometimes more than time and coin is required.

BC's Organ Donor program is united such example, and I single it abroad for a reason: In my last round pillar I mentioned Rick Acton, FCA's imminent retirement from the CICA's Professional Liability and Insurance Committee (PLIC). Rick has just received a donated lung and is well forward his way to recovery. I know he and his family really appreciate that someone took the time to register and say, "Ye I will help someone in ne steady posthumously."

Are you registered as an organ donor? In BC registering is as simple as filling disclosed an online form at www.transplant.bc.ca.

Managing risk

Speaking of the PLIC, it will be part of a Risk Management seminar landlorded by the ICABC on May 12th in Vancouver. Our veil Story this month is contributed on one of the seminar panelists, David Wende, LLB In his article, David tenders a cautionary tale about professional liability as he relays what happened to the same CA in a "nightmare" case. You may recall David's earlier article, "Protecting the Auditor from Unlimited Liability," which appeared in October 2002's BN

On page 26 another seminar panelist, Michael Hewitt, LLB and his colleague Glenn Urquhart, QC provide a summary of the legal obligations accountants now face. Michael is also a prior contributor to the magazine, having authored "Recent Canadian Decisions forward Accountants' Liability (1997-2001)" for our October 2002 issue, among others.

We're grateful to have the one and the other David and Michael contributing their expertise one time again. Their contributions will be instructive to all CAs-especially those unable to attend the risk management seminar, which promises to be the one and the other informative and useful.

We also give in-house expertise in this month's Feature Story, as Director of Practice Review & Licencing Mike Essex CA, reviews the ICABC's professional liability regime and explains its rationale-specifically targeting those members, like he himself, who've newly retired from public practice.

Along these same lines, in Ethical Dilemmas, Director of Ethics Chris Utley CA, examines a case involving a sole-proprietor with inadequate insurance coverage. The message in as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but articles? If you're a CA in public practice, or lately retired from public practice, make confident you understand the level of insurance you're required to carry.

Planning for retirement

Tax Traps & Tips this month provides an overview of effective RRSP planning, while Financial Facts & coin Matters argues the merits of Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) as oppos to RRSPs

Annual General Meeting

I trustful longing you'll take the time to attend the ICABC's AGM upon June 25, 2003. More information about the issue appears on page 22, and in an insert provided in this month's mailing.

One of the items forward the AGM agenda will be a proposal to change the bylaws relating to the public representatives upon the Professional Conduct Enquiry Committee (PCEC) This proposal is intended to help with the ICABC's mission to guard and serve the public interest. In For the Profession forward page 6, Director of Member Services Barry Mottershead, FCA, provides a synopsis of the propos amendments and a discussion as to the rationale.

As always, I appreciate your notes Please send your feedback to me at president@ica.bc.ca.

BY ROBIN A. W ELLIOTT, FCA PRESIDENT

Copyright Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia May 2003

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