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Public Sector Accounting Standards

Public Sector Accounting Discussion Group

About the Discussion Group

The Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) established the Public Sector Accounting Discussion Group as a regular public forum at which issues relating to public sector financial reporting can be discussed.

 

 

 

Read the video's transcript

Staff Contact(s)

Jean Goguen, CPA, CMA Principal, Public Sector Accounting Board

Search Past Meeting Topics

Use our searchable database to find out if the Public Sector Accounting Discussion Group has discussed a topic that you need information about! 

Submit an Issue

Did you know you can submit an issue to us for possible discussion at an upcoming meeting? The next meeting of the Group will be held virtually on June 7, 2024, and will be accessible via livestream in English and through simultaneous translation in French. The deadline to submit issues for the meeting is April 19, 2024. 

Purpose

The purpose of the Group is to assist PSAB regarding issues arising on the application of the CPA Canada Public Sector Accounting (PSA) Handbook, as well as other issues of concern with respect to public sector financial reporting, including emerging issues and any issues on which PSAB seeks advice. However, the Group will not issue pronouncements, other communications, or offer interpretations of standards. The Group will also gather information in order to advise PSAB on priorities and possible agenda items for its consideration.

Meetings

The Discussion Group expects to meet two times a year. The Discussion Group will consider the need for a third meeting if a high volume of submissions is received. A summary of the discussions will be published following meetings.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit issues for consideration by the Group. 

The public is invited to observe the discussion of items on the agenda.

 

Meeting & event summaries

See all meetings & events summaries
June 7, 2024 Now Available! Public Sector Accounting Discussion Group Meeting Report – June 7, 2024

The Group discussed Asset Retirement Obligations: Exploration of Potential Application Issues, Application of GAAP Hierarchy – Operating Leases, Lessee Accounting Treatment, and more. Read the meeting report for full details.

November 28, 2023 Now Available! Meeting Report from PSA DG Meeting – November 16, 2023

At its November meeting, the Group discussed natural resources inventory, scalability of standards, accounting for extreme weather, tangible capital assets, reporting climate-related impacts, and more. Read the Meeting Report for full details. 

June 8, 2023 Now Available! Meeting Report from PSA Discussion Group Meeting – June 8, 2023

At its June meeting, the Group discussed the impacts of rising inflation and economic environment on financial reporting, public sector considerations for the Auditor’s reporting on Going Concern, and more. Read the Meeting Report for full details.

Members and Participants

The Group consists of:

  • a Chair; and
  • individuals with a range of backgrounds and experience, including preparers, users and auditors of government and government organization financial reports prepared in accordance with the PSA Handbook. 

Members have an in-depth knowledge of the PSA Handbook and are aware of the challenges that application of PSA Handbook standards are creating in public sector financial reporting.

Appointments are generally for a three-year term. 

In addition to members, PSAB’s Chair and the Director, Public Sector Accounting, attend the Group’s meetings. Others may be invited to participate in meetings on an ad hoc basis to contribute to discussions on particular issues. An individual who submits an issue can participate in the Group’s discussion of that issue.

Jennifer Teoh

CPA, CA
EY
Chair

Caroline Davis

FCPA, FCA
West Vancouver, BC
Member(s)

Gillian Andrews

CPA, CA
St. John's, NL
Member(s)

Helen Bernice Bobiwash

FCPA, FCMA
Helen Bobiwash, CPA
Naughton, ON
Member(s)

Julie Charron

CPA auditrice
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Ottawa, ON
Member(s)

Lana Dar

CPA, CA
Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Vancouver, BC
Member(s)

Lorrie Schmalenberg

CPA, CGA
SASKATOON, SK
Member(s)

Paul Martin

FCPA, FCA
Department of Finance, Government of New Brunswick
Fredericton, NB
Member(s)

Sayja Barton

CPA, CA
Toronto, ON
Member(s)

Suzie Gignac

CPA, CA
Ernst & Young
Ottawa, ON
Member(s)