The tentative schedule
is as follows:
Sunday September 13th
Welcome Reception
Monday September 14th
Jon Montgomery
PSAB Update
Technical Workshops
Trade Show
Free Evening
Tuesday September 15th
Samantha Nutt
Mike Ferguson
Technical Workshops
Networking Sessions
Trade Show
Banquet at Long House
Wednesday September 16th
Debate
Technical session
Economic Update
Finish at noon
Western Canada Conference
Whitehorse, September 14-16 2015
Conference Program We have designed a program that will
appeal to delegates from all provinces and
territories.
We have an incredi-
ble lineup of keynote
speakers who will
inspire and motivate
you, setting the stage
for sessions that will
be relevant and im-
portant to your job.
The first day of the
conference will look
at the standards that
we live and work
with. Tim Beau-
champ will present
the annual PSAB
update of accounting
standards, while other sessions will deal
"Larger than Life: Achieving
Standards of Excellence" with best practices in procurement and pro-
ject management.
Most Finance Officers have been working
on some sort of asset
management plans
since we introduced
PSAB 3150 in 2009.
Several sessions on
Day two will take us
beyond asset man-
agement. We will see
how the information
about assets can be
used to create sus-
tainable service de-
livery so that we can
develop meaningful
long-term financial
plans. Day three
provides a chance to
debate the issues,
hear the annual economic update and sum-
marize what we have learned.
The Social events Not all of your time in the Yukon will be
hard work. The local organizing commit-
tee is arranging some amazing events,
including a welcome reception at the
McBride museum , and a banquet at the
Kwanlin Dun Longhouse, complete with
s’mores cooked on an outside firepit and
a chance to drink a famous sour toe cock-
tail.
Our Speakers Michael Ferguson was appointed Auditor General of Canada on
28 November 2011. Prior to this appointment, he served as the
Deputy Minister of Finance of New Brunswick and Secretary to
the Board of Management for the Province of New Brunswick
from 2010 to 2011.
Mr. Ferguson was Comptroller for New Brunswick from 2000 to
2005 and their Auditor General from 2005 to 2010.
He is a past president of the New Brunswick Institute of Chartered
Accountants and served a three-year term as a member of the Pub-
lic Sector Accounting Board. Mr. Ferguson was elected to the
Fellowship of the New Brunswick Institute of Chartered Account-
ants in 2011.
Jon Montgomery captured the hearts of Canadians–and the atten-
tion of everyone–during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. After
years of hard work, training and perseverance, Montgomery won a
gold medal in the skeleton, securing his place in history as one of
the best. His celebratory walk through Whistler (drinking beer
from a jug) showcased his passion, spirit, and sense of humour–
traits that he brings to every platform, whether in front of a live
audience or on TV.
Since 2013, Montgomery has acted as the host of the hit television
program, The Amazing Race Canada, which sees teams of con-
testants competing with one other as they race to travel the coun-
try.
Samantha Nutt is an award-winning humanitarian, bestselling
author and acclaimed public speaker. A medical doctor and a
founder of the renowned international humanitarian organization
War Child, Dr. Nutt has worked with children and their families at
the frontline of many of the world’s major crises – from Iraq to
Afghanistan, Somalia to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and
Sierra Leone to Darfur, Sudan. A leading authority on current
affairs, war, international aid and foreign policy, Dr Nutt is one of
the most intrepid and recognized voices in the humanitarian arena
and is a sought-after public speaker.
Tim Beauchamp is the Director of the Public Sector Accounting
Board of Canada and has been directly involved in standard set-
ting for the public sector since 1989. He is responsible for the
PSAB strategic and operating plans and reporting its performance
to the Accounting Standards Oversight Council. As a speaker and
author, he brings his vast experience to our conference and will
provide an update on pending PSAB developments and changes
that will impact on the local government sector.
Our Sessions
‘Larger than Life – From Standards to Excellence’ Jon Montgomery
sharing his insights of his Olympic journey.
‘Leadership and Passion for what you believe in’ Dr. Samantha Nutt
discussing how we can be more effective leaders
‘Lessons on Accountability – is it a witch hunt or proper financial
management practices’ Mike Ferguson discussing accountability
The future of our Cyber World - Will there be implications for local
government as hand held devices continue to evolve.
Nuts and Bolts for HR Management - Cutting through the fluffy stuff
- why attracting and retaining the best employees is worthwhile.
Going beyond Asset Management
Sustainable Service Delivery for Citizens – the new terminology be-
ing used now - how can it help municipalities link their Asset Man-
agement Plan to their Long Term Financial Management Plan?
Managing Assets in Rural Communities – How does a community
deal with its infrastructure plan with limited infrastructure funding?
What is more natural than Assets? An introduction to the concept of
Natural Assets, including streams used for drainage and water sheds
used for waste treatment plants, and the role they play in an asset
management plan system.
Leading Procurement Practices for a well-tuned and defined purchas-
ing program that provides best value and pricing
Trends in Banking Services including how to negotiate a better agree-
ment for fees and services including the potential for combining ser-
vices with other municipalities
Approaches to Managing Construction Projects – what are the impli-
cations for ‘design and contract out the construction’ or doing the
same work in-house? Or are there other options?
Our Annual PSAB Update presented by Tim Beauchamp
Automating financial reporting in local government using Caseware
GFOA beyond Borders with financial officers volunteering in other
countries
An introduction to PSAB for new Financial Managers presented by
Tim Beauchamp
How to Register for the Conference: Cost is $600 before July 15, 2015. After that the
cost will be $650. You may pay by credit card or
send a cheque later. To register please go to:
http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2015/
How to Register for Accommodation: Rooms are available at the Westmark Hotel at
$145 per night for the 13th trough 19th.
Westmark Whitehorse Reservation Link
Delegates arriving early may need to check in at
the Coast or the Best Western on 11th and 12th.
Delegates Welcome Reception Sunday September 13th. 7-10 pm
Come and have a drink with Jon Montgomery
How to Register for the trade show: The trade show still has spaces open. Brochure is
available on our website Please register here: http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2015/
Thank you to our 2015 Sponsors so far:
Discount flights to Whitehorse: Air North has offered our delegates a 30% discount
on flights booked prior to June 30th and a 15%
discount thereafter. Discount details will be posted
on our website as soon as they are available: http://
westcangfoa.ca/2015-conference/
http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2015/GFOAWCDelegates.asphttp://westmarkhotels.webhotel.microsdc.us/bp/availStart.jsp?srchResort=WMWHS&numberOfAdults=1&checkinDay=11&checkinYear=2015&checkinMonth=9&checkoutDay=19&checkoutYear=2015&checkoutMonth=9&promoCode=&groupCode=GOFI091315&corporateId=&_ga=1.227054361.58125756http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2015/GFOAWCExhibitors.asphttp://westcangfoa.ca/2015-conference/http://westcangfoa.ca/2015-conference/