Photo credit: Story First.
October 21, 2024 — Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) is pleased to announce a donation of $560,000 to support the Indigenous Learners in Accounting Initiative (ILA). This program actively addresses systemic barriers and increases Indigenous representation in the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) profession. This collaboration is an important step in fostering meaningful opportunities for Indigenous learners across Western Canada to excel and contribute their unique perspectives to the accounting field.
The ILA program creates a pathway for Indigenous students to pursue the CPA designation, embedding Indigenous cultural perspectives and providing a strong support network that enhances the accounting profession with diverse voices and experiences. By incorporating Indigenous content and context into the CPA curriculum, ILA supports learners as they thrive academically and professionally.
The $560,000 donation from TD will support three key areas of the ILA program:
ILA is a collaborative effort among the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta (AFOA AB), CPA BC, CPA Western School of Business, CPA AB, CPA SK, CPA MB, and CPA Canada. With the support of partners like TD, ILA is making tangible progress toward an inclusive and diverse future for the accounting profession.
This partnership aligns with TD's broader focus on supporting income stability and professional growth in communities by creating opportunities to build employable skills, especially for those at mid-career points. Through their support, TD helps underrepresented groups expand their career opportunities, build professional networks, and pursue meaningful employment. By partnering with ILA, TD is contributing to Indigenous learners’ access to professional certifications and employment, promoting long-term economic development within Indigenous communities.
TD’s support will increase the accessibility of the CPA profession for Indigenous learners, offering a culturally relevant and supportive learning experience. We are proud to continue this journey with TD and to build a more inclusive future for our learners and the communities they serve.
For more information about TD’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit td.com/ca/en/about-td/diversity-and-inclusion.
The ILA program creates a pathway for Indigenous students to pursue the CPA designation, embedding Indigenous cultural perspectives and providing a strong support network that enhances the accounting profession with diverse voices and experiences. By incorporating Indigenous content and context into the CPA curriculum, ILA supports learners as they thrive academically and professionally.
TD’s Contribution to Expanding ILA’s Impact
The $560,000 donation from TD will support three key areas of the ILA program:
- Cultural Integration: ILA courses and modules are developed and taught by Indigenous instructors, integrating cultural teachings that resonate with the lived experiences and perspectives of Indigenous learners. This approach enhances the learning experience by connecting it with Indigenous worldviews and values, which learners can carry forward into their careers as CPAs.
- Strong Support Networks: TD’s funding will expand mentorship, tutoring, and networking opportunities for Indigenous learners, nurturing a community of peers and professionals. ILA’s cohort-based learning model fosters meaningful connections that support learners throughout their education and future careers.
- Broader Perspectives and Enhanced Public Trust: By supporting ILA, TD is contributing to a more inclusive CPA profession that draws from a broader range of experiences and perspectives. The program not only increases Indigenous representation but also enriches the profession by encouraging new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
ILA is a collaborative effort among the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta (AFOA AB), CPA BC, CPA Western School of Business, CPA AB, CPA SK, CPA MB, and CPA Canada. With the support of partners like TD, ILA is making tangible progress toward an inclusive and diverse future for the accounting profession.
This partnership aligns with TD's broader focus on supporting income stability and professional growth in communities by creating opportunities to build employable skills, especially for those at mid-career points. Through their support, TD helps underrepresented groups expand their career opportunities, build professional networks, and pursue meaningful employment. By partnering with ILA, TD is contributing to Indigenous learners’ access to professional certifications and employment, promoting long-term economic development within Indigenous communities.
TD’s support will increase the accessibility of the CPA profession for Indigenous learners, offering a culturally relevant and supportive learning experience. We are proud to continue this journey with TD and to build a more inclusive future for our learners and the communities they serve.
For more information about TD’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit td.com/ca/en/about-td/diversity-and-inclusion.