Dates and location
Hours
Dates and location
Hours
Description
Global trade dynamics have profound effects on even the smallest businesses – from shifting exchange rates to changes in import costs – so CPAs need a solid grasp of trade economics to inform strategy and financial decisions. This course provides a practical primer on trade economics tailored for CPAs. In an accessible, on-demand format, it breaks down key concepts such as comparative advantage, trade balances, and currency impacts, then connects them to everyday business scenarios in the Canadian context. Members will examine how trade policies (tariffs, trade agreements) and economic indicators influence business performance. By the end, CPAs will be better prepared to interpret economic news and data, anticipate how global and domestic trade trends can affect their organization or clients, and incorporate these insights into forecasts and decision-making.
Topics Covered:
- Core Trade Economic Concepts
- Trade Policies and Agreements
- Strategic Planning and Risk Management
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Key Takeaways
Upon completion of this course, learners will:
- Understand core trade economics concepts – including how exports, imports, and exchange rates interact – and interpret indicators like trade balance or currency fluctuations in terms of business impact (e.g. on costs, pricing, and competitiveness).
- Learn how trade policies and agreements (such as tariffs or free trade deals like CUSMA) translate into opportunities or challenges for Canadian SMEs. For example, you will explore how a new tariff or quota can alter supply chain costs and how businesses can respond (by sourcing differently or adjusting prices).
- Determine how to apply economic insights to strategic planning and risk management. This includes integrating trade-related assumptions into financial forecasts, advising on hedging strategies for currency risk, and helping business leaders make informed decisions when entering or expanding in a market.
Who Will Benefit
CPAs and finance professionals who want to stay updated on Canada's economic landscape.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in the course are non-authoritative and have not been formally endorsed by CPA Ontario and do not reflect the views of CPA Ontario. The information included in the course if for general information purposes only.
CPA Ontario, the presenters and the authors do not accept any responsibility or liability that might occur directly or indirectly as a consequence of the use or application of or reliance on this material.
How to Access the Course
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To access the course on your computer please visit our BlackBoard site, and log-in using the same login and password used for the Registration Portal.
Please allow up to 15 minutes after registration for the course to appear on your BlackBoard page.
Registration, cancellation, withdrawal and all other CPA Ontario PD policies can be found here.
Speaker(s)
Trevor Tombe is a Professor at the University of Calgary’s Department of Economics and the Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy at The School of Public Policy. He received his PhD in Economics from the University of Toronto and undergraduate degree in finance from Simon Fraser University. His research explores a broad set of topics, including, international trade, public finances, and fiscal federalism. Tombe's research not only analyzes potential tariff impacts but also provides concrete, evidence-based recommendations for strengthening Canada’s economic resilience.