* Please note that this webinar will be offered in English and is open only to employees of Canadian universities and colleges.

Date and Time: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 1:00-2:00 PM ET

Student housing projects often raise complex tax, accounting, and regulatory questions that can materially affect project viability and institutional financial statements. This third webinar in CAUBO’s four-part student housing series focuses on the critical considerations institutions must understand when structuring and negotiating residence projects.

Panelists will discuss key tax and accounting implications associated with different delivery models, including balance sheet treatment and long-term financial impacts. The session will also examine regulatory considerations shaping student housing development, including evolving policy environments and external constraints affecting demand and approvals.

In addition, this webinar will highlight essential term sheet provisions and negotiation insights—sharing lessons learned and key issues institutions wish they had better understood earlier in the process. This session is designed to help institutions enter negotiations better prepared and more confident.

Save the Date – Part 4:  From Vision to Reality: Design, Construction & Operations (May 26)

This CAUBO PD activity may count towards credits for accreditation programs and designations in your field. Visit the CAUBO website for more details.

Presenters:

	Tariq Al-idrissi Vice-President, Finance and Administration Trent University Tariq Al-idrissi is the Vice-President, Finance and Administration at Trent University. We was the former Associate Vice President of IT. In addition to his role at Trent, Tariq is a member of the CUCCIO Cybersecurity Benchmarking Committee and is a member of the Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM) Customer Council. Tariq has served as; a member of the CANARIE CIO Advisory Group, the Chair of the Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers (CUCCIO), a member of the Compute Canada Cybersecurity Task Force and as Chair of the Ontario University Council of Chief Information Officers (OUCCIO). In 2019, Tariq was the only Canadian CIO selected to the Educause IT Issues Panel. Tariq’s career has spanned the last twenty years in higher education. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree and a Master of Science in Management Degree from Lakehead University. While for the past twenty years, Tariq's experience has been primarily based in IT and educational technologies, he has also taught as a Sessional Lecturer for the Faculty of Business at Lakehead University for over ten years.
	Kathi Aspros Partner, Assurance Services, Government & Public Sector Ernst & Young LLP Kathi Aspros, CPA, CA, is an Audit Partner with EY. She has over 25 years of audit experience working with clients in the not-for-profit and government sectors, with a focus on education. Kathi is a member of the Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee, actively advising the AcSB in maintaining and improving accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.
	Sharron Coombs Associate Partner, Tax Services Ernst & Young LLP Sharron is a member of EY Canada’s income tax practice, based in Toronto. An Associate Partner with over 24 years of experience with EY and 28 years practicing tax with public accounting firms and in private industry, her focus is on the charitable, not-for-profit, and high-net-worth sectors. Sharron advises charities and not-for-profits with respect to tax compliance matters, the interpretation of Canadian income tax legislation, and Canada Revenue Agency guidelines. She frequently consults with EY teams from across North American on Canadian charitable and not-for-profit tax matters. She also presents on tax topics affecting charities and not-for-profits at the firm’s annual financial reporting development seminars. Sharron holds a Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) from Brock University, and is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). She has completed the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Course and is a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation.
	Steven Moore Treasurer & Chief Investment Officer McMaster University
	Jan Pedder Associate Partner, Indirect Tax Services Ernst & Young LLP Jan is an Associate Partner at EY who has specialized in Canadian indirect taxes for over 25 years. He provides advisory services, risk reviews, planning assistance and recovery reviews to clients in many sectors and industries but with a focus on universities and other not-for-profits and charities. Jan is a regular speaker at events who has presented at and written papers for the CPA Commodity Tax Symposium as well as jointly-presented at a past CAUBO annual conference. He also writes for various publications including Commodity Tax News. In his spare time he enjoys many outdoor activities and spending time with his family including his 3-year-old grandson who he hopes to teach how to snowboard and surf in a few years.

Moderator:

Edward Ng Partner, Infrastructure Advisory, Transactions & Corporate Finance Ernst & Young, LLP As a Partner in the Infrastructure Advisory practice at EY, Edward focuses on providing transaction support and lead advisory services in the execution of infrastructure financing and public-private partnerships (P3s). He has over 20 years of related experience and has been involved in all aspects of transactions, including development of business cases and feasibility studies, procurement design, conducting commercial and financial evaluations, constructing complex financial models, risk assessment, and financial structuring. Edward has been involved in over 40 infrastructure projects with a combined value of more than $50.0 billion. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto. He is also a CFA charter holder.

* Please note that this webinar will be offered in English and is open only to employees of Canadian universities and colleges.

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM ET

Artificial intelligence is no longer emerging – it is already reshaping how knowledge is created, decisions are made, and institutions operate.

As post-secondary institutions accelerate their exploration of artificial intelligence, many are discovering that the greatest barriers are not technological, but organizational. The effectiveness of AI depends on the strength of underlying data, governance and processes, and when these are unclear or misaligned, AI can amplify inefficiencies rather than resolve them.

Building on insights from the first two sessions in this series, this webinar explores why AI initiatives often fall short, and what institutions can do to better prepare for meaningful, sustainable adoption.

Drawing on Lean and continuous improvement principles, the session will focus on understanding how work is actually done, engaging the people closest to it, and strengthening institutional culture.  Participants will gain practical insights into how improving processes and ways of working can create the conditions for AI to deliver real value – enhancing, rather than complicating operations.

This CAUBO PD activity may count towards credits for accreditation programs and designations in your field. Visit the CAUBO website for more details.

Panelists:

	Libby Duckworth Partner KPMG LLP Libby Duckworth is a Partner at KPMG Canada with deep experience supporting higher education institutions on governance, risk, and operational execution. She works with executive leaders and boards to help organizations translate strategy and innovation into changes that are well governed, well controlled, and realistically implementable. Libby has extensive experience working across finance, student services, housing, and shared services, helping institutions navigate complexity while maintaining trust, accountability, and transparency. Her work focuses on strengthening decision making, clarifying ownership, and ensuring that improvement and digital initiatives are supported by the right governance and control frameworks. As institutions increasingly adopt technology and AI, Libby helps leaders think through how change actually lands—from risk management and controls to roles, escalation paths, and adoption. She brings a pragmatic, execution focused perspective on what it takes to introduce new ways of working responsibly, ensuring that innovation improves outcomes without introducing unintended risk or instability.
	Ray Konecsni Director Client Services, Information Services University of Regina Ray is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in IT service delivery, project management, and business process improvement. He currently serves as Director of Client Services at the University of Regina, where he oversees a broad portfolio including the IT Service Desk, Classroom Technology and Event Support, Technology Training and Support, Printing Services, and end user engagement. In this role, Ray focuses on service optimization, governance, and continuous improvement within a complex higher education environment, strengthening operational effectiveness and the client experience. Ray is deeply engaged in continuous improvement within higher education IT. He is a member of the LeanHE Americas Steering Committee, serves as Lead for the LeanHE Canada chapter, and is an active contributor to the CUCCIO Continuous Improvement and Change Management Special Interest Group. For the past three years, he has also served on the Canadian Continuous Improvement and Change Management (CICM) Conference Organizing Committee, helping to deliver a national forum that promotes collaboration, shared learning, and practical application of continuous improvement practices across Canadian institutions. Prior to joining the University of Regina, Ray held leadership roles in the provincial government registry services sector and the Canadian life insurance industry, including positions with Canada Life Assurance Company and Crown Life Insurance Company. In these roles, he led outsourcing and service consolidation initiatives, managed print and distribution services, data centre operations, and enterprise procurement, delivering significant operational efficiencies. His leadership and customer focused approach have been recognized through multiple awards, including Crown Life’s Salute to Excellence award for exceptional customer service.
	Brad MacIsaac Vice-President, Administration University of Ontario Institute of Technology Brad MacIsaac is the Vice President Administration at Ontario Tech University where he is responsible for oversight and accountability for a broad range of institutional services, among them: finance, information technology, facilities and ancillary services. Prior to that MacIsaac served as Assistant Vice-President, Planning and Analysis since 2008, overseeing a period of substantial growth at the university, including development of Ontario Tech’s Strategic Plan, Strategic Mandate Agreement and joint Campus Master Plan outlining the vision of the university’s physical footprint.
	Joanne McKee Chief Financial Officer Toronto Metropolitan University Joanne McKee is the Chief Financial Officer at Toronto Metropolitan University reporting to the President and oversees the financial services division. As CFO, Joanne is a key member and contributor to the President’s executive leadership team and the budget planning committee and also interacts and provides strategic financial expertise and support to the senior leadership team as well as to the Board of Governors' finance, audit, investment and pension committees. Joanne leads an exceptional, client focused and collaborative financial services team of over 75 members that oversee the university financial functions, processes, controls and policies. This includes responsibility of financial accounting and reporting; external audits; treasury, debt management and investing services; procurement and supply chain management; research and special project accounting and reporting; budget administration and advisory and training services; finance systems and training; university pension fund and the insurance management program. Prior to joining Toronto Metropolitan University in 2015, Joanne worked at Wilfrid Laurier University as assistant vice-president, financial resources; at Brock University as associate vice-president, finance; and at Niagara College as the director of financial services. Joanne is a graduate of Brock University’s accounting co-op program with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BAdmin) and has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Niagara University. She holds the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) designations.
	Brad Strom Chief Information Officer York University Brad brings over 25 years of IT & security experience across multiple industries and is passionate about establishing effective partnerships, developing high performing teams, and delivering meaningful change through them. He has led significant business transformations through the establishment of new digital capabilities in areas that include customer channels, digital banking, and grid modernization. Brad’s experience also includes leading cyber and physical security investments within critical infrastructure and highly regulated environments. He joins York University from SaskPower after serving as the Vice-President and Chief Information Officer, Technology and Security for seven years. Before joining SaskPower, he served as Farm Credit Canada’s Vice-President of Development & Operations. Mr. Strom holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems from Carleton University. Invested in his community, Brad serves as current Chair of Ontario University Council of Chief Information Officers (OUCCIO) and is a member of ORION’s Board - Ontario’s only provincial research and education network serving institutions all over the province including universities, colleges, hospitals and research institutions.

Moderator:

Channen Tan Partner, National Leader, Lean in Audit KPMG LLP Channen Tan is a Partner at KPMG Canada and the firm’s National Leader for Lean, with a strong focus on helping higher education institutions improve how work gets done before layering in technology and AI. He works closely with university leaders, CFOs, and operational teams to strengthen culture, clarify accountability, and design repeatable operating models that deliver sustainable results. Channen has led Lean and process improvement initiatives across finance, student services, housing, research administration, and shared services. His work emphasizes practical problem solving, frontline engagement, and using data to drive better decisions, reducing friction while improving quality and experience. More recently, Channen has been supporting institutions as they prepare for AI by getting the fundamentals right first. He helps organizations use Lean to define the problem, stabilize processes, and create the conditions where AI can meaningfully accelerate insight, decision making, and execution. His perspective is grounded in the belief that technology enables improvement—but culture, clarity, and process determine success.

Join us for CAUBO’s Annual Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Registration is open now!
Early-bird deadline is April 30, 2026

From June 15-17, 2026, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador is the place to be for the 2026 CAUBO Annual Conference!

Connect with colleagues from across Canada, hear from inspiring keynote speakers, dive into timely functional and concurrent sessions, and build meaningful connections with peers and sector partners.

Whether you’re looking to solve challenges, share best practices, or gain new perspectives, there’s something for everyone.

One of North America’s oldest cities, St. John’s wears its history proudly—but it’s the city’s vibrant personality that truly stands out. From the brightly coloured row houses to the lively locals, every corner bursts with character and charm. Located on the easternmost edge of the continent, St. John’s is your urban launchpad to explore dramatic coastlines, iconic landmarks, and a city as curious as it is captivating. Steeped in tradition and fuelled by creativity, St. John’s is Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural heartbeat. Here, a rich past meets a thriving present—where music, art, architecture, and cuisine collide in unforgettable ways. For more than 500 years, visitors have been greeted with warmth and wit. Don’t be surprised if a casual chat turns into a legendary story—because in St. John’s, hospitality isn’t just a custom, it’s an art form.

Visit the CAUBO 2026 website for the full conference program, information about this year’s functional seminars, details about social events, accommodations, travel options, and tourism.

We can’t wait to see you in St. John’s from June 15-17, 2026, for CAUBO 2026!

Thank you for your interest in CAUBO Leader. Registration for this course offering is now closed as we have filled all available spaces.

Click here to add your name to a waiting list now. Please be sure to include your full name, title, institution, and contact information. You will receive an email extending you priority registration for the next offering of this course.

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We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for CAUBO Leader, a purpose-built leadership development initiative tailored for mid- to senior-level administrators in key operational and administrative areas across Canadian universities.

Now more than ever, strong, collaborative leadership is needed to navigate the complexity and change facing the higher education sector. CAUBO Leader is designed to empower participants to lead with purpose, confidence, and impact – supporting them in driving positive change within their institutions.

Spanning eight months, the program brings together a dynamic, supportive cohort of peers. Through shared learning, reflection, and practice-based exploration, participants will deepen their leadership capabilities and grow as confident, adaptive leaders.

Apply now to take part in a transformative journey that will elevate your individual leadership potential and contribute to the advancement of HE in Canada.

Applicants will be subject to a selection process. Space will be limited to 20 participants.

Program Highlights
This eight-month program features a range of components; each designed to enrich the participant experience and address key dimensions of leadership development:

Core Modules

• Leadership in HE and Beyond: Examines global trends, their impact on higher education, and the sector’s unique leadership context
• The Authentic and Engaged Leader: Explores how leaders foster meaningful dialogue, build influence, and grow self-awareness

Online Learning & Peer Exchanges

• Participant Provocations: Individuals share leadership insights and experiences from their own context
• Strategic Impact Groups (SIGs): Small cohorts tackle complex, real-world challenges facing the sector
• Leadership Exchange: Participants observe and engage with peers locally or virtually to explore leadership in practice
• Reconnects: Between-module sessions that deepen cohort connections and support ongoing collaboration within SIGs

Applicant Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on the following:

• Professional Experience and Role: Mid- to senior-level administrators (e.g., AVP, Senior Director, Controller) with significant institutional responsibilities in operational or administrative areas.
• Motivation, Learning Readiness, and Commitment: Strong personal motivation, openness to reflection and growth, and full availability to engage in all program components.
• Contribution to Peer Learning: Willingness to engage actively, share experiences, and learn alongside others in a collaborative, cohort-based environment.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Representation from diverse roles, regions, institutions, and lived experiences to enrich learning and build sector-wide capacity.

Applicants must include an endorsement to participate in the program from their supervisor as part of the application process.

We encourage all eligible CAUBO members to apply and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to grow as a leader and contribute meaningfully to your institution and the sector.

Please refer to the CAUBO Leader application page for full details and submission instructions.

Application deadline: September 15, 2025

If you have any questions or need additional clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at events@caubo.ca.

The list of accreditation programs and organizations that may provide continuing education credit for CAUBO professional development activities is below. This list may be incomplete, so if you know of others that should be added, please let us know by emailing kserjak@caubo.ca.

• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
• American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
• Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
• Association For Supply Chain Management
• Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP)
• Board of Certified Safety Professionals
• Canada’s Association of I.T. Professionals (CIPS)
• Canadian Institute of Traffic & Transportation (CITT)
• Canadian Payroll Association
• CFA Institute
• Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR)
• CIM Chartered Managers Canada
• CPA Canada
• The Institute of Internal Auditors Canada
• ISACA
• Institute for Supply Management in the US
• LEED Green Associate/LEED AP
• National Institute of Government Procurement (NIGP)
• Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA)
• Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS)
• Supply Chain Canada