Since 1975, we’ve protected the health and wealth of professional accountants across Western Canada. This year is about celebrating you—the person behind the designation—with contests, promotions and more!
It’s a golden year for CPA Insurance Plans West (CPAIPW) as the not-for-profit celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2025.
Since 1975, CPAIPW has protected the health and wealth of CPAs across Western Canada through exclusive insurance offerings and Group Employee Benefit programs.
“CPAs face their fair share of financially demanding years,” explains CEO David Filewich, CPA, CA. “For some, it’s during their PEP candidacy or after graduation. For others, it’s when marriage, mortgage or munchkins impact the bottom line.
“Since the beginning, our goal has been to recognize the many roles played by CPAs, while supporting their journeys.”
Here’s at look at how it all started.
Joining Forces
In the early 1970s, several partners at British Columbia-based Chartered Accounting firms connected over a common challenge: They wanted comprehensive and affordable Group Employee Benefits for their small businesses.
More individuals contributing to an insurance plan would mean lower rates and better coverage options; as a result, the firms joined forces to share in a collective group life and health insurance program.
Shortly after, the Western Provinces Insurance Committee was formed to help members of the four western provincial Institutes of Chartered Accountants navigate the newly developed insurance program.
“Since the beginning, our goal has been to recognize the many roles played by CPAs, while supporting their journeys.” – CPAIPW CEO David Filewich.
Founding a Not-For-Profit
In 1975, Western CA Service Association (WCASA) was founded as a not-for-profit corporation offering Group Employee Benefits to Chartered Accountants across Western Canada. A third-party administrator (TPA) initially managed operations. The organization evolved to offer individual insurance products such as Term Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and Home and Auto Insurance.
By the mid-1980s, it moved away from a third-party model, bringing the program’s administration to a two-person team within the CA Alberta office. They grew the program to over 10,000 clients by the early 2000’s, with Term Life Insurance becoming a flagship product.
In 2015, as the three professional accounting bodies merged, CPA Insurance Plans West expanded to serve all professional accountants across Western Canada.
CPAIPW Today—and Tomorrow
CPAIPW now serves CPAs and their spouses, as well as CPA Candidates and firms. Governed by a Board of Directors nominated by the four western provincial associations (CPA British Columbia, CPA Alberta, CPA Manitoba, and CPA Saskatchewan), CPAIPW’s products and services are designed exclusively for CPAs.
Celebrating the Person Behind the Designation
Throughout the year, we’ll be announcing 50th Anniversary promotions and initiatives on our website and social media channels.
An exciting initiative launching this year is the CPA Candidate Program, offering PEP Candidates $50,000 in free Term Life Insurance during their studies. In addition, CPAIPW will be funding scholarships in each western province. These bursaries are designed for PEP Candidates who are also raising families.
For more details, visit cpaipw.ca/50years or follow CPAIPW on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.