NEW AND NOTABLE
There’s a new condo group on the block U.S.-based Community Associations Institute launches Toronto-based Canadian chapter There’s a new condo group on the block called the Community Association Institute (CAI). The U.S.-based non-profit organization, which supports the professionals and volunteers that run condo corporations through research, education and training, recently launched a Toronto-based Canadian chapter. The move comes as Canadians are increasingly living in condos and as the Ontario government prepares to roll out reforms to the province’s condo laws. With its arrival, CAI is importing its credentialing programs into Canada and the local chapter will also be hosting networking and social events for members. “CAI Canada will work to promote industry best practices as well as foster collaboration among local professionals and with other CAI chapters,” said condo lawyer Denise Lash, CAI committee member. CAI Canada’s next webinar, Sexual Diversity in Condominium Communities — Closing the Gender-ation Gap, is scheduled to take place on April 27. Also on CAI Canada’s inaugural committee are Shawn Pulver, a litigation partner at Macdonald Sager Manis LLP; Yasmeen Nurmohamed, president of Royale Grande Property Management Ltd.; Vanessa Van Dette, vice president of operations at Larlyn Property Management Ltd.; Roger Thompson, vice president of strategy and sustainability at FirstService Residential; Michael LePage, president of Maple Ridge Community Management Ltd.; and Michael Kalisperis, owner of Royale Grande Property Management Ltd. Including its new Canadian outpost, the 40-year-old organization now has 61 chapters and 34,000 members worldwide. “This is one more step in establishing CAI as an international network of professional managers and community leaders,” said Thomas M. Skiba, CEO of CAI. “And in establishing this new chapter, CAI can provide community managers in Canada with access to industry credentials and professional designations that are recognized around the world.” CAI administers a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) exam and offers advanced accreditations including Association Management Specialist (AMS) and Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM). CAI Canada is recommending that the Ontario government recognize these credentials in proposed requirements for the licensing of condo managers. For more information, visit www.caicanada.com.
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