This is my first reflection as CAIRP’s Chair. The first few months of my term have flown by. Let me share a few of the highlights.

Another great ARIL conference has come and gone. For the second time, ARIL was sold out with over 700 participants. It was inspiring to stand on stage and look out at the sea of participants from across the industry. I particularly enjoyed seeing so many of our members in attendance. This is an important event for the insolvency and restructuring community and CAIRP is very proud to provide support for the ARIL Society Inc. and deliver the conference. Congratulations to ARIL Board Chair, Tevia Jeffries, and the rest of the ARIL Board, along with all involved in developing an excellent program led by Conference Co-Chairs - André Bolduc, Katherine Forbes, Justice Jessica Kimmel, Justice Peter Osborne and Jennifer Stam. I would also like to thank CAIRP’s Director, Professional Development, Natalie Alfano along with Josephine Song, Coordinator, Professional Development and COO, Steve D’Alessandro who drive these results for ARIL on behalf of CAIRP.

CAIRP has been very active in addressing developments in the insolvency marketplace, ensuring our members remain equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. This fall, CAIRP responded to two consultations. In October 2025, CAIRP was asked to provide a submission to the OSB regarding a proposed addition to the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Regulations (“CCAR”) to implement the levy contemplated in section 23(1)(f.1) of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”). The consultation considered creating the regulation referred to in section 23(1)(f.1) of the CCAA to prescribe the amount and payment date of a levy and the regulation would essentially provide for a fixed levy amount of $25,000 payable by the Monitor at the time of the initial application. CAIRP’s submission can be found in the members’ only area of CAIRP’s website.

In the last edition of the magazine, I indicated that one of my first priorities was to get the changes to LIT Remuneration over the finish line. I am pleased to report we have made progress on this file. CAIRP recently responded to the November 29, 2025 Canada Gazette, Part I Consultation on Proposed Regulations Amending the Bankruptcy and Insolvency General Rules and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Regulations. CAIRP’s submission was delivered in early January 2026 and was followed by a briefing to the OSB to highlight key points. Our thanks to the briefing team of Chantal Gingras, Andre Bolduc, Wes Cowan, Guylaine Houle, Crystal Buhler and Mark Morgan. Our thanks as well to the many member firms and provincial associations that provided letters of support. We will keep members posted on any new developments.

Another area of focus for CAIRP’s advocacy efforts is the CRA given they are a major stakeholder in the insolvency marketplace. CAIRP, CRA and the OSB meet quarterly to discuss important issues that need to be resolved. At our recent January meeting, CAIRP raised a significant challenge which is the inconsistent level of engagement by the CRA in a range of insolvency matters including the timely lifting of garnishments, proposal voting, discharge hearings, communication channels and corporate matters generally. CAIRP appreciates CRA’s willingness to work with the industry to resolve these issues.

In late February, CAIRP was pleased to participate in the OSB’s Insolvency Court Conference (formerly Registrar’s Conference). Over the last few years, the OSB has provided a secretariat for a national virtual meeting of the Registrars/Associate Judges for Insolvency Court to discuss issues and compare best practices with an agenda set via a working group. Last year, the event attracted 46 Registrars/Associate Judges from across the country. CAIRP was pleased to be asked once again by the OSB and the Registrar/Justices to participate, this time on a panel discussion. Our thanks to the OSB for organizing this important event and to CAIRP’s Vice Chair, Wes Cowan for representing CAIRP on this panel.

In this issue, we recognize CAIRP’s Honours and Awards recipients. I would like to personally thank them for their incredible efforts to support the industry and CAIRP. Their accomplishments highlight the tremendous efforts of CAIRP’s amazing volunteers who support the Association’s work. We couldn’t do what we do without you!

With spring just around the corner, it is once again time for CAIRP’s Regional Forums. I am looking forward to seeing you at the Forums, which will be held across the country in April and May.

All the best,

Craig Munro