Notice to Members: Proposed Inflationary Service Fee Adjustment Vote at 2026 AGM 

To maintain high-quality, member-focused services and ensure long-term financial health, CSGA is proposing a 4.74% inflationary adjustment to all service fees, effective February 1, 2027. Members will vote on this proposal at the 2026 AGM on July 5 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Why This Adjustment?

In recent years, the cost of delivering certification and member services has steadily increased.  While CSGA has reduced internal expenses wherever possible, further cuts risk compromising core services.

This adjustment allows us to:

• Sustain strong, reliable services
• Manage rising costs due to inflation
• Support ongoing compliance and certification standards
• Ensure financial stability during sector-wide transformation

Financial Impact

If approved, the adjustment is expected to generate $135,286 annually, helping maintain service levels and support CSGA’s mandate. Even with this change, CSGA expects to run deficit budgets in the short term and will rely on reserves to manage through this period.

Why Now, If CSGA Had Surpluses?

Recent surpluses were driven by temporary, external sources like investment gains and consulting revenue—not ongoing operations. Investment returns fluctuate from year to year and cannot be relied upon to sustainably fund core operations over the long term.

The proposed inflationary fee adjustment is intended to support long-term sustainability and ensure we can continue delivering high-quality services despite rising costs. The proposed increase was calculated to offset approximately 50% of CSGA’s projected operating deficit for 2026-2027 fiscal year, while balancing affordability considerations for members. Even with the proposed inflationary fee increase, CSGA will rely on reserves, combined with the additional fee revenue, to help manage short-term deficits. 

Transparency & Member Accountability

CSGA is one of the few associations where members vote directly on fee changes. To ensure full transparency, we also publish audited financial statements in the Annual Report.

Key FAQs

1. When was the last fee adjustment?
   While CSGA members approved a 4.63% fee adjustment at the 2025 AGM, with changes taking effect in 2026, CSGA had not increased fees in the preceding years (2023, 2024, or 2025). Prior to this, the last fee review took place in 2021, with changes effective in 2022.

   During this period, inflationary pressures have continued to rise, with CPI increases of 6.8% in 2022, 3.9% in 2023, 2.4% in 2024, and 2.1% in 2025. The cumulative impact of these increases has placed growing pressure on CSGA’s operating budget.

2. What cost-saving steps has CSGA taken?
   CSGA has achieved significant cost reductions over past several years, including in areas such as rent, equipment and IT costs, without compromising service quality but most opportunities for meaningful cost reductions have now been exhausted.

While cost increases returned in recent years due to inflation, overall expenditures remain at 2021 levels. This track record demonstrates CSGA’s strong financial discipline and commitment to fiduciary responsibility.

Have Your Say

Your vote matters. We encourage all members to attend the AGM, ask questions, and participate in this important decision. The vote will take place at the AGM in Whitehorse on July 5, 2026.

Questions? 

Please contact us for additional information or clarification.