From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Caleigh Wong Veteran Research Partner Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs About Caleigh Caleigh Wong is a critical military studies scholar who has recently completed her Master’s in Political Science from McGill University where she attended as a McCall MacBain Scholar. She has testified on parliamentary studies, spoken to the Prime Minister, and been published in a number of journals on the topic of Canadian military culture and reform failure. Caleigh is the co-founder of the Asian Resilience Collective Canada, a non-profit focused on supporting Asian-Canadian civic engagement, and she currently works as a Veteran Research Partner at the Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Janice Hamilton Executive Director Manitoba Council for International Cooperation About Janice Janice has been with the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) since 1987, serving in a variety of roles before becoming Executive Director in 2000. A committed leader in the international cooperation sector, Janice has served at the national level as a Director of Cooperation Canada for many years since 1996. She is also an active member of the Inter-Council Network of Provincial & Regional Councils for International Cooperation. Provincially, she has participated in several Roundtables and most recently was on the Curriculum Advisory Panel for Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning. Janice received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Manitoba) in 2022. Janice is passionate about Public Engagement. She is dedicated to creating meaningful and creative ways to involve more people in international cooperation and seeing the connections between global and local issues, with the goal of nurturing engaged, informed Global Citizens. She has participated in several committees, both nationally and provincially, regarding Public Engagement. MCIC has earned a reputation for delivering innovative and engaging programming in the formal education sector and the larger community. Outside of her professional work, Janice is a strong supporter of the arts. She is an enthusiastic patron of Winnipeg’s cultural scene and holds season tickets to the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

< Back Financial Auditing Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Feb 22, 2024 2099 Gottingen Street #210, Halifax, NS, Canada Request for Proposals Request for Proposals- Auditor .pdf Download PDF • 133KB Background The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) is a coalition of individuals, organizations and institutions working in the Atlantic region to build and model just, equitable and sustainable communities, locally and globally. ACIC connects leadership across generations by strengthening members and partners, bridging dialogue and building networking and learning opportunities. ACIC also represents and amplifies the voice of Atlantic Canada and connects the Atlantic with other provincial, national and international stakeholders. We acknowledge that we work and live in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people first signed with the British Crown in 1725. Making us all Treaty People, committed to the ongoing relationship between nations, and to reconciliation. Please note that the annual report (2022-2023) and financial statements are available on our website: www.acic-caci.org/about-us Financial and Business Operations We are enclosing a copy of the audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2022, a table showing quick Atlantic Council for International Cooperation QBO Chart of Accounts. ACIC’s operating budget is around $2 million dollars, and the organization is supported by a team of around 10 people, with two in finance. The organization’s main revenue lines include government funded grants and contributions, membership dues, and a very small revenue from events. Financial record keeping is maintained on the QuickBooks Online (QBO) accounting system. Monthly statements are drawn, and internal reporting is regularly done through these systems. ACIC doesn’t have a dedicated staff person supporting information and technology, but rather knowledgeable team members in addition to external help when needed. Payroll is managed exclusively through the QBO system. Additionally, all archiving systems were transitioned to Microsoft SharePoint after the pandemic. ACIC's fiscal year-end is on March 31st. We use the accrual system for all our reporting to our main funder (Global Affairs Canada), including annual financial statements and other internal and external reports. Governance The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) is governed by a diverse Board of Directors, with representatives from each Atlantic province and directors-at-large, ensuring regional diversity and gender balance. The Board convenes regular and special meetings, with an Executive Committee overseeing affairs between meetings. Financial matters are addressed, designating March 31 as the financial year-end and requiring the preparation of annual financial statements. The Finance Committee, comprising the board treasurer, the Executive Director, the Finance Manager and the Program Director, reviews and presents audited financial statements for Board approval. This committee also recommends auditors' appointments at the Annual General Meeting. Provisions for electronic members' meetings and absentee voting enhance flexibility. The by-laws include dispute resolution mechanisms. ACIC's governance emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and sound financial management. Scope of Work Service Required ACIC requires preparation of Annual Audited Financial Statements including: Statement of Financial Position; Statement of Revenues and Expenditures; Statement of Changes in Net Assets; Statement of Cash Flows; Audit Service Plan; Preparation of Management Letter; Presentation of Audit Results; Information and advice on important issues relating to Global Affairs Canada rules, financial reporting that impact ACIC, and opportunities to improve compliance and controls; Information and advice on government (federal, provincial or local) non-profit / small business support programs that could benefit ACIC. The audited financial statements must be prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit and must include an expression of opinion on the fairness of the financial statements as derived through Generally Accepted Auditing Standards. ACIC requires that the Draft Audited Financial Statements be ready for review by ACIC’s Finance Committee no later than the first week in June and that Financial Statements be issued no later than mid-June, once the ACIC Board approves the statements to be issued at the Annual General Meeting (generally held the third Thursday of June). Proposal Outline Please submit your proposal in the following format: Section 1: Cover Letter (maximum one page) Section 2: Overview of your Firm (maximum two pages); Provide a general description of your firm with emphasis on general experience and capabilities in auditing not-for-profit organizations. Section 3: Relevant Experience and References (maximum 5 pages); Include a list of 2 to 4 similar not-for-profit organizations that your firm audits. At least three (3) of the reference organizations must have been audited by member(s) of your proposed audit team. For these three (2) referenced audits, please indicate which proposed audit team member(s) has conducted this work and provide a client reference contact name and details; Provide a brief description (maximum one page per organization) for each of the referenced organization, years audited, the services provided, and any other relevant information that indicates how this audit experience relates to the work you would perform for ACIC. Section 4: Proposed Audit Resources (maximum 3 pages); Please provide the name(s), and brief description of roles and relevant experience of the senior member(s) of your proposed audit team (resume(s) may be provided in an appendix if desired) Section 5: Proposed Audit Approach (maximum 3 pages); Provide a brief description of audit approach; What is your estimate of staff time assistance by ACIC and how will you minimize the disruption to our normal workload? How will your communication occur with ACIC staff and the Finance Committee? What procedures will you perform to enable you to provide a Management Letter to the organization that is both accurate and meaningful? How will you ensure timely completion of the audited financial statements? Section 6: Financial Proposal (maximum 2 pages) It is ACIC’s intention to appoint an auditor for a three-year period with an option to renew for an additional term. Accordingly, please provide a fixed price quote for the services requested for each of the fiscal years ending March 31, 2024, March 31, 2025, as well as March 31, 2026. Include any relevant assumptions related to your price quotes; Please also outline your firm's approach and fees for extra billing for specialty work with a quote of your rates on an hourly basis, in the event any special services that may be requested by ACIC; The pricing of the services should be provided in a separate electronic document that accompanies your proposal. Section 7: Inclusion, Fair Labour and Environmental Considerations (maximum 1 page); ACIC is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and anti-racism. Our procurement processes include providing equitable opportunities for vendors of all sizes and backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-owned vendors, to be successful in a procurement process. We recognize that including inclusive procurement considerations can help reduce unnecessary barriers for diverse vendors when bidding on opportunities; ACIC has a strong commitment to combating climate change and environmental sustainability. We seek to work with organizations that share our values in their commits and in tangible approaches to their work; Inclusion, environmental considerations, and fair labor practices will inform the selection process (see further details below on proposal evaluation). All proposals should provide a short indication of how environmental considerations are accounted for in the proponents' approach to business and as a potential service provider for ACIC; Considerations for fair labour practices should also be outlined. Finally, your business’s approach to equity, diversity and inclusion should be indicated in the proposal. You may also include if your business is BIPOC owned or led, and/or owned or led by other equity seeking groups. Proposal Process. Terms and Timeline Questions or requests for clarification regarding this RFP may be submitted in writing to Jennifer Sloot, ACIC’s Executive Director ( jennifer@acic-caci.org ) and Wissam Issa, Finance Manager ( wissam@acic-caci.org ) by the date specified below. These requests will be addressed during a virtual meeting with the proponents. ACIC may issue addenda or clarifications to this Request for Proposal by the date specified below. ACIC may cancel this Request for Proposal at any time and reserve the right to select one or none of the respondents at its own discretion as its preferred supplier. Selection of a preferred supplier does not constitute a binding contract between ACIC and the proponent. Neither ACIC nor its Board of Directors shall be obligated in any way by any proponent's response to this request for Proposal, nor shall ACIC be liable for any costs incurred by any proponent in the preparation of this Request for Proposal. All information provided in the proponent's proposal will be considered confidential and will become the property of ACIC for record keeping. Proponents may not make modifications to their proposal after the closing time. Should a proponent make more than one proposal, only the one received last will be considered. The proponent by means of electronic delivery addressed to the ED and the Finance Manager as per the coordinates above. Timeline and deliverables: Deliverable Dates - 2024 Proposal Release February 22 2024 Deadline for issuance of amendment if required March 15 2024 Deadline for submission of proposals March 22 2024 Recommendation for appointment of auditors by Board April 2024 Ratification of Auditors at Annual General Meeting June 2024 Submission Instructions: Proposals must be received by ACIC electronically at the coordinates above on or before 4 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2024. Proposals received after this time will not be considered. This Request for Proposal is not a contract. Proposal Evaluation Criteria ACIC will evaluate all proposals based on the following criteria: Price (Financial Proposal)– 40% Experience (Overview, Relevant Experience and References) – 15% Availably of service and quality (Audit Approach, Timing and Resource) – 35% Inclusion, Fair Labour and Environmental Considerations – 10% Previous Next

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Caroline Scott Masters Student Dalhousie University About Caroline Caroline Scott is a graduate from the University of Kings College and Dalhousie with a degree in International Development Studies and Social Anthropology. Her honours thesis research explains how the Canadian Government and mining companies coalesce to produce a strategy of extractivism abroad. This research employs extractivism as a theoretical framework to analyze how Canadian development policies privilege corporate interests and perpetuate non-reciprocal ecological and economic exchanges through mining abroad. Caroline’s thesis addresses a dearth of research directly linking Canadian policies to their real-world impacts on Indigenous communities abroad. Ultimately, this project aims to foster awareness of Canada’s role in extractive mining projects that sanction land dispossession and violence among Indigenous communities abroad. Caroline is starting her master’s degree at Dalhousie this fall where she will be building on this work to explore the vulnerabilities and human rights abuses faced by seafarers across the globe. She is passionate about connecting local to global issues and is actively engaged in mutual aid projects in her community focused on housing and seafarer’s rights in the Port of Halifax.

Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award 2025 Apply by May 20, 2025. Know someone who's made a lasting impact on global justice or community advocacy? Nominate them for the Leo Cheverie Award, celebrating long-term changemakers in Atlantic Canada. This award honours behind-the-scenes leaders who advance equity, solidarity, and justice. Apply by May 20, 2025. The Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award honours those who have had long-standing contributions to creating more just, equitable and sustainable communities. Know someone who inspires you with their dedication to global solidarity? Nominate them for the first ever Leo Cheverie Award. The award is named after Leo Cheverie, a dedicated activist, educator, and ACIC member from Prince Edward Island, whose decades of advocacy and action have inspired and mobilized many across the region and beyond to work locally and globally for more equitable communities. This award recognizes individuals whose work, often behind the scenes, has strengthened social movements, empowered communities, and advanced the values of justice, equity, and solidarity. This award celebrates lifetime or long-term achievements in the development and solidarity sector, across Atlantic Canada. The recipient will be presented with a $500 cash prize and commemorative award at the ACIC Symposium’s evening Gala. We encourage you to nominate someone who: Has demonstrated a sustained commitment to global justice , or community-based advocacy over many years Has contributed to transformative change , whether through activism, education, organizing, policy work, or international partnerships May not always be in the spotlight, but whose work has had a deep and lasting impact on people, movements, or institutions Embodies values of equity, inclusion, and solidarity in their approach to change-making Has inspired others through their dedication, humility, and long-standing leadership Application Details: To nominate someone please fill out this form by Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Application Details Apply by May 20, 2025. Apply / Register Now Similar Opportunities Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award 2025 Know someone who's made a lasting impact on global justice or community advocacy? Nominate them for the Leo Cheverie Award, celebrating long-term changemakers in Atlantic Canada. This award honours behind-the-scenes leaders who advance equity, solidarity, and justice. Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Timi Idris PhD Student Dalhousie University About Timi Timi Idris, is a Ph.D. student in Health at Dalhousie University. Her research is on the wellness of Black Women in Nonprofit organizations. Timi has a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Lagos and an M.A. in Criminology from Saint Mary’s University. Her research interests are social problems and how it affects health and wellbeing.

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PhotoVoices 2024 ACIC's PhotoVoices Program enables youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos, and connects youth from Atlantic Canada and the Global South in an experience of storytelling, skills building, providing them a space to explore social justice, while learning from experts in the field. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos.  Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore the Sustainable Development Goals, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. Gender inequality is deeply rooted in our society. Women and girls worldwide are under-represented in leadership positions, refused access to education, economic empowerment, and essential health services, and are targeted victims of violence and discrimination. While all women face inequality, the consequences can be harsher for those coping with intersectional factors. Not all women share the same experiences, therefore strategies for change must also consider the effects of race, class, age, sexuality, ability, and nationality. Solutions to address these issues must be led by self-determining people in collaboration with their Communities and Nations. Given this reality, the 2024 PhotoVoice program will focus on female-identified and/or Two Spirit-identified youth. ACIC is currently seeking participants for its PhotoVoices Program. The purpose of this program is to help budding photographers/journalists build their skills and portfolios while taking part in an intercultural program. The program will include youth 17-29 years from Atlantic Canada and youth from the partner organization/s country. Why get involved: Share, network, and collaborate with like-minded youth living in Atlantic Canada and the Global South Develop skills in photography, communication, social justice action, storytelling, and more! Opportunity to learn how to address community needs, concerns, planning, and other lived realities Important details: All activities will take place online Must have access to a stable internet connection and laptop or desktop computer or tablet. If stable internet access or equipment access could be a challenge but you are interested in applying, please mention this in the application form below. The program will run for 10 weeks from January 22 and March 26, 2024 Upon completion of the program youth will receive a certificate of completion and a $250 honorarium for the time and commitment. Application Process Stay tuned for our next PhotoVoice program dates! Important Dates Program will run for 10 weeks from January 22 to March 26, 2024 Virtual meetings will take place weekly on Sundays Application deadline is January 21, 2024 Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 17-30 Be living in Atlantic Canada Be female-identified and/or Two Spirit identified Be available for approximately 2 hours/week over the course of 10 weeks between January 2024 and March 2024, for Zoom sessions and program work such as taking photos, connecting with group members, and reflecting on the program process Show interest in learning from others and sharing aspects of their own lived experiences, communities, and analysis with youth from other regions of Atlantic Canada and other countries Application Details Apply by: January 22, 2024 Learn More

Youth Advisory Council ACIC’s Youth Advisory Council will bring together 4 Atlantic Canadian youth, aged 19-25, to ensure youth voices are centered in our youth programming. ACIC has a deep commitment to providing youth programs which reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth and programs that create opportunities for youth to connect, learn, act, and reflect, on what it means to be active global citizens committed to social justice, community development, and effecting change, both locally and globally, in sustainable ways. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation has a deep commitment to providing youth programs which reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth and programs that create opportunities for youth to connect, learn, act, and reflect, on what it means to be active global citizens committed to social justice, community development, and effecting change, both locally and globally, in sustainable ways. ACIC is deeply committed to fostering youth leadership as a cornerstone of building just, equitable, and sustainable communities. Guided by our values of justice through participation, lived experience, and lifelong learning, we actively create space for youth to lead, advise, and co-create within our programs and strategic directions. Our commitment to decolonization, anti-racism, and intersectionality ensures that youth, particularly those from equity-deserving communities, are not only engaged but are essential voices in shaping inclusive, transformative action across the international cooperation sector. Through intentional mentorship, reciprocal learning, and resourced participation, we honour youth power as vital to ACIC’s present and future. To strengthen this commitment, ACIC’s Youth Advisory Council will bring together 4 Atlantic Canadian youth, aged 19-25, to ensure youth voices are centered in our youth programming. ACIC Youth Advisory Council members will: Learn about and support ACIC’s values and strategic plan Provide feedback on youth programming initiatives Guide ACIC on best practices and strategies for youth engagement and outreach Contribute to and benefit from mentor/mentee relationships Gain skills related leadership, strategic planning, proposal development, design and implementation of programs Commit 5-7 hours/month to Youth Advisory meetings, professional development sessions, independent work, meeting with ACIC staff, and possible event attendance Access the ACIC Symposium at no cost and Youth Advisory Council training from June 16 - 20 Application Process Applications close May 19th. Successful applicants will receive a $500 honorarium for the commitment. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org . Important Dates Applications close May 19th. ACIC Symposium 2025 - June 18-19, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Application Criteria: Be between the ages of 19-25 Be able to commit 5-7 hours/month from June 2025 to February 2026 Have experience working with youth who are younger and/or younger than themselves Be passionate about creating opportunities and spaces for youth to engage, learn, and act in meaningful way to their communities, both locally and globally Understand the importance of creating programs that are inclusive and that reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth Application Details Apply by: May 19, 2025 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Heather McPherson Member of Parliament Edmonton-Strathcona (NDP) About Heather Heather McPherson was elected to represent the riding of Edmonton Strathcona in the House of Commons of Canada in October 2019 and was re-elected to her seat in September 2021, and again in April 2025. Heather is currently the NDP critic for Foreign Affairs and International Development, as well as critic for International Trade, for Seniors, for Heritage (Arts, Culture, and Sport), and for Agriculture. She also currently serves as Caucus Chair for the current NDP caucus, having previously served as both Whip and Deputy Whip for the federal NDP in the House of Commons. Like her time prior to the 2021 election, Heather is the only non-Conservative Member of Parliament in Alberta. Prior to her time in Parliament, Heather spent over 20 years working on sustainable development and international cooperation efforts through the non-profit sector, including 10 years as Executive Director of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation. Heather has worked closely with the Canadian and international community, focusing on sustainable development, good governance, and human rights. Heather has a master's degree from the University of Alberta in Educational Policy Studies in Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies in Education, with a focus on incorporating indigenous knowledges in the achievement of sustainable development. Heather lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her partner and two children where she takes full advantage of the close proximity to lakes, forests, and mountains.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Kirsten Larson PhD Researcher Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway About Kirsten Kirsten Larson is a second-year PhD researcher at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway. She previously served as a research assistant to Siobhán Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children. Kirsten holds a BA in Human Rights and Social Justice with a minor in Law from Carleton University, Canada, and an LLM in International Human Rights from the ICHR. Her doctoral research focuses on child trafficking in the context of armed conflict, with a particular focus on Northeast Syria.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Paul Farran Director of Policy and Advocacy Cooperation Canada About Paul Paul Farran is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada, where he leads efforts to advance an impactful international cooperation agenda. He has deep experience in government, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and academia—driving impact on political, development, and humanitarian fronts. He’s worked in crisis and development contexts across Africa and Asia, bringing both global insight and field-tested expertise. A natural collaborator, Paul works to unite diverse stakeholders to solve complex, high-stakes challenges. His core experience span diplomatic engagement, partnership building, strategic planning, and program execution. He’s developed hands on experience in advancing peacebuilding, climate action, and development effectiveness, while advising high level leaders.