Angelita Graham, FCIA(2004)
Position: President-Elect
Province: Ontario
Primary Practice Area: Pensions
Position statement
I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity and privilege to stand for election for President of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. As I reflect on the CIA’s journey from my first volunteering role back in 2008 to receiving the Award of Excellence in 2020, I feel a great sense of pride in our profession’s achievements. We have made significant strides, and I firmly believe the best is yet to come.
Throughout the past decade and a half, I have had the privilege of serving the CIA in various volunteer capacities, driving transformative initiatives and witnessing firsthand the remarkable achievements our Institute has made. As we navigate this era of accelerated change, I am eager to serve as the Institute’s President. My track record of getting things done, along with my passion and dedication to advancing our profession, will serve us well during this time.
If elected, my focus will be on two key areas: education and public interest.
I am particularly passionate about continuously monitoring and adapting our education system to meet the evolving needs of our profession and society. Having chaired the Eligibility and Education Council and several task forces on the future of the CIA’s education and eligibility requirements, I firmly believe in the imperative of evolving our education system to equip actuaries with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the evolving demands of our profession and society. I will champion initiatives that ensure our education system continues to evolve to make sure actuaries remain at the forefront of industry trends, technological advancements and regulatory changes. Additionally, I will encourage the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of actuarial practice.
In terms of engagement with the public, in line with our mission, I believe that actuaries have a vital role to play in addressing societal challenges. Leveraging our expertise in risk identification and assessment, we can contribute meaningfully to public policy debates. As President, I will prioritize elevating our influence as a trusted voice in public policy debates by proactively engaging in discussions of societal importance. It’s essential that our public positions reflect broad consensus among our membership, as outlined in the CIA’s commitment to strengthen governance and member engagement.
With a proven track record of leadership and a dedication to advancing our profession, I am confident in my ability to lead the CIA forward. I humbly ask for your support as we work together to shape a brighter future for the actuarial profession and society. Please vote for me.
2023-Present – Tribunal Panel
2020-23 – Task Force to Review the CIA Bylaws
2019-23 – ASB Designated Group – Quinquennial Review of Part 3000
2017-20 – CIA Board, Director
- 2017-20 – Human Resources, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
- 2019-20 – Chair
- 2017-19 – Member
2016-19 – Committee on Professionalism
2017-18 – Practice Council, CIA Board Representative
2016-17 – Pension Plan Financial Reporting Committee
2016-17 – Task Force on the Future Vision on CIA Education, Chair
2010-16 – Eligibility and Education Council
- 2014-16 – Chair
- 2012-14 – Vice-Chair
- 2010-12 – Member
2013-15 – Task Force to Review the SOA General Insurance Track Syllabus
2012-15 – Task Force on the 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting Celebration
2012-15 – Task Force on Canadian Eligibility Requirements, Chair
2011-12 – Task Force on the Future of the Practice Education Course (PEC)
2009-12 – Education and Examinations Committee – Pension Subcommittee
2008-12 – Committee on Continuing Education
- 2010-12 – Chair
- 2008-10 – Member
I am committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the industry and within the workplace. I currently sit on my organization’s US&C Diversity Council and I am the co-executive sponsor of our Canada DEI Council. Externally, I am a member of the Black Experience @ SickKids Advisory Council and also served as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Women Advocacy Council.
Question: What do you think of the effectiveness and importance of the CIA in its core functions (e.g., qualification, continuing education, professional development, promotion of the profession, research, standard-setting and professional conduct)?
Answer: As a member of our community, I do believe that the Canadian Institute of Actuaries plays a vital role in upholding the integrity and professionalism of our industry. As a self-regulated body, our commitment to setting high standards and promoting professional conduct is crucial for maintaining accountability and trust within our field, as well as building and maintaining public trust. Our brand is well respected, no doubt due to the robustness of our qualification and standard-setting process.
In my view, the CIA’s core functions, from qualification to professional conduct, are essential pillars that ensure the excellence of Canadian actuaries. I particularly appreciate our emphasis on continuing education, as it fosters a culture of lifelong learning and reinforces public trust. It also demonstrates our dedication to staying relevant in our ever-evolving industry.
Having actively participated in various qualification and professionalism committees, I have witnessed firsthand the unwavering commitment and efforts of the Institute in maintaining our high standards. The recent introduction of new qualification pathways is a testament to our collective dedication to producing highly skilled professionals who embody the values of our line of work. I am also pleased with our heightened push to promote the actuarial profession and conduct research, as these efforts are important for advancing our field and attracting top talent.
While we have been effective, serving the public interest is an ongoing journey. And we must continue to lean in. I am fully committed to supporting our core functions to ensure that the actuarial profession in Canada continues to thrive under our self-regulated status.