Jason Labonte CPA, CMA
Edmonton
Professional career
- Chief Financial Officer, Field Law (2025 – present)
- Chief Financial Officer, Smith Chem Solutions (contract 2024 – 2025)
- General Manager, Belvedere G & CC (2019 – 2023)
- Chief Financial Officer, Argus Machine Co (2015 – 2018)
- Senior Recruitment Specialist, Mercer Bradley (2010 – 2014)
- Director of Finance, City of St Albert (2006 – 2010)
- Senior Manager (various roles), Alberta Education (2000 – 2006)
- Designation received (2003)
- MacEwan University (1999)
Relevant activities
- Board Member, Alberta Music (2021 – 2023)
- Board Member, SWAT Hockey (2007 – 2011)
- Moderator – Strategic Leadership Program, CMA Alberta (2006 – 2015)
- Instructor– Accounting, MacEwan University (2004 – 2008)
- Board of Advisors– Accounting & Strategic Measurement Program, MacEwan University (2004, 2014)
- Treasurer, Terwillegar Community League (2004 – 2006)
Candidate statement
Ask anyone who knows me: I’m passionate about being a CPA and I care deeply about the future of the profession. I understand the pressures our members face, the evolving expectations of employers and clients, and the need to ensure our designation remains both relevant and respected. My career has provided me with a thoughtful, engaged, and future-focused perspective. Becoming a designated accountant changed my life and I want to give back to a profession that’s given so much to me. I’d be honoured to contribute to the Board’s work in guiding and governing the CPA profession in Alberta.
What do you see impacting the CPA profession, and how can CPA Alberta best respond?
We are in a time of rapid change and the expectations of CPAs continue to evolve. Organizations are looking to us not just for technical accuracy, but for strategic insight, leadership, and the ability to navigate the current complexity. Issues like artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital transformation, and data governance are vital to how organizations operate, and CPAs are uniquely positioned to contribute. On the supply side, demographic shifts and increased competition for talent are putting pressure on the profession to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of CPAs.
To meet these challenges, I believe CPA Alberta plays a critical role in helping members understand the changing landscape. That means making professional development accessible (current and relevant); attracting, informing and assisting candidates interested in becoming CPAs; and continuing to support everyday CPAs in boardrooms, executive teams, and our communities.
CPA Alberta, most importantly, must continue to listen to members and organizations to understand their changing needs. By staying connected to both the realities CPAs face and the opportunities ahead, CPA Alberta can help ensure the profession remains resilient, future-focused, and essential to the success of organizations across Alberta and beyond.
How do your skills and background position you to positively contribute to the CPA Alberta Board and lead the governance of the profession?
Over the course of my career, I’ve worked across a range of industries and leadership roles—as a CFO, executive coach, and strategic advisor. I’ve led organizations through complex transformations, helped build strong teams, and navigated challenges that required both sound financial judgment and the ability to think long-term. These experiences have deepened my understanding of what it takes to lead in times of change and uncertainty.
I believe strong governance starts with clarity of purpose, a willingness to ask tough questions, and a commitment to collaboration. I’ve been a board member, served on executive teams, reported to boards, and led planning processes that brought diverse perspectives together around shared goals. I know how to balance strategic vision with practical execution and how to support leadership while holding space for accountability.