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On April 17, 2020, the IASB voted to issue an Exposure Draft with a 30-day comment period proposing to extend by one year the effective date of an amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. The IASB also decided to extend by three months the comment period for: Exposure Draft, General Presentation and Disclosures, Request for Information Comprehensive Review of the IFRS for SMEs Standard and Discussion Paper, Business Combinations – Disclosures, Goodwill and Impairment. The IASB also deferred the timelines for various upcoming consultation documents and fnal amendments.  See the IASB’s workplan for more information.

On April 17, 2020, the IASB voted to issue an Exposure Draft with a 14-day comment period proposing to amend IFRS 16 to include an exemption for lessees. This exemption will permit lessees to account for COVID-19 related rent concessions as if they were not lease modifications. The IASB is expected to issue the Exposure Draft by April 27, 2020.

AcSB Exposure Draft – Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2

The AcSB has issued its Exposure Draft that corresponds to the IASB’s Exposure Draft on this topic. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments by May 25, 2020.

Canada’s standard-setting boards are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely. We are committed to providing information to help our stakeholders stay informed and address the challenges that may come during this time. Bookmark this webpage to stay up to date on our news and resources. 

What are the accounting implications when a IBOR-based benchmark is replaced? The IASB has issued an Exposure Draft relating to Phase 2 of the Interest Rate Benchmark Reform project focused on replacement issues. Canadian stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments to the IASB by May 25, 2020.

On April 3, 2020, IOSCO released a Statement on Application of Accounting Standards during the COVID-19 Outbreak. IOSCO welcomed the IASB’s document on the application of IFRS 9. It further highlighted the need for issuers to apply professional judgment and to provide transparent disclosures to financial statements users.

Given the unprecedented global challenges related to COVID-19, PSAB has made the decision to postpone its March 2020 Board meeting to a later date. As a result, AcSOC made the decision to extend the terms of members originally set to retire on March 31, 2020. Read the updated appointments page for full details.

In light of the current uncertainty resulting from COVID-19 pandemic, the AcSB commends the International Accounting Standards Board for issuing application guidance on accounting for expected credit losses under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. The AcSB also welcomes the recent adjustments to capital and liquidity regulatory requirements provided by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and its guidance on accounting for ECL, which is consistent with the requirements in IFRS 9.

Like you, we are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely and evaluating daily how to respond to, and operate in, this environment. Read this statement from the Chairs of the AASB, AcSB and PSAB to learn how we are continuing our standard-setting operations during this unprecedented time.

The amendments, which clarify how to classify liabilities as current or non-current, are now in Part I of the CPA Canada Handbook – Accounting, and are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Earlier application is permitted.