Joint Arrangements (formerly Joint Ventures)

This summary of Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) projects has been prepared for information purposes only. Decisions reported are tentative and reflect only the current status of discussions on this project, which may change after further deliberations by the AcSB. Decisions to publish Handbook material are final only after a formal ballot process.


Status: Deliberation of comments received on Exposure Draft (PDF) in progress.

Background
Activities to Date
Next Steps
Related Information
Contact Information

Background

The IASB has a short-term convergence project to amend IAS 31, Interests in Joint Ventures, by removing the major difference between IAS 31 and US GAAP. The main change proposed is to require the use of the equity method of accounting for interests in jointly controlled entities. The existing option of proportionate consolidation for jointly controlled entities will be removed. Currently, Section 3055, Interests in Joint Ventures, requires these entities to be accounted for using proportionate consolidation. The IASB does not propose any change to the accounting for jointly controlled operations or jointly controlled assets, which is consistent with the proportionate consolidation method of the current Canadian standard, Section 3055.

The second objective of the IASB project on joint ventures is to consider the definitions of different categories of joint ventures. Currently, the definitions in IAS 31 do not adequately address the differences between an interest in a jointly controlled entity, and a direct interest in the underlying individual assets and liabilities of a joint arrangement. This now becomes imperative, because depending on how an item is defined will determine whether the equity or proportionate consolidation method of accounting is appropriate.

Activities to Date

In September 2006, the AcSB added a project to its agenda to converge Section 3055, Interests in Joint Ventures, with the amended version of IAS 31, Interests in Joint Ventures.

The final standard will follow the timeframe of the IASB, which is expected in the second half of 2008, with an effective date that provides for an appropriate implementation period.

Related Information
  • Responses to the AcSB's Exposure Draft are available here (PDF)
  • IASB Project Page on Joint Ventures

Contact Information

Questions or comments on this project should be directed to:

Grace Lang, CA
Principal, Accounting Standards
Telephone: +1 (416) 204-3478
Fax: +1 (416) 204-3412
Canadian Accounting Standards Board
277 Wellington Street West
Toronto ON M5V 3H2 Canada