Foreword by the Chair

On March 31, 2003, the CCRA completed its third full year operating as an agency. The continuing transformation to a dynamic, forward-looking organization has been a team effort, and my Board of Management colleagues and I are very proud to be part of such an energetic and dedicated group.

In recent years, expectations for the highest degree of integrity and trust have grown in both the private and public sectors. One of the Board of Management's key responsibilities has been to guide the CCRA in creating a strong governance structure for effective management oversight and leadership. In this context, this Annual Report highlights the CCRA's on-going improvements in the areas of financial controls, risk management and values and ethics.

The CCRA has demonstrated the ability to respond quickly and effectively to the risks and challenges that we have come to expect in an uncertain environment. I believe this is due in large measure to our commitment to making the most of the flexibilities we gained in becoming an agency. We are building new partnerships with the provinces, territories and other governments. We have put more decision-making into the hands of our managers and are streamlining our hiring and management processes.

This 2002-2003 Canada Customs and Revenue Agency's Annual Report demonstrates our enduring commitment to fair and reliable reporting to Parliament and to Canadians. We take this opportunity to reflect on our performance and showcase our successes—while providing a candid account of those areas where there is still a need to improve.

My colleagues and I look to the future with a conviction that CCRA employees will continue to seek innovative ways to deliver the highest quality programs and service that Canadians count on, and deserve.

Michael L. Turcotte
Chair, Board of Management

Date modified:

2003-10-29