Who We Are

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the principal revenue collector for the federal government. Annually, we collect over $300 billion in taxes and other revenues; distribute close to $12.5 billion in benefit payments to millions of families and individuals on behalf of the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as First Nations; and employ up to 34,300 permanent employees at 55 service sites across the country.

Changes--both large and small--in the lives of Canadians impact the CRA. Whether it is the birth of a child, a new job, a change in marital status, a business investment, or the purchase of goods over the Internet, the CRA must be able to deliver the programs and services that Canadians need when and how they need them.

Our mandate and strategic direction focus on promoting compliance with the legislation we administer. We pursue our mandate while ensuring that the tax and benefits administration system functions in the best interest of Canadians at the lowest possible cost. We continue to maximize the full potential of our agency status to build on these services and programs in ways that will benefit individuals and other levels of government into the future. With four enduring values--integrity, professionalism, respect, and co-operation--we believe in providing service excellence to all our clients, supported by fair and responsible enforcement, to ensure the integrity of our tax and benefits system and to maintain the trust and confidence of Canadians.

Date modified:

2005-10-26