Message from the Minister

On December 12, 2003, the Government announced that the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) would become the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), recognizing the departure of the Customs function to become part of the new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA will build on the success of the Canada-United States Smart Border Declaration to ensure the twin goals of public safety and economic security. I wish all the best to our former Customs colleagues who continue to take on this important challenge.

The Canada Revenue Agency, which I am proud to lead in my new Cabinet assignment, has become a more focused organization dedicated to delivering client-centred service to Canadians, following a balanced approach to achieving compliance with tax law, and efficiently delivering benefits and credits on behalf of the federal and provincial governments.

Canadians have made it clear that they want higher standards in government. The CRA and its predecessor have earned a reputation among the public for trust, integrity, and fairness in the delivery of service to Canadians. We will continue to focus on these values, giving special attention to issues such as security, privacy of information, respect for citizens, and ethics.

We have continued in the last year to secure our leadership role in the federal government’s service transformation agenda, including our prominence in the development of new Internet-based service under Government On-Line. Indeed, we are at the forefront of providing service on multiple platforms and will continue to be innovative in our approach. This Plan will further our leadership and open up new opportunities for greater collaboration with other federal departments and agencies, provinces, and territories. Our unique governance structure, including Board of Management direction and oversight, provides abundant flexibility to pursue such opportunities.

Our revenue generation infrastructure serves as a foundation for Canada’s fiscal health, which in turn determines the quality of Canadians’ social security and economic opportunity. Such an important role implies two fundamental responsibilities for our Agency. First, it requires that we maintain and promote public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the tax system, through excellence in service and diligence in enforcement. And second, it demands effective management of our own budget, one of the largest in government, to ensure low-cost, productive administration and a clear focus on program priorities. Prudent cost management and ongoing resource re-allocation will be required in order to achieve these priorities.

As our Agency prepares to mark its fifth anniversary, we stand at a unique juncture between reviewing our past and planning for our future—a future integral to the federal agenda. I look forward to engaging Parliamentarians and Canadians on the future direction of the Canada Revenue Agency.

The Honourable John McCallum P.C., M.P.
Minister of National Revenue

Date modified:

2004-10-08