The Context for New Directions

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Although our first priority is delivering the first-rate service that Canadians expect from us, rapid change in our operating environment also demands that we innovate. Many of these forces of change also affect the people and organizations that we serve. Supporting the economic and social well-being of Canadians requires that we adjust along with them, and ensure that the innovations we pursue benefit Canada and Canadians.

Global harmonization

As global trade continues to grow, governments around the world are under increasing pressure to encourage the free flow of goods, services, and investment between countries. Increasingly, Canadian companies are competing for market share with businesses half a world away. Canada is demonstrating leadership in making free trade agreements work well. It is doing this by pursuing innovative solutions to encourage trade that reduce paperwork and speed up processing. At the same time, new challenges are emerging with the growth in electronic commerce, increased mobility of money, and increased interest in tax havens. All require innovative approaches to ensure that everyone respects Canada's laws, regulations, and standards.

Economic trends

Canada continues to experience high levels of economic growth and job creation, and is among the best performers of the major industrial countries. However, challenges remain. Canada's productivity needs to improve. Growth is uneven and economic conditions differ, regionally and between different sectors of the economy. The nature of work is changing, with unprecedented growth in self-employment and contract work. At the same time the tax system itself is increasingly being used as a means to meet economic and social policy objectives. In short, the relationship between the government and the marketplace is becoming more complex and sophisticated. We need innovative ways to minimize the compliance burden on Canadian business and better understand evolving business needs, promote participation in the regulated economy, and support a world-class workforce that can adapt to changing circumstances.

Management and administrative efficiencies in the public sector

Innovative management practices are critical for all governments seeking to keep pace with today's dynamic environment and the evolving needs of citizens. In particular, this means removing overlap and duplication—integrating processes through partnerships where efficiencies can be gained without compromising accountability. The CCRA currently has 50 memoranda of understanding with other government departments, many of which involve the joint administration of legislation or the joint delivery of programs and services. Likewise, new partnerships between the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments are essential if government is to reduce overall duplication and generate efficiencies that will benefit all Canadians.

Modern and competitive infrastructure

No organization can function well in today's environment without the right people, systems, business processes, facilities, and equipment. However, our business volumes in trade, border crossings, benefits payments, tax enquiries, and tax returns are all at unprecedented levels. This is putting pressure on our infrastructure, particularly with static resource levels that are likely to remain so. We need creative approaches to investing in our infrastructure, particularly to recruit and retain the people we need; this is the most important ingredient in strengthening our capacity to manage continued growth.

Date modified:

2002-01-04