Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
News Release

print this article email to a Friend

click here to close this window and return to the Media Room

Released: 21 October, 1998

Revenue Minister Looks Into The Future Of Customs And Trade Administration

TORONTO, October 21, 1998...The Minister of National Revenue and M.P. (Vancouver South-Burnaby), the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, is setting a course for a customs and trade administration that adapts to rapidly expanding global trade and travel.

At the Canadian Importers Association annual meeting in Toronto today, the Minister released the Customs and Trade Administration Blueprint: A Discussion Paper. The paper details a vision for the customs and trade administration program.

The Blueprint looks at ways to provide consistent and accessible single-window service using the most up-to-date electronic commerce and Internet technologies. Screening for high-risk shipments and travellers will become more sophisticated, and penalties will be graduated to better suit the frequency and the seriousness of the infraction.

"Trade and tourism are vital to the Canadian economy. Over the last decade, we have seen a massive expansion of trade liberalization, and tourism has become the fastest growing sector in the economy," said Minister Dhaliwal. "We must ensure that our customs and trade administration program continues to respond to our economic growth."

In 1997, Revenue Canada processed 11.3 million commercial import transactions worth over $270 billion and welcomed approximately 108 million travellers to Canada. It is expected that by 2003, the number of commercial import transactions will reach 13.6 million worth almost $400 billion, and 123 million travellers will cross the border every year.

The Minister stressed that the future road map can only be drawn with the active participation of clients, stakeholders, employees, and unions. Consultation will take place over the next several months. This will result in an action plan outlining Revenue Canada's priorities for the next five years.

"I want the next five years to build on the success we've already achieved," stated the Minister. "That means all of our major stakeholders, exporters, importers, and the travelling public must have a say in how we do business."

"As we move to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, this exercise will ensure that our customs and trade program is moving forward in a direction and at a pace that meet the needs and expectations of Canadians," Mr. Dhaliwal explained. "This will help ensure that the customs program is an integral and vibrant part of the new agency."

- 30 -

For further information, please contact:

Note: The following Fact Sheets are available on the Internet at www.rc.gc.ca/blueprint

Also available on this site is the
Customs and Trade Administration Blueprint: A Discussion Paper