Members of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers have uniquely close ties with Canada Border Services Agency staff across the country. We work in the same locations all across Canada, we share a common interest in keeping Canadians safe while facilitating trade, and we even speak the same language of Customs compliance and border management.
Even in difficult times - or perhaps especially in difficult times - we are struck by the goodwill and positive relationships between the members of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers and CBSA staff. We decided earlier this year that we wanted to collect some of the wonderful stories that we know are out there.
What were we looking for? We were looking for CBSA staff who do their job with knowledge and goodwill, and who make a positive difference to the trade community every day. The recognition may be for a single situation which made a difference, or it may be for an ongoing attitude of cooperation and professionalism, every day. We thought we’d find stories at a local port, a regional office, or at national headquarters, and the only restriction was that we wanted this recognition to be for the efforts of people below the senior management level. We think of these people as CBSA Stars.
What we found were twenty-three individuals, from Support Clerks to Senior Officers and Superintendents, in Montreal, Hamilton, Mount Hope, Sarnia, Windsor, Toronto, Winnipeg, North Portal, Vancouver and Ottawa. This inaugural group of CBSA Stars were recognized with an announcement at the CSCB Annual Conference in Quebec City on October 1, 2012, and an award and certificate will be given to each individual in the weeks ahead.
On behalf of CSCB members and all clients of CBSA, we thank the following CBSA Stars for their commitment to excellence in client service and congratulate each of them.
Celine Ferland of Montreal was recognized
“… for her expertise and reliability, as well as her helpful and responsive way of working with clients in the area of trade compliance.”
Steve Love of GTA was recognized
“… for his responsiveness, and for being a courteous professional.”
Marishka Aleks of GTA was recognized
“… for going above and beyond the call of duty in providing guidance through complex trade compliance issues.”
Les King of GTA was recognized
“… for his positive attitude of continuous improvement, as well as outstanding consultation and project management skills.”
Max Air of Windsor was recognized
“… for his grace, personality and professionalism.”
Tim Meloche of Windsor was recognized
“… for his accuracy, insight, and clear direction, as well as his helpful and courteous manner”.
Robert (Bob) Boivin of Hamilton was recognized
“… for his informative, helpful, and positive professional manner.”
John Casey of Mount Hope was recognized
“… for his fairness and integrity in dealing with challenging situations.”
Jill Bryce of Sarnia was recognized in a joint submission by the managers of all the customs brokerage offices at the port
“… for her exemplary problem resolution skills and respect for colleagues in the private sector.”
Norma Lahoud of Ottawa was recognized
“... for her helpful and responsive approach to challenging situations.”
Fran Biro of Ottawa was recognized
“… for her willingness to answer questions and share technical knowledge in a positive way.”
Todd Weber of Winnipeg was recognized
“… for his professionalism and dependable responsiveness to clients”
In the office of North Portal, three CBSA Stars were recognized:
Tina Longney “… for her knowledge, helpful attitude and effectiveness.”
Nedra Yurkowski “… for her willingness to help clients through challenging situations.”
Teresa Leslie “… for her expertise and professionalism.”
Michael McAlduff of Vancouver was recognized
“... for exceptional knowledge and recognition of and responsiveness to client concerns.”
Jacquie Stadel of Vancouver was recognized
“... for her exceptional helpfulness and response to concerns.”
Ana Santos of Vancouver was recognized
“… for her commitment to fairness and willingness to listen to clients’ views.”
Adam Greenwood of Vancouver was recognized in four separate submissions
“… for his professionalism, courtesy and willingness to help in challenging situations.”
Mark Grant and Ed Hayes at CBSA HQ were recognized
“… for consistent professionalism in the area of trade policy and trade compliance.”
Kimberley Paradis at CBSA HQ was recognized
“… for being especially fair and knowledgeable.”
Mark Laramore at CBSA HQ was recognized
“… for his detailed knowledge, and willingness to listen to the views of clients.”
Please watch the CSCB website for further information as we roll out this recognition program.