Published on CSCB National Office (https://cscb.ca)

Home > Celebrating the CBSA Stars!

Celebrating the CBSA Stars!

Update: We have held ceremonies celebrating the Stars across the country this spring. Further details areavailable in an article Stellar CBSA Employees are Shining Stars for the Canadian Society of CustomsBrokers.

Members of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers have uniquely close ties with Canada BorderServices Agency staff across the country. We work in the same locations all across Canada, we share acommon interest in keeping Canadians safe while facilitating trade, and we even speak the samelanguage of Customs compliance and border management.

In 2012, for the first time the CSCB recognized twenty three CBSA personnel for excellence inservice. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from people in the privatesector that deal with CBSA staff on a daily basis.

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 asingle situation which made a difference, or it may be for an ongoing attitude of cooperation andprofessionalism, every day. We thought we’d find stories at a local port, a regional office, or at nationalheadquarters, and the only restriction was that we wanted this recognition to be for the efforts of peoplebelow the senior management level. We think of these people as CBSA Stars.

Let's meet the 2012 CBSA Stars and their nominators.Céline Ferland, Quebec Region Melanie Bedard,

Milgram &Company,recognized CelineFerland.“We deal with herfor classificationrulings and she isalways responsive(with a smile inher voice),helpful, availableand veryknowledgeable. She is constantand very reliableand it is nice toknow that wehave a “go to”person to counton.”

Steve Love, GTA Percy Bubis,Viacan CustomsBrokers Inc.,recognized SteveLove.“We have had afew dealings withthis gentlemanand he alwaysreturns his callsand is verycourteous. Whenhe advises thathe will get to thebottom of asituation quickly,you can be surethat an email isreceived withintwenty four hourswith a concisereply. He is atrueprofessional.”

Marisha Aleks, GTA Michael Zobin,OmnitransInternational,recognizedMarisha Aleks.“There are manyspecific examplesof how Ms. Alekshas assisted withinquiries andguidance. From ageneralperspective Ms.Aleks went aboveand beyond totake the time tounderstand theissue(s) theimporter (myclient) was facingand outlinedinstructions andguidance on howto resolve saidissue(s).These issuescould stem from:Drawback refundfiling andreporting- Duty deferralapplications(focusing onduties relief)- Letters of intentfor variousremission orders(including DRO’s,textile remission,etc.)With eachscenario, I wasable to outline toMs. Aleks the“road block” thatthe importerfaced, and shegave clear andconcise guidelinesthat aligned theissue withCustomsregulation andpolicy.At times, theimporter did not“like” theguidance issuedbut the officerunderstood theconcern(s) andpossibleramifications andworked with usand the importerto see if any ofthe importersSOP’s could bemodified toconform withCustoms policythereby allowingthe importer tocommence and/orcontinue with thebusiness practiceensuring thatthese practiceswere now alignedto comply withCustoms rulesand regulations.The main aspectof thecontribution ofMs. Aleks is thetime and serviceshe has providedand the guidance,based onexpertise andexceptionalknowledge ofCustomsrequirements,rules andregulations, thatshe has providedto myself, mycompany, and toour clients(various Canadianimporters).”

Max Air, Southern Ontario (Windsor) Mary Kennette,SDV Logistics,recognized MaxAir.“I had an issuetoday with a DASthat had minimalcontact details. Isaw Max’s nameon another DASso contacted himby phone to askfor direction. Maxtook the time tosearch out who Is/b speaking withand kept me infullcommunicationwith updates asto the status. Hehad a great senseof humour, andwas an absolutepleasure to workwith. I will not beforgetting hisname or hiscontactinformation. Hemade a differencein my day. Itwasn’t his file tohandle, but hetook care of myissue with grace,professionalismand personality.”

Robert Boivin, Ontario Region(Hamilton)

Lindsay Pauls,WillsonInternational,recognized RobertBoivin.“The thing that Iwould like torecognize thatBob has done isthat he is veryinformative andprofessional when it comes toansweringquestions. Hesends helpfullinks to help us inunderstanding B2questions that wemight have, he isalways there tohelp when youneed it, and healways tells us tocall him wheneverwe have B2questions. He isalways friendlyand cheerfulwhen he calls, hemakes having todeal with CanadaCustoms as stressfree and easy aspossible.”

John Casey, Ontario Region (MountHope)

John Brooks,Russell A. FarrowLimited,recognized JohnCasey.“John Casey is anindividual with astrong personalitybut he is also fairand not afraid touse commonsense whenappropriate. Because of themanual processassociated withE29B's, they don'talways getacquittedproperly andevidence ofexport issometimesrequired to cancelan E29B. Also,sometimes itbecomesnecessary torequest anextension of thetime limit. In myexperience, Johnis willing toexplore everyavenue within thescope of theregulations torecommend acourse of actionto his supervisor. Example: In arecent case, Johnfelt that a furtherextension was notwithin the scopeof the regulationsand called toadvise that arequest was to bedenied. I read theregulations from adifferentperspective andalso took John toa section of whichhe was previouslyunaware. He hadthe integrity toadmit that andwent back to hissupervisor toexplain that hispreviousrecommendationwas flawed andthat a furtherextension waswarranted. Assoon as I read thecaption of thisnotice, mythoughts wentimmediately toJohn Casey. Thanks for thisopportunity.”

Todd Weber, Prairie Region (Winnipeg) Rodney Stagg,LivingstonInternational Inc.,recognized ToddWeber.“It is so mucheasier dealingwith Customs nowthat Todd Weberacts as the liaisonwith the brokers. It is nice to have amain contact atCustoms who isable to respond toour inquiries in avery timely andefficient manner.”

Tina Longney, Prairies Region (NorthPortal)

Lynn McDonald,LivingstonInternational Inc.,recognized TinaLongney.“I would like torecognize thefollowing CBSAOfficer at the portof North Portal - Tina Longney. She has been atthis port for anumber of yearsand deservesrecognition forher attitude andhelpfulness. Tinais the to-go-toperson for us inthis office. Shehas a wonderfulattitude and isalways willing togo the extra mileif we require helpin any situations. She knows her“stuff”.

Nedra Yurkowski, Prairies Region(North Portal)

Lynn McDonald,LivingstonInternational Inc.,recognized NedraYurkowski.“I would like torecognize thefollowing CBSAOfficer at the portof North Portal -Nedra Yurkowski. She has been atthis port for anumber of yearsand deservesrecognition forher attitude andhelpfulness.Nedra is awonderful officerwith a greatattitude, alwaysready and willingto help out in anydifficult situationthat we may runacross. She alsoknows her “stuff”.

Teresa Leslie, Prairies Region (NorthPortal)

Lynn McDonald,LivingstonInternational Inc.,recognized TeresaLeslie.“I would like torecognize thefollowing CBSAOfficer at the portof North Portal -Teresa Leslie. Shehas been at thisport for a numberof years anddeservesrecognition forher attitude andhelpfulness.Teresa is alwayswilling to help,and is anotherseasoned officerwho knows her“stuff”.”

Michael McAlduff, Pacific Region Michael Zobin,Omnitrans Inc.,recognizedMichael McAlduff.“There are manyspecific examplesof how Mr.McAlduff hasassisted withinquiries andguidance. From ageneralperspective Mr.McAlduff wentabove andbeyond to takethe time tounderstand theissue(s) theimporter (myclient) was facingand outlinedinstructions andguidance on howto resolve saidissue(s).These issuescould stem from:Drawback refundfiling andreporting- Duty deferralapplications(focusing onduties relief)- Letters of intentfor variousremission orders(including DRO’s,textile remission,etc.)With eachscenario, I wasable to outline toMr. McAlduff the“road block” thatthe importerfaced, and hegave clear andconcise guidelinesthat aligned theissue withCustomsregulation andpolicy.At times, theimporter did not“like” theguidance issuedbut heunderstood theconcern(s) andpossibleramifications andworked with usand the importerto see if any ofthe importersSOP’s could bemodified toconform withCustoms policythereby allowingthe importer tocommence and/orcontinue with thebusiness practiceensuring thatthese practiceswere now alignedto comply withCustoms rulesand regulations.The main aspectof thecontribution ofMr.McAlduff is thetime and servicehe has providedand the guidance,based onexpertise andexceptionalknowledge ofCustomsrequirements,rules andregulations, thathe has providedto myself, mycompany, and toour clients(various Canadianimporters).”

Mark Grant, CBSA HQ Melanie Bedard,Milgram &Company,recognized MarkGrant. “… for consistentprofessionalism inthe area of tradepolicy and tradecompliance."

Ed Hayes, CBSA HQ Melanie Bedard,Milgram &Company,recognized EdHayes. “… for consistentprofessionalism inthe area of tradepolicy and tradecompliance.”

Jill Bryce, Ontario Region (Sarnia) June Oake,ChristineRobertson, SusanVanderveer,Louise Seguin,Lori Mitchell,Patricia Postma-Niemeyer, NancyHilbert, StephanieHaight, FredFletcher, BrendaFletcher, DonnaCrozier, HelenBota, TammyMcLean, and BobThomas, allmanagers in theport of Sarnia,recognized JillBryce."Officer Bryce isan excellentliaison with theCanadianCustoms Brokerslocated at thePort of Sarnia. Herprofessionalism,calm personalityand her desire to"make it right"has proven tomake our dailybusiness activitiesan easier task.Whether it'slocating a missingC type entry,processing a K84adjustment, orjust explaining aprocedure, OfficerBryce is very co-operative. Nomatter what thecircumstanceOfficer Brycetreats the brokerswith utmostrespect and forthat we areappreciative.Officer Bryceattends theregular meetingswith the Brokersand CBSA and hasfirsthandknowledge of ourconcerns. She hasinitiated an"orange folder"system to alertthe data clerk ofpriority requests,i.e. 5th daychanges, and it isworking very well.Thank you to theCSCB for allowingus to introduceyou to our star,Officer Jill Bryce.""... Everymanager at theport of Sarnia aswell as YRCReimer hassigned this letteras we all agree Jillis fantastic andindeed makesdoing business atthis port apleasure. Problemresolution,expeditingchanges andshowing respectto the CustomsBrokers at thisport has madeher our "shiningstar"."

Tim Meloche, Southern Ontario Region(Windsor)

Kristin Renaud,Russell A. FarrowLimited,recognized TimMeloche.“Tim is extremelyknowledgeable,helpful and agreat resource. He is alwayscourteous andassists my teamin providing ourclients the mostaccurate andcomprehensiveanswers. If hedoesn't know theanswer, he knowswhich direction tosend you and whothe best contactis within CBSA.I have alsoworked with Timin my previousrole in TradeCompliance. Heprovided insightand cleardirection incompletingamendmentclaims required asa result of TradeVerificationaudits.”

Les King, GTA Kim Campbell,mkmarin tradeservices inc.,recognized LesKing.“What makes LesKing sospecial...Hechallenges thestatus quo andlooks for ways toimproveprograms where itmakes sense. Heis currentlyimplementing theNRCan alternatereporting programfor CSA importers. Les is really greatat negotiatingwith multipleparties solutionswe can agree onand executerelatively easy. Inaddition, hemanaged thedevelopment andimplementation ofCBSA/CFIA nonregulated foodproducts CSAclearanceprocess,Transport CanadaCSA releaseprogram for tires.He is currentlyworking on CSAclearanceprogram for logs.He has skills as anegotiator, and issomeone thatgenuinely hearsall parties’concerns and develops groupconsensus inshort order. Hisprojectmanagementskills keepeveryone on taskand initiativesdelivered. Peopleare inspired towork with him asit is clear he isalwaysattempting to dothe right thing forall. Even whenthere may bedisagreementfrom a trader’sperspective, youknow you wereheard and comeaway knowingwhy it cannot bedone the exactway requested.He just is thevoice of reason.Les is veryknowledgeableabout CBSAregulations andpolicies, and hasa great internalnetwork, littletime and energyis wasted indealing withissues or projectchanges. Toooften at CBSAthings take toolong to completeor initiatives arestartedunnecessarilybecause of lack ofknowledge.He perfectlybalances theobligation toprotect Canadiancitizens and taxpayers with theobligation topromote trade.Here is oneindividual thatreally gets it!!!He is alwayswilling to help outin his ownprogram area andwill refer orengage others inhis organization ifnot in his area.For the reasonsabove, Les King isa star we arelucky to know.”

Norma Lahoud, Ontario Region(Ottawa)

Sandy Wood,Milgram &Company,recognized NormaLahoud.“Norma has beenworking for theCommercialLicensing andSecurity Unit foralmost a year. Ihave dealt withseveral peopleover the years inthis position buthave neverreceived the levelof service Normaprovides. Normais very helpful,returns calls andalways tries tohelp find asolution or bringclarity to thesituation.I think NormaLehoud should berecognized as aSTAR.”

Jacquie Stadel, Pacific Region Patti O’Malley,PCB, recognizedJacquie Stadel.“Jacquie will listenclosely to ourconcernsregarding specificshipments andassist if she isable. She willexpedite things ifthat is what isneeded. Jacquiewill also reach outto other sectionsin the CBSA onour behalf ifrequired, and getback to us withthe results.In summary, sheunderstands thatwe as brokers andthe CBSA are inthe samebusiness - at thislevel it is toexpedite releasesfor commercialimporters, and ifthere are issues,to handle themquickly andconfidently. Shetreats my groupand I with respectand will dowhatever she canto assist in theend goal. Weappreciate herservice verymuch.”

Fran Biro, Northern Ontario Region(Ottawa)

Jeffrey Willson,WillsonInternational,recognized FranBiro.“Ms. Biro hasalways been co-operative toassist regardlessof the questionbeing asked. If aresponse is notreadily availableshe has lookedinto the matterand followed upwith an answer orprovided thename of anotherCBSA officer tospeak with. Ms. Biro hasassistednumerous timesin the pastconcerning thepreparation andpresentation ofvoluntarydisclosures andblanketadjustments. Herwillingness toassist and providedirection ontechnical issueshas been apositiveexperience indealing withCBSA.”

Ana Santos, Pacific Region Patti O’Malley,PCB, recognizedAna Santos.“Like herpredecessor BrianSimpson, Anaalways takes thetime to listen toour concernsregardingsecondaryexaminations.If we can pointout that anothertype of exam hasalready happenedfor a specificshipment, or thatthere is a historyof examinationsfor a specificimporter and theirvendor, Ana willlook into ourfindings, andrelease theshipmentswithout asecondary exam ifshe agrees withour case that wehave presented toher. This does notalways happen,but Ana alwaysgives us the roomto make our case.Ana will alsoreach out to othersections withinthe CBSA on ourbehalf in order toexpedite theprocess.In summary, sheunderstands thatwe as brokers andthe CBSA are inthe samebusiness - at thislevel it is toexpedite releasesfor commercialimporters, and ifthere are issues,to handle themquickly andconfidently. Shetreats my groupand I with respectand will dowhatever she canto assist in theend goal. Weappreciate herservice verymuch.”

Kimberly Paradis, CBSA HQ Bob Beausoleil,Russell A. FarrowLimited (retired),recognizedKimberly Paradis.“… for beingespecially fair andknowledgeable.”

Adam Greenwood, Pacific Region Patti O’Malley,PCB; Lisa Kent,Davidson & Sons;Ruth Palmer-Haenisch, SDVLogistiques(Canada) Inc.; andReena Kusper,EAJ; recognizedAdamGreenwood.Ruth Palmer-Haenisch of SDVLogistics said:Adam is truly astar, he returnscalls promptly, isextremelyprofessional andcourteous. He isalways receptiveto calls for helpwhen the systemfails us. Today isonly a smallexample, we havea containerscheduled for atailgate exam butthe OGDscheduled to dothe exam is notavailable untilnext week so hecalled to offer usthe option ofmoving thecontainer intactunder customsbond to a bondedwarehouse ratherthan leave it atthe dock until theOGD arrives tobreak the sealand do what theyneed to do nextweek. The savingsto our client instorage anddemurrage will beconsiderable.”Lisa Kent ofDavidson andSons CustomsBrokers Ltd added:“On more thanone occasionAdam has beenextremely helpfulto me when I'mtrying to solve aproblem. I holdthe kind ofposition in mycompany whereall the weirdshipments that noone else wants todeal with land onmy desk. Sometimes theyleave mescratching myhead and everytime they do, Iknow that I cancall Adam andhe's always morethan willing tohelp me out. Nomatter howobscure, healways goesabove andbeyond to helpme find ananswer whensometimes otherofficers are not sowilling to help. He has becomemy go-to guy atCBSA. I'm surehe's saved my joband gotten meout of a jam morethan once. Ifeveryone in thisworld was a goodat their job asAdam, it would bea happier place. Ihope that he getsrecognized for thefantastic job hedoes.”Patti O’Malley ofPacific CustomsBrokers Ltd.added:Among otherthings, when wehave difficultieswith shipmentsthat have beentransmitted andget "stuck in aloop" we havecontacted Adam.Adam is alwayshelpful in givingadvice orassistance if hecan. He goes outof his way toassist us in thestatus ofshipments. Henever passes usoff to someoneelse unless hecannot assist, andif he does have tosend uselsewhere, healways providesthe info we needto contact theperson ASAP.Adam knows theregulations andfollows them, buthe makes thedealings ofdifficultshipments morebearable.Reena Kupser ofEAJ CustomsBrokers said:“I have workedwith Adam foryears. Anytime Ihave an issue, hehas alwayshelped me toexpedite myshipments I havea problem with,and if he can’t healways points mein the rightdirection. Adamalways acts veryprofessional andfriendly andalways goesabove andbeyond his jobdescription/dutiesto help me outwhen I haveneeded it. I amsure othercustoms brokerswill also recognizehis qualities inhelping them out,he is well knownamongst thebrokeragecommunity asbeing one of theofficers that isgreat to workwith. He makesall of our jobseasier, andalways seems likehe is happy to doit.”

Mark Laramore, CBSA HQ Bob Beausoleil,Russell A. Farrow(retired),recognized MarkLaramore.“… for hisdetailedknowledge, andwillingness tolisten to the viewsof clients.”

Source URL (modified on 2018-04-25 14:22): https://cscb.ca/content/celebrating-cbsa-stars