Collections Integration

Effective August 1, 2005, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has become responsible for the collections activities previously carried out by Social Development Canada (SDC).

This means that the CRA now has responsibility and accountability for the collection of debts owed to programs of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and SDC, including debts incurred through Canada Student Loans, Employment Insurance, Employment Programs, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security.

Service to clients will remain unchanged. Clients will be able to continue to use all existing ways to contact collections agents, such as via published telephone and fax numbers, and currently available Web sites.

For additional information, please see the Questions and Answers that follow.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the Government of Canada proposing?
2. Why was Canada Revenue Agency chosen as the lead on government integrated collections?
3. When will the transfer be implemented/take effect?
4. What will the impact be on the public?
5. What advantages does the integrated collection initiative offer to Canadians?
6. What will be the impact on the CRA?

1. What is the Government of Canada proposing?

The Government of Canada has approved the transfer of the functions and resources of collections activities from Social Development Canada (SDC) to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This means that the CRA will have responsibility and accountability for the collection of debts owed to programs of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and SDC.

2. Why was Canada Revenue Agency chosen as the lead on government integrated collections?

With its world-class collections function that is the largest in government, the CRA is well positioned to take on the collections activities on behalf of other government departments. The CRA already collects a variety of taxes for the provinces and the federal government, as well as premiums for social programs.

3. When will the transfer be implemented/take effect?

The administration of the SDC collections activities will transfer to CRA effective August 1, 2005.

4. What will the impact be on the public?

There will be no disruption to the current channels of service to clients. Canadians will continue to receive timely, accessible, reliable and fair service that is responsive to their needs.

5. What advantages does the integrated collection initiative offer to Canadians?

An integrated collections program is a sound business approach that makes it easier for Canadians who owe debts to the Crown to comply with their payment obligations and/or arrangements. It also demonstrates the government's commitment to provide Canadians with more efficient and streamlined service delivery by eliminating the need to replicate investments and expertise in multiple departments.

6. What will be the impact on the CRA?

The CRA will draw on its existing infrastructure, expertise, and capacity to support the administration and integration of collections operations of other government departments, to ensure an effective approach to collections that recognizes the nature of different types of debts, including those related to social programs.