eManifest Stakeholder Partnership Network (eSPN)

Communications Working Group

June 16, 2011

The half-day meeting of the working group was held via WebEx conferencing. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided an update on eManifest highway carrier implementation, noting that more than 140 carriers and seven software/service providers are now in production, with data transmission volumes higher than the CBSA anticipated at this time. Working group members were also updated on the CBSA's outreach activities, including the delivery of more than 40 cross-country presentations and information sessions since April 1, 2011, to both internal and external stakeholders. Trade members supported the CBSA's plans to offer eManifest presentations online including the hosting of live Webinars, as well as plans for promoting eManifest Portal availability.

The CBSA walked members through a visual mock-up of updates planned for the CBSA eManifest Web pages. The updates will better organize expanding content and provide user information on, and access to, the eManifest Portal. Members' overall feedback was favourable and suggested modifications will be considered.

The meeting ended with a roundtable discussion on the future of the working group with all members agreeing that the group continues to have an important role in the implementation of eManifest and that membership should be expanded to include more widespread industry representation.

November 30, 2010

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided updates on eManifest communications and outreach products and activities, including those aimed at reaching carriers in the United States, on the Other Government Departments (OGD) Single Window Initiative and on training CBSA employees who will be involved in processing eManifest shipments.

In addition, using a draft Portal mock-up, the CBSA demonstrated the steps involved in setting up eManifest Portal User and Business Accounts, entering data and managing shipment information. Trade members provided significant feedback on language used within the Portal and its supporting documentation, now in development. As well, feedback was provided on the development of a progressive messaging strategy to reinforce highway carriers' awareness of when eManifest requirements will become mandatory. The CBSA will ensure that the eManifest Portal development teams are informed about trade members' recommendations for client-friendly language and terminology, and will explore the possibility of including additional usability testing in the production schedule. The CBSA also agreed that the group's resources could be better utilized in terms of their input on which communications products are best suited for their stakeholders and soliciting the working group's feedback on communication products before they are finalized.

June 8, 2010

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided updates on recent organizational changes, eManifest implementation activities and eManifest Stakeholder Partnership Network (eSPN) consultations.

In addition, the CBSA delivered a presentation on the status of trusted trader programs (e.g. Partners in Protection and Customs Self Assessment). Trade members emphasized the importance of increasing the CBSA's outreach efforts with other government departments to harmonize border-related requirements and processes. The CBSA will explore the possibility of including information on trusted trader programs in eManifest messaging.

The working group reviewed and provided feedback on the structure of eSPN consultations, the new proposed versions of eManifest communications products, outreach activities, marketing strategy development, staff training and client support.

November 5, 2009

The eSPN Communications Working Group reviewed its revised terms of reference and offered suggestions for expanding membership. The group also looked ahead to the eSPN plenary and provided input on how the meetings can offer the most value to trade members.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided an overview of its communications and outreach efforts and plans including participation in industry events, development of information material and Web site management. In addition, trade members were encouraged to notify the CBSA of conferences or trade shows they believe eManifest representatives should attend. Members were pleased with the proposed activities and noted that practical, audience-specific information will be of most use to clients.

The CBSA provided an update on the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) for the highway mode and an overview of the strategies for eManifest employee training and external client service. Trade members acknowledged the significant progress made and identified communications issues for the CBSA to consider as eManifest moves forward.

November 12, 2008

The working group reviewed recently implemented communications and outreach products including new Web site content and the first edition of the eManifest newsletter.

The meeting included a brainstorming session to discuss and identify new and joint communications and outreach activities. A recent newsletter article prepared in collaboration between the CBSA and the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters was referenced, and members were encouraged to participate in similar opportunities.

Members suggested different approaches to expand the audience reach and to raise awareness about eManifest.

The group looked ahead to the eSPN plenary and members provided input into the planning of the event.

July 8, 2008

The CBSA provided updates on the outreach activities and products. Members were debriefed on the recent eManifest Stakeholder Partnership Network (eSPN) design working group meeting. Comments were received and discussed regarding a draft eSPN communications process plan and the update to the communications working group's terms of reference.

May 28, 2008

Members revisited the group's terms of reference and discussed communications with the eSPN steering committee and the design working group about the consultation process with the trade community at large. Members reviewed the most recent versions of the eManifest Internet content and the eManifest generic presentation deck. Members discussed the frequency of the e-newsletter (semi-annual basis).

January 23, 2008

Members reviewed the eManifest Internet content and layout and provided feedback. They were also encouraged to provide any additional feedback as soon as possible. Members also offered suggestions for planning for the plenary, as well as general comments on the overall eSPN structure and other communications issues.

December 6, 2007

Members reviewed internal and external eManifest communications messages for further revision by the CBSA and suggested the creation of communications products for the outreach activities of industry representatives.

October 18, 2007

Members reviewed the group's terms of reference for a second time and asked for an updated deployment plan and project status update. They also indicated their desire for a semi-annual eSPN plenary. Members also reviewed possible communications initiatives to inform stakeholders about eManifest and the consultation process.

August 15, 2007

Members approved the group's terms of reference. The main topic was the eManifest project's communications plan, which was presented and discussed at length. Members asked for a preliminary map of communications activities and for the eSPN governance model to be distributed to them. Members brainstormed on ways forward for the working group by looking at desired results and expectations and agreed that simple and clear communications with all trade-chain partners is critical to the project's success.