Council of International & State
Associations (CISA)
Committee Chair: |
Chris Mackrell, Custom Courier Solutions |
The
Council of International & State Associations (CISA) supports local
and international messenger/courier organizations and stands ready
to assist any MCAA member wishing to start a local, state or international
association. CISA meets at the annual convention in May and at the Fall
Conference in October to share information, ideas and news of events relating
to state messenger/courier associations. A member of each state's association
represents their organization at the meeting. CISA is looking for committee
members that are active in local or state associations.
Canada
New York
Canada
Canadian Courier & Messenger Association
The Canadian Courier & Messenger Association (CCMA) has been active on many fronts thus far in 2005:
In regards to CCMA infrastructure, changes continue to be slated for our web site contributing to a truly interactive and useful site for members to utilize.
On the legislative side, 2005 continues to be an extremely demanding and challenging year. The CCMA is broadly engaged with many issues that affect the express industry.
In multi level government matters, the CCMA is actively involved in issues related to independent operators (WSIB), and a review of Part III of the Canada Labour Code is underway as part of a Federal Labour Standards Review.
CCMA is actively engaged with all Provincial Governments in regards to developing Electronic Recycling legislation that seeks to hold courier firms responsible for submitting fees for transporting electronic goods and used as a means to pay for end of use recycling for a range of electronic consumer goods.
Transport Canada and the Transport Minister are considering radical changes to the air operating authorities in Canada. This is an issue with fundamental aspects which are of passionate concern to Canadian based air cargo carriers, courier companies and other transportation stakeholders. It involves issues and questions of cabotage, reciprocity and matters of public interest.
Moves toward an Open Skies environment will trigger greater deregulation of the Canadian air operating environment, which supporters argue will provide better service and more selection at a lower cost while detractors state that Canadian carriers and their employees will be put at risk. Many of the same issues that surfaced during the Canadian governments’ consideration and subsequent introduction of Free Trade are paralleled here. Just as there was a detailed examination of the ramifications of NAFTA at that time by stakeholders, Open Skies warrants the same attention. The CCMA recently provided comment with regard to this issue and consultations on the matter are forthcoming.
Our on-going pursuit of addressing impactful taxation issues related to Declared Value Surcharges continues - news on this front is imminent.
Import border requirements for pre-arrival data under CBSA’s (Canada Border Services Agency) ACI (Advance Commercial Information) initiative and its potential impacts receive ongoing attention and collaboration with a goal towards constructing an optimal courier friendly trade environment; discussions on this front go on, the deadline for air reporting is December 5, 2205.
On the export side (outbound from Canada) new CBSA reporting procedures were launched on May 16 th this year, all indications are that this has been implemented with relatively little distress as a result of the CCMA and its members having had input into shaping and influencing these developments for an optimal industry result.
Developments in the United States related to the Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Advance Electronic Cargo Information rules, are triggering dramatic consequences to the transborder movement of goods, developments are on-going.
On a networking front the CCMA had its annual golf tournament; Thursday June 16 th at Hunter’s Glen (southern Ontario), although rainy conditions prevailed, the event was a success and well attended.
Next on the horizon, the CCMA is planning its Fall conference & exposition which is being held on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at the Mississauga Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ontario .
In keeping with our theme, “Managing Through Change”, we have designed a conference which focuses on pertinent information courier and messenger companies should know in these changing times. The conference will feature two tracks of seminars throughout the day, a luncheon with keynote speaker, as well as a trade show and exposition, events and speakers were actively being secured during this publication deadline, to track developments in this regard log on to: www.canadiancourier.org
As always, we encourage all shapes and sizes of express delivery firms and suppliers to the industry across Canada to consider membership in the CCMA to realize the inherent benefits and opportunities for networking that members enjoy as we continue to enhance the reputation and the reach of the time sensitive delivery industry in Canada.
Keep a watch at www.canadiancourier.org for updates on the courier environment in Canada.
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New York
NYSMCA - New
York State Messenger & Courier
Association
The New York State Messenger & Courier Association: Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better - it did. I’m referring to our summer party boat ride. Last year’s boat ride was spectacular, and this year’s was even better. Last year we rode up the East River, this year we rode up the Hudson River. We saw a close up of the Statue of Liberty, went to the Intrepid, and back to the 23 rd Street port. As we sailed past Manhattan’s skyline, I couldn’t help but notice something was missing, that being the World Trade Center. None the less, sailing by downtown Manhattan is still breathtaking, as is all its shore line, even the view of our Sister State New Jersey is beautiful. Once again Bill Goodman organized a great event; he never ceases to amaze me.
Our member of the year award was given to Mark Chiusano of Airline Delivery for chairing a committee dealing with the New York State Department of Labor. As stated before, the NYSMCA has been approached by the NYS DOL in order to establish guidelines that will take away the gray areas regarding IC judgments. These guidelines may become a precedent for other States. Rest assured; there could not be a better person to lead us on this issue, watching Mark in action is truly impressive.
Also honored was Joe Pryor of Walsh Messengers. Joe is retiring (which I am envious of). Serving on the NYSMCA board with Joe was an honor, and I will miss him at our meetings, but I trust he will attend our parties in the future where he can see so many of his friends.
We’re on our summer break now - our next meeting will be in September. We urge delivery companies and affiliated vendors in New York and the Tri-State area to become members of our Association. Please visit our website at www.nysmca.org.
Mark MacBain
Past President
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