FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2002-03-21

Standards Council of Canada Launches first-ever National Conference on Standardization

OTTAWA- The first-ever National Standards System conference, dedicated to strengthening and advancing Canada's position as a leader in standardization, is taking place from March 25th-27that Château Mont Sainte-Anne Resort and Convention Centre in Quebec.

Hosted by the Standards Council of Canada, the event, aptly entitled "Partners in Progress", will bring together representatives from across industry and government to discuss the progress and future direction of Canada's standardization efforts.

Four concurrent tracks will offer delegates the opportunity to explore a range of standards-related topics including climate change, food safety, cross-border regulatory cooperation, globalization, free trade, and ties to innovation and technology.

"The work of the National Standards System engages individuals from all walks of life," noted Mr. Hugh Krentz, Chair of the Standards Council of Canada. "Together we are greater than the sum of our parts and as partners in progress we gather not only to discuss and debate but also to celebrate and recognize."

In addition to the information-sharing sessions, the conference will also acknowledge the people and organizations that contribute to this important work with an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday March 26th.

Among the panelists and conference speakers are representatives from Natural Resources Canada, the Bureau de normalisation du Quebec, the World Bank, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Canadian Association for Environmental Analytical Laboratories (CAEAL), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and Hydro Quebec.

Approximately 250 delegates are expected to attend.

The Standards Council of Canada is a Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective use of voluntary standardization, and is Canada's representative at ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The Standards Council coordinates and oversees the efforts of the National Standards System and offers a variety of standardization-related programs and services.

For more information on the Standards Council of Canada visit www.scc.ca, or e-mail [email protected].

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