FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2006-09-29

Canadian to lead International Electrotechnical Commission

OTTAWA – Jacques Régis has become the first Canadian elected as president of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). He begins his one-year term as IEC President-elect on January 1, 2007 and a three-year term as IEC President effective January 1, 2008.

In his acceptance speech Régis said, “As President-Elect my priority will be to listen to the preoccupations and expectations of the IEC community. I look forward to working together as we face the challenges that lie ahead at the start of this exciting second century for the IEC.”

Régis is no stranger to executive positions, having served as chairman of the board for organizations such as the Transmission Council of the Canadian Electricity Association, and Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie Inc., where he was also President and Chief Operating Officer from 1997 to 2003. Most recently, Régis has represented Canada at the IEC Council Board, a position he assumed in 2005.

Active participation within international standardization bodies strengthens global ties and ensures that Canadian interests are considered in the development of voluntary standards that impact global trade.

IEC leads the development of international standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies. Its standards provide industry and governments with the framework for economies of design, greater product and service quality, and better production and delivery efficiency. IEC standards also encourage an improved quality of life by contributing to safety, human health and the protection of the environment. As one of the world’s leading economies, Canada has played a pivotal role in the work of the IEC and this presidency further reinforces our position as a leader in international standardization.

The Standards Council of Canada coordinates Canada's participation at IEC through its sponsorship of the Canadian National Committee of IEC. SCC is a Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective voluntary standardization in Canada. It facilitates the development and use of national and international standards and accreditation services to enhance Canada's competitiveness and social well-being.  For more information, visit www.scc.ca, or contact the Standards Council via e-mail at [email protected].

For additional information on the IEC, visit www.iec.ch.

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