FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2006-04-27

Canadian selected to lead Pan-American Standards Organization

The Executive Director of Standards Council of Canada, Peter Clark, has been selected President of the Pan-American Standards Commission (COPANT). Clark was selected during the organization's general assembly, held April 26, 2006 in La Paz, Bolivia. His term will begin at the COPANT Assembly in 2007, after serving as President Elect for one year.

“I am honoured to have been selected by my peers to lead them as President of COPANT,” said Clark. “I look forward to assuming my new role and to continue building on the successes of the organization.”

COPANT is a private not-for-profit association representing nations from across the Americas. It promotes standardization and related activities in its member countries, ensuring that standards uniquely relevant to its members are developed by internationally recognized agencies, and encourages harmonization of technical standards. The Standards Council represents Canada internationally as a member of COPANT.

Active participation within COPANT strengthens regional ties and ensures that Canadian interests are considered in the development of voluntary standards that impact trade in the Americas. It also builds a strong regional voice and improves Canada’s ability to influence standardization internationally.

The Standards Council of Canada is a Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective voluntary standardization. The Council is involved in coordinating Canada's participation in the development of international standards through organizations such as ISO and the IEC. As Canada's national standardization body, it oversees the National Standard System. For more information, visit www.scc.ca, or contact the Standards Council via e-mail at [email protected].

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