FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2009-06-10

Release of Canadian Standards Strategy 2009-2012 Signals Importance of Standardization Infrastructure to Canada

June 9, 2009, Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Standards Council of Canada (SCC) Chairman Hugh Krentz announced today the release of the Canadian Standards Strategy (CSS) for 2009-2012. First published in 2000, the CSS provides strategic direction to the SCC, the National Standards System and the Canadian standardization community as a whole.

The strategy incorporates contributions from over 200 stakeholders of Canada’s National Standards System (NSS).  Its four overarching goals are: to promote trade and consumer safety; to ensure that the NSS is continually evolving to meet changing demands; to expand understanding, recognition and use of the NSS; and to identify and address emerging national issues where standards and accreditation solutions can be applied.

“This is a unique opportunity to advance Canada’s national and international leadership,” said Minister Clement. “In uncertain global economic times, the importance of standards to government, industry and individuals is magnified. From improving the national and international flow of goods and services to helping enhance and protect the lifestyle, safety and well-being of Canadians, standards become even more pivotal to our competitiveness, innovation and growth.”

“Today, standards are not only the “trust factor” that underpins product safety; they are the “credibility anchor” of our domestic, regional and international trading systems,” said Mr. Krentz. “SCC, in cooperation with all levels of government, industry, consumer and non-governmental organizations, will be guided by the vision and goals of this strategy and work together with our partners to build an enhanced standardization infrastructure in Canada.”

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown Corporation with the mandate to promote the efficient and effective use of standardization.  Located in Ottawa, the SCC is a portfolio of Industry Canada with a 15 member governing Council and approximately 90 staff.  The SCC coordinates the work of the National Standards System, and offers a range of standardization-related programs and services that are intended to enhance the social and economic well-being of Canadians.  For additional information on the work of the SCC visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].

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