OTTAWA, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Kathy Milsom, Chair of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), is pleased to announce that John Walter, SCC's Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed as incoming Vice-President (Policy) of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the 2014-2015 term, effective January 1, 2014. The appointment was announced September 19 at the 2013 ISO General Assembly, in St. Petersburg, Russia, with representatives from over 120 countries. Mr. Walter replaces Mr. Sadao Takeda, who had held the position since 2010.
As a principal officer of ISO Council, Mr. Walter's new position offers a first-ever opportunity for Canada to play a key role in overseeing governance and ISO policy. "Canada has an excellent reputation within international standardization spheres, and this recent appointment cements this country's global leadership role in standardization," commented Ms. Milsom.
Mr. Walter brings his extensive experience as both a user and developer of standards to this prestigious role at this important time for the international community. Appointed as CEO of SCC in 2009, Mr. Walter has successfully established standardization as a top strategic priority for the Government of Canada and is actively elevating the Canadian voice in the development of international standards.
The Honourable James Moore, Canada's Minister of Industry, offered his congratulations. "Mr. Walter's expertise and commitment to standardization will be of significant benefit to the global community. International standardization is an essential component for open markets and free trade on a global scale. Canadian industry can now be further assured of a stronger Canadian voice at this highest level of decision-making at ISO. "
Mr. Walter's many duties as Vice-President (Policy) will include leadership of ISO's Strategy and Policy Committee, supporting achievements of the ISO Strategic Plan and ensuring effective communication on strategic issues within ISO and with its stakeholders. One of Mr. Walter's first tasks will be to oversee the development and approval of ISO's next Strategic Plan for 2016-2020.
SCC is a Crown corporation and a portfolio of Industry Canada. With the goal of enhancing Canada's economic competitiveness and social well-being, SCC leads and facilitates the development and use of national and international standards. SCC also coordinates Canadian participation in standards development, and identifies strategies to advance Canadian standardization efforts. Accreditation services are provided by SCC to approximately 500 customers, including various product certifiers and testing laboratories. SCC represents Canada at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and oversees the Canadian National Committee to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For additional information on SCC, visit www.scc.ca, or send inquiries to [email protected].
Image with caption: "John Walter, SCC CEO and incoming ISO Vice-President (Policy), and Rob Steele, ISO Secretary General, at the 36th annual ISO General Assembly in St. Petersburg, Russia. (CNW Group/Standards Council of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130925_C4226_PHOTO_EN_31303.jpg
SOURCE: Standards Council of Canada
Media contact:
Antonia Kusy
Manager, Corporate Communications and Planning
Standards Council of Canada
+1 613 238 3222 ext. 462
[email protected]
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