OTTAWA, Aug. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has begun funding the review and update of critical technical standards maintained by SCC-accredited standards development organizations (SDOs). The standards affected are referenced in Canadian federal regulations and have been confirmed by government departments as being of significance to their regulatory mandates.
"SCC has been working closely with federal regulators to perform thorough risk assessments and to prioritize those standards that will most benefit Canadians," said John Walter, SCC Chief Executive Officer. "Eight government departments and agencies have been engaged in this process."
All of the standards currently being funded by SCC are confirmed as being of ongoing relevance to Canadian regulations. Ranging from storage standards for industrial explosives, to organic production systems, these standards contribute to protecting the health and safety of Canadians.
The SDOs that have respectively signed-on to review and update specific standards are: Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
SCC will continue to work with regulators to identify ways to ensure that standards referenced in regulations are of value for Canada; this includes monitoring their status and applicability, as well as exploring alternate, more sustainable funding models.
"Our Government understands the essential role standards have in the daily lives of Canadians," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry. "We want to ensure our national standards remain current and applicable, foster economic growth and enhance Canada's competitiveness and the well-being of all Canadians."
SCC is a Crown corporation within the Industry Portfolio. 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. 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 more information on SCC, visit www.scc.ca, or send inquiries to [email protected].
SOURCE: Standards Council of Canada
Media contact:
Antonia Kusy
Manager, Corporate Communications and Planning
613-238-3222 ext. 462
[email protected]
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