Standards Council of Canada

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a federal Crown corporation with the mandate to promote voluntary standardization in Canada, where standardization is not expressly provided for by law. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, the SCC has a governing council of as many as 13 members and a staff of approximately 90. The organization reports to Parliament through the Minister of Industry.

SCC has the mandate to coordinate and oversee the efforts of Canada's national standardization network, which includes organizations and individuals involved in voluntary standards development, promotion, and implementation in Canada.

More than 12,500 Canadian members contribute to committees that develop national or international standards. As well, more than 400 organizations have been accredited by the SCC. Some of these develop standards, others are conformity assessment bodies which determine the compliance of products or services to a standard's requirements.

Appointed by the federal government, SCC’s governing Council is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organization. The Council also ensures the fulfillment of SCC’s mandate, and provides guidance on governance matters. In addition, the Council works closely with SCC’s management in the development of policy items and provides advice on SCC’s strategic direction. This work includes: accreditation of standards development and conformity assessment organizations; approval of standards submitted as National Standards of Canada (NSCs); adoption of relevant policies to support SCC programs and services; and approval of budgets and audited financial statements.

In 1964, the federal government conducted a comprehensive review of standards activity in Canada. The study identified a number of deficiencies in the country's approach to standardization, including coordination and long-term planning, support from industry and government, and Canadian involvement in international standardization.

In 1970, the government responded by establishing the Standards Council of Canada through the Standards Council of Canada Act, which received Royal Assent in the same year. Two years later, the SCC held a seat on the International Organization for Standardization’s governing Council.

SCC’s Accreditation Services branch accredits conformity assessment bodies, such as testing laboratories and product certification bodies, to internationally recognized standards. Conformity assessment is the practice of determining whether a product, service or system meets the requirements of a particular standard.

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