Standards are part of our invisible infrastructure: they set the minimum requirements and specifications for product development, service delivery and process management. They help ensure that children’s toys are safe, buildings are constructed to withstand increased snow loads and winds, and our personal data is protected through common rules and regulation.
The standardization system includes a vast network of partners, interested parties and experts who contribute to standards development, conformity assessments and accreditation.
Key standardization concepts
Standard
A document developed by a committee or group of stakeholders. Standards are approved by a recognized body that provides guidelines and characteristics or requirements for products, processes or services.
Accreditation
A formal third-party recognition. It shows that an organization is able to perform specific tasks for the work it is accredited to do.
Conformity assessment
Checks if a product, system or service meets the requirements and characteristics of a standard or specification. It is usually done through certification, testing or inspection.
Standardization system
A vast network of partners, stakeholders and experts. It contributes to standards, conformity assessments and accreditations.
Standardization contributes significantly to the Canadian economy
17% GDP growth is driven by standardization and 38% labour productivity growth
93% of world trade involves some level of conformity assessment to standards
68% of companies we’ve worked with report increased exports, jobs, or revenue as a direct result of our engagement
68% of companies said working with SCC led to other strategic partnerships
Every Standard Counts – How Standardization Boosts the Canadian Economy
Standards touch all facets of our lives. They are embedded in the products, processes and services we rely on in both work and personal lives, from the food sold in grocery stores to the skyscrapers that enable the expansion of a city. The purpose of this research was to quantify the benefits of the standardization system to the Canadian economy.
Canada's standardization network
To deliver standardization strategies for Canada, SCC collaborates closely with accredited standards development organizations (SDOs), accredited conformity assessment bodies, government (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal) and Canadian technical experts.
The broader standardization network also engages industry members, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and the public in standards development and conformity assessment. Employers who support individual contributors to standardization activities are also important players in the standardization network. SCC serves, enables and coordinates network activities.
Benefits of standardization
Makes life safer and better for people in Canada by creating confidence in the quality, safety and reliability of the food we eat and the products and services we use.
Helps solve some of the greatest challenges our world faces by playing a key role in addressing the priorities of governments and people in Canada. It impacts everything from climate change and health care to data privacy and gender equity.
Creates competitive advantages for Canadian companies by giving them access to new markets and opportunities. Helping shape standards goes a step further by making Canadian products, services and innovations the benchmark against which other countries’ standards are measured. This makes Canada a market leader.
Facilitates trade by helping to remove unnecessary barriers. Standardization assures buyers abroad that products and services meet government and market requirements. This encourages the free flow of goods, services and workers within Canada and enhances domestic supply chains. At least 80% of world trade involves conformity assessment to standards.
SCC's role
The Standards Council of Canada oversees Canada’s standardization system. We advocate for and promote the value of standardization. We help ensure Canada’s capacity to produce high-quality standards, set up accreditation programs and use conformity assessment practices. We do this by bringing together technical subject matter experts from industry, government, academia and other sectors to contribute their knowledge and advice and co-create standardization solutions.
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National Standards Strategy
The goal of the National Standards Strategy is to position SCC and the Canadian standardization system to support Canadians’ values, interests and emerging needs. The strategy identifies the priorities and sectors that Canada’s standards system should focus on over the next decade.
Standardization courses
SCC offers two educational modules to help users understand the value of standardization: Standardization: An Important Economic Lever, and Create Value for your Business with Standardization. These courses have been developed in collaboration with Université Laval and Réseau Normalisation et Francophonie.
Areas of work
As a federal Crown corporation, we focus on what matters most to Canadians. We work closely with governments to advance national policy priorities through standardization.