Explore SCC’s 2023–2024 annual report
Standardization is vital to Canada’s future. It gives us a way to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing not only our country but society as a whole, bringing together many different perspectives to arrive at a consensus on the best way to move forward.
In 2023–2024, we focused on issues relating to digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), international trade and supply chain resilience, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and mental health. We engaged with a wide range of collaborators to co-design solutions that will enable us to reach forward to a better future for all people in Canada.
Dive deeper into the story of our year
Read the full report for more highlights and achievements from 2023–2024.
Shaping the safe evolution of digital technologies and AI
AI and other digital technologies have the potential to deliver significant benefits for Canada and the world, but only if they are developed and used responsibly. Standards and conformity assessment are vital to ensuring that happens.
Working together to standardize responsible AI management
Traditionally, there's a gap of several years between the development of a standard and the implementation of a conformity assessment scheme to measure its compliance. But AI is evolving too quickly for that approach to keep pace. To be effective at governing how AI systems are used and managed, the new ISO/IEC standard on AI management systems had to be applicable as soon as it was published in December 2023. That’s why we teamed up with ATB Financial, EY and the Responsible AI Institute to pilot a new approach: developing and testing a conformity assessment program while the standard was still being drafted.
Standards development needs to happen faster. The agility and creativity SCC demonstrated here will be really important in the age of AI.
— Cathy Cobey
Responsible AI Co-Lead | EY Global
Bringing Canada to the world
Standardization helps support international trade by breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field for all companies. By making sure Canada has a seat at the international table, SCC helps ensure Canada’s interests are represented as standards are being developed.
Advancing trade in the Indo-Pacific region
To help achieve the goals of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we work closely with our counterpart standards and accreditation organizations in that region. That includes signing a cooperation agreement with the Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology (MASM) in November 2023.
Boosting exports from SMEs
Canada’s economic success depends on the strength of its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By better understanding the impact our involvement in international standards development has on SMEs, we can make better decisions on how to facilitate their journey into the global marketplace. A May 2023 paper by SCC Senior Researcher Diane Liao is the first stage in knowing how our work affects the likelihood of exporting by Canadians SMEs.
More and more cities are looking for help measuring ESG performance. SCC was instrumental in setting up consultations with cities and banks across Canada to get their input to help develop the ISO standard.
— Patricia McCarney
CEO, World Council on City Data
Taking action to protect the planet
The effects of climate change are becoming more evident every year. SCC is at the forefront of supporting the development of standards that offer specific metrics for evaluating Canada’s green initiatives while also providing globally applicable benchmarks and strategies.
Leading the way on global ESG tools
Although municipalities are making positive advances on environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities, there are no globally accepted frameworks for measuring ESG performance. In June 2023, we published a report on the issues and inconsistencies in ESG reporting requirements and recommended actionable strategies to improve ESG reporting through standards. We also worked with the World Council on City Data to help develop a new ISO standard for measuring a city’s ESG performance, which was published in spring 2024.
New guidance for mental health and substance use health services
To support the delivery of safe and effective mental health and substance use health (MHSUH) services, we worked with Health Canada, standards development organizations and other partners to develop standards-based documents in six priority areas:
- Integration of MHSUH services into primary care settings
- Digital MHSUH apps
- Integrated, community-based MHSUH services for youth
- Early psychosis intervention
- Withdrawal management services
- Behavioural and technical competencies for non-expert prescribers
“Inclusion has always been very close to my heart, so I jumped at the chance to join the new committee. The comprehensive training we got allowed us to advance this work with a common language and shared understanding.”
— Muhammad Aashir SCC IDEAs Advisory Committee member
Working together to shape our culture
We do our greatest work for Canada when we are at our best. That means there is a direct connection between our investment in our own corporate culture and the impact we can have.
Fostering inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility
To reflect the importance of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) principles to SCC, we established an IDEAs Advisory Committee in early 2023. This broadly representative group from across SCC provides a collaborative forum for advancing IDEA work within our organization. During 2023–24, committee members received in-depth training to complement their existing understanding of IDEA principles and formed working groups to start progressing the key elements of SCC’s IDEA roadmap.
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Digital technology
Artificial intelligence, data governance, digital identity and cybersecurity affect Canadians through the products and services we rely on every day. Standardization is needed to increase interoperability and build trust.
Trade and global market access
Canadian businesses must be able to compete in the global economy. Standardization facilitates international trade by reducing barriers to trade, which levels the playing field and enables exporting.
Climate and sustainability
Global population growth, resource depletion, and changes in climate and the ecosystem have made sustainability essential. Standardization can help ensure sustainable future development.
Health and well-being
Ensuring the health and well-being of Canadians is a significant part of what we do. Standardization provides solutions for challenges that affect our most vulnerable citizens.