Offers a publicly-accessible, online collaborative mechanism, using a structured approach, that captures current practice, state-of-the-art knowledge and stakeholder understanding on an emerging/evolving area or technology.
What it is
Guidance developed using existing information collected and housed within a single online platform, allowing for continuous renewal of content and ease of access. Developed using SCC-recommended guidelines.
When it’s ready
Project specific
Who develops it
Open to accredited and non-accredited standards developers with appropriate standards development experience
Why it’s used
When easy public access to guidance is necessary
When the area of technology of service is rapidly changing and must be updated frequently
When broad collaboration is useful or necessary, including globally
When collaboration needs structure, credibility, transparency, and fairness.
Brings together thought leaders on new and emerging issues to discuss and agree on best practices
Can be used to create understanding and co-ordination among stakeholders to help shape and influence future standards development
What it is
A standards document of best practices produced through workshops with affected stakeholders, using a structured process following SCC- recommended guidelines.
When it’s ready
2-6 months
Who develops it
Open to accredited and non-accredited standards developers with appropriate standards development experience
Why it’s used
When the area of technology or service has many unknowns
When the deliverable needs flexibility to suit the need
When the standardization process is beginning
When there is time for a phased approach that can be used to develop a full standard
Introduces standardization to broad or emerging areas and/or tests the value or validity of an approach or methodology
Can also serve as the basis for more formal standardization
What it is
A sponsored standards document developed under the oversight of a steering group of experts to satisfy an urgent market or policy need. Follows SCC-recommended guidelines, including public consultation.
When it’s ready
6-9 months
Who develops it
Open to accredited and non-accredited standards developers with appropriate standards development experience
Why it’s used
When there is a broad or urgent public need to reach general agreement on best practices
When there is a need for stakeholders to negotiate in a transparent environment
When there is an opportunity to map and influence future standards development
Enables validation and approval by regulators in fields where technology, or regulatory environment is undergoing rapid change and where speed of delivery, rather than full consensus, is paramount
Can serve as a precursor to developing an NSC
What it is
A temporary standards document developed by an SCC-accredited certification body, used to certify products in regulated areas. Developed following SCC-prescribed requirements & guidance for acquiring approval by relevant Regulatory Authority Advisory Bod[y/ies].
When it’s ready
12-18 months
Who develops it
SCC-accredited certification bodies
Why it’s used
When no Canadian recognized standard exists or existing standards are not fully applicable
When the technology is new
When the product or service is regulated
When fast delivery is needed to allow time for a standard to be created or updated
Facilitates a faster and cost-competitive standardized document
May be developed in a field where technology is undergoing rapid change and where speed of delivery is paramount
Can serve as a precursor to developing an NSC
What it is
A fast-track standards document developed under the direction of a qualified subject matter developer with appropriate experience in standards development.
When it’s ready
9-12 months
Who develops it
Open to accredited and non-accredited standards developers with appropriate standards development experience
Why it’s used
When there is a need for fast delivery
When the technology may not be fully mature
When a standard is needed to establish consumer confidence or competitive edge, such as for new technology
When a full standard will be developed at a later date
Provides assurance that core development principles were followed, including:
A consensus process to safeguard Canadian interests, considering views of all parties concerned, and addressing conflicting issues
Effective and balanced participation
Meeting international obligations and best practices for standards-development
What it is
A standard developed by an SCC-accredited standard development organization following SCC-prescribed requirements and guidance, resulting in a full consensus document designated as a National Standard of Canada. Intended as the standard of choice for national use.
When it’s ready
18-24 months
Who develops it
SCC-accredited standards development organizations with established technical committees
Why it’s used
When health and safety is of paramount importance
When consensus across diverse stakeholder groups is required/beneficial
