The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce the formation of a Northern Advisory Committee on Adaptation Codes and Standards that will guide the work of its Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative (NISI).

“Climate change is having a tremendous impact on Canada’s northern communities,” said SCC Chief Executive Officer, John Walter. “With input and assistance from northern stakeholders, SCC is ready to mobilize the expertise of Canada’s national standardization network to identify solutions that will address the unique vulnerabilities of Canada’s northern infrastructure. Adapting standards and codes to a northern climate will bring tangible value to the many Canadians that live and work in Canada’s North.”

The Northern Advisory Committee will be comprised of representatives from Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and Nunavik. In consultation with northern practitioners and regulators, committee members will confirm the climatic impacts and infrastructure categories requiring immediate attention. The Committee will also contribute to the selection of partners and technical experts that will develop and update northern standards and codes.

The Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative is a joint project being led by SCC with support from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC). This initiative is intended to adapt critical codes and standards to address the effects of climate change on new infrastructure, as well as retrofits, maintenance and repairs to existing infrastructure. The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has been granted $2.5 million over five years to implement this program.

The SCC encourages participation by interested stakeholders in the NISI and related standardization projects. To become involved and stay informed about NISI activities and developments, please contact Christeen Moore (christeen.moore@scc.ca).

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown Corporation and a portfolio of Industry Canada. With the goal of enhancing Canada's economic competitiveness and social well-being, the SCC offers accreditation services to standards development bodies, and coordinates the efforts of Canadians in the development and use of national and international standards. The SCC is the Canadian member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and sponsor of the Canadian national committee to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For additional information on the work of the SCC and the Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative visit www.scc.ca or email info@scc.ca.