The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to publish our 2017–18 Annual Report, Advancing Solutions, Delivering Results. The report outlines how SCC is supporting government priorities by delivering standardization solutions that protect Canadians, help us adapt to a changing climate, drive innovation, facilitate trade, support sustainable development and ultimately create economic opportunities and greater prosperity for Canada.
In 2017–18, we made significant progress on our Innovation Program, which leverages standardization to help Canadian innovators scale up and go global to deliver economic benefit for Canada. The report features case studies showcasing some of these innovative companies to demonstrate how SCC is using standardization solutions to help them achieve a competitive advantage.
SCC also advanced the important Adapting to Climate Change Impacts program to ensure our infrastructure remains resilient and our communities are protected. We worked with expert stakeholders to deliver reports that provide vital standardization guidance on weather data and climate information as well as key recommendations to prevent flooding in new residential communities. In addition, SCC facilitated the development of seven standards to support infrastructure and communities in Canada’s North, a region particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
We also continued to support Canada’s trade diversification priorities—including increasing trade within Canada through the Canada Free Trade Agreement. SCC continued to support the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, provided standardization guidance during the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and strengthened our relationships with Chinese standardization bodies.
By working with Canadian businesses, research institutions and key industries, SCC consistently delivers value for Canada and ensures innovative Canadian products and services are delivered to the world. Through standardization, SCC is helping to advance a thriving culture of innovation in Canada now, in the years ahead.