FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2010-10-14

Accessibility focus for SCC 2010 World Standards Day Event

Ottawa, Ontario (October 14th, 2010) – The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce that as part of World Standards Day, and in celebration of a milestone 40 years in the standards business, it hosted a special event at the Canadian War Museum focused on the theme “Standards make the world accessible for all.”

“Standards are powerful tools for addressing the degree to which any number of products, structures, and services are deemed to be accessible by as many people as possible,” said SCC Executive Director, John Walter. “Not only do many standards aim to remove (or at least reduce obstacles) but they also provide a solid platform for technological innovation, and as such can be a key driver of economic growth.”

The event included a presentation on the evolution of accessibility standards in Canada and a keynote presentation by the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, Minister of Francophone Affairs).

An armchair discussion on accessibility standards in Canada featured the following:
• Doug Morton, CSA Director, Health and Safety (Moderator);
• Todd Nicholson, Canadian Paralympian and former Captain of the Canadian Sledge Hockey Team;
• Deb Finn, Industry Canada, Assistive Devices Industry Office; and
• Joe Millage – Director, Business Development & Government Relations, Shoppers Home Health Care

A total of over 130 people participated in the event; 112 of those attended in-person and an additional 25 viewed the proceedings live via webcast.

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown Corporation with the mandate to promote the efficient and effective use of standardization. Located in Ottawa, the SCC is a portfolio of Industry Canada with a 15 member governing Council and approximately 83 staff. The SCC coordinates the work of the National Standards System, and offers a range of standardization-related programs and services that are intended to enhance the social and economic well-being of Canadians. For additional information on the work of the SCC visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].

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