The purpose of the Canadian Standards Strategy (CSS) is to provide direction and leadership on how to best use standardization to advance the social and economic well-being of Canadians in a global economy. A key priority is balancing health, safety and environmental concerns with trade, innovation and economic competitiveness.

The updated strategy for 2005-2008 builds on the original CSS and contains a mix of research, communication and cooperative activities. It has been recognized that many of the solutions to current issues facing Canada involve a standards or conformity assessment related component. The updated CSS is designed to accommodate new standardization challenges as they arise.

Download the pdf version of the strategy (354 kb).

Progress reports - International

• Goal 1: Influence the formation, evolution and operation of standardization bodies that are important to Canada.
• Goal 2: Improve access to existing and new markets for Canadian goods and services
• Goal 3: Build competitive advantage through technology and information transfer and global market intelligence

Progress reports - Domestic

• Goal 4: Meet the needs of an evolving regulatory and policy environment
• Goal 5: Represent fully the range of standardization stakeholders
• Goal 6: Communicate effectively the role and benefits of standards and conformity assessment practices

For each of the goals, the CSS identifies one or more supporting objectives.

Related information

• Original CSS