Season 2 Episode 7- Be It Resolved: Standards are the key for Canadian companies to unlock new global markets

This episode examines why standards are increasingly central to how Canadian companies access and compete in global markets. Hosted by Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO of the Institute of Corporate Directors, speaks with Chantal Guay, CEO of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), about the strategic role standards play in trade, innovation, and market entry. As a federal Crown corporation, the SCC supports standards development, accreditation, and Canada’s participation in international standardization.

Drawing on her extensive experience leading Canada’s national standards body, leading accreditation organization and engaging at international level, Chantal explains how standards differ from regulation, how they function as non-tariff barriers in global trade, and why participation in standard-setting can be a source of competitive advantage. The conversation explores why boards should view standardization as a strategic issue and what questions directors should ask management to ensure their organizations are positioned to enter new markets and respond to evolving global requirements.

For more information on standards and Canada’s standardization system, visit the Standards Council of Canada website.

Podcast Transcript