Based on the evidence heard, there are no significant problems with respect to the interactions between the CGSB and other Canadian SDOs. According to the SCC official, there has never been a conflict as to who would develop a standard. In fact, according to a PWGSC official, the CGSB develops standards at the request of a private sector or government client, not on its own initiative. Thus, it is the client who approaches whichever SDO has the most expertise in the relevant field. The SCC official said that clients now have a greater choice as to which organization will develop their standard, since four SDOs have been accredited by the SCC since 2012.

According to a PWGSC official, since 2010, most CGSB contracts have been with government clients. He added that private sector clients sometimes approach the CGSB when having a private SDO develop a standard would be too expensive.

The CGSB clients heard by the Committee appeared to be satisfied with the services received, adding that the CGSB plays a valuable role. However, a Canadian Fuels Association representative stated that the CGSB might be able to operate as an outside agency or could cease to exist, since other organizations could take over. However, he stressed that he was unsure whether this would improve anything, and he reiterated his support for the work of the CGSB, which he says is done “in an effective and an efficient way with full transparency” and that it is a “consensus-driven organization.”

A Micom Laboratories representative pointed out that the membership of standard development committees was well balanced. A Canadian Fuels Association representative confirmed the quality and balance of CGSB standard development committees.

He also said that the government has a regulatory role to play, particularly in the areas of health, safety and transportation. That is why he believes it is important to have a government organization set standards. The importance of having an independent, not-for-profit body was also mentioned by a Fisheries and Oceans Canada official.