Merci.
Honourable Chair, distinguished members, it's a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to speak to you about NRCan's experience with the national standards program provided by the CGSB.
I am the General Director of the CanmetMATERIALS Laboratory for Natural Resources Canada.
Natural Resources Canada is involved in the management of a certification program consistent with a CGSB standard, specifically, non-destructive testing. Non-destructive testing is used to detect flaws and cracks in the structural components used in industries such infrastructures for energy production and transmission, civil engineering structures, manufacturing and transportation, and general quality control of materials and components.
Natural Resources Canada certifies conformity with the CGSB-48.9712 standard for technology which uses different testing methods, such as industrial radiography—for example X rays— and ultrasonic testing. Generally, non-destructive testing is a set of highly valuable technologies and tools, because it does not permanently destroy or alter the article being inspected.
CanmetMATERIALS is a technology centre of Natural Resources Canada, and our mandate for materials technology includes value-added use of materials for sustainable development in Canada and globally; industry competitiveness and productivity; energy efficiency; efficient use of natural resources; and security, reliability, and environmental impact of major infrastructures, for instance nuclear power plants, and oil and gas pipelines.
The NRCan national non-destructive testing, or NDT, certification body is a national program within CanmetMATERIALS that has been carrying out its national certification program since 1960. For our program, there is a critical context dependency on the CGSB standard, since our main program activity involves NRCan’s certifying individual inspectors according to the CAN/CGSB 48.9712 standard.
Currently, this standard dates from 2006 and it will be updated in 2014 for upcoming implementation by NRCan. Historically, CGSB has been publishing and managing this NDT standard since 1960. Of note, it's also a Canadian adoption of International Standard ISO 9712, and it keeps our national scheme in pace with what industry is using internationally.
In the industry, there are more than 5,000 inspectors in Canada who are certified in non-destructive testing by Natural Resources Canada. Certification from a federal department in accordance with national standards published by the CGSB is well-regarded and accepted nationally and internationally. It provides an independent and highly credible assessment of an inspector's qualifications.
In order to maintain and develop a national program, it is essential to consult with stakeholders and the industry, so that our programs and activities are continually supported by the contributions of industry and experts in the field.
According to the current list of members on the CGSB 48/2—non-destructive testing committee, the number of representatives are as follows: 55 members from the general public, the private sector and industry, and 13 from departments.
The committee discussion and participation by a well-balanced group of stakeholders have been essential to the ongoing development and maintenance of an appropriate standard for NRCan to rely on for our implementation of the program.
In summary, the CGSB non-destructive testing certification standard is essential in being a fundamental pillar for NRCan to carry out its mandate to ensure the health and safety of Canadians by providing a strong NDT quality focus for the industry. We're very proud to be managing and providing this program of a CGSB standard-based NDT personnel certification with 50-plus years of history and success. With CGSB stewardship and support, we look forward to continuing to work with our industry to deliver value through our national programs, such as implementing and using new technology for engagement and communication, and to continually improve the implementation of the standards and the service delivery to address current and future needs.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to you.