(Standards Council of Canada: Ottawa) -- The Standards Council of Canada has announced that Jacques Régis has began his three-year term as president of the International Electrotechnical Commission. Régis, who becomes IEC’s 32nd president and the first-ever Canadian elected to lead the organization, completed a one-year term as IEC president-elect on December 31, 2007.

"I intend to serve the interests of the IEC community as a whole and look forward to working together as a team to face the challenges that lie ahead, as we embark on this exciting second century of the IEC,” notes Jacques Régis.

Participation within international standardization bodies strengthens global ties and ensures that Canadian interests are considered in the development of voluntary standards that impact global trade. “As a key driver of competition and innovation, standards have a significant impact on the Canadian economy,” says SCC executive director, Peter Clark. “While participation on various technical committees is needed, it’s also vital that Canadians be represented in the management and leadership of international standards organizations. Jacques’ presidency represents a significant step forward for Canada in this area.”

Régis has held a variety of executive positions throughout his professional career, serving as chairman of the board for organizations such as the Transmission Council of the Canadian Electricity Association, and Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie Inc., where he was also president and CEO from 1997 to 2003.

A graduate the Université de Montréal, he obtained a bachelors of science in 1968 and an masters of science in materials chemistry in 1973. In 1983, Régis received a diploma in administration from the École des hautes études commerciales and a diploma from the International Centre for Research and Studies in Management, in Montréal.

For more information, visit www.scc.ca/en/news_events/pr/pr_details_240.shtml