U.S.-Canada Standards Alignment among Discussion Topics at First Canadian “Toy Advocacy Day”

October 24, 2016 | The Canadian Toy Association (CTA) held its first-ever “Toy Advocacy Day” in Ottawa, Canada on October 21^st to educate members of Parliament and other government officials about the toy industry’s issues, challenges, economic impact, and commitment to safety, as well as to highlight the positive role that toys and games play in the well-being and development of children.

A Toy Industry Association (TIA) representative was in Canada for the meetings, which included discussions about aligning the United States’ ASTM F963 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety with Health Canada’s Toys Regulations.

Conversations about standards alignment explored improved coordination between the two countries to promote product safety, facilitate company compliance and eliminate duplicative toy testing.  It was reinforced that cross-border standards alignment would facilitate trade, reduce costs to consumers and eliminate confusion among toy companies selling products in both countries.

“Health Canada and the CPSC have both expressed their commitment to aligning toy standards, relying on ASTM F963,” said Autumn Moore, TIA manager of standards and regulatory affairs, who was present during the discussions.  “TIA and our counterparts at CTA are committed to continuing this work with U.S. and Canadian government officials and other stakeholders to ensure toys sold in the U.S. ‎and Canada have similarly protective standards for toy safety.”

Toy Advocacy Day concluded with a federal government reception at Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier, where members of Parliament and their staff mingled with toy industry representatives while a group of invited children played with a range of skill-building toys and games on display to demonstrate the innovative and creative spirit of the Canadian toy industry. Following the reception, the playthings were donated by CTA on behalf of Toys for the North to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veteran’s Association were also in attendance.

“Our first Toy Advocacy Day was a great success,” stated Serge Micheli, CTA executive director. “It provided our nation’s leading legislators with critical insight into some of the most important issues facing the toy industry today, and initiated meaningful conversations that will continue to carry momentum in the weeks and months ahead.”