What principle do standards development organizations in Canada adhere to?

Standards development organizations in Canada adhere to the principle of consensus, which requires substantial majority agreement among stakeholders involved in the standards-setting process. This principle is fundamental to ensure that the standards developed are widely accepted and reflect the interests and needs of all concerned parties. Consensus-based decision-making encourages collaborative input from various stakeholders, including industry experts, government representatives, and the public, allowing for a balanced approach that considers multiple perspectives before reaching a conclusion.

This process contrasts with majority rule, where simply having more than half of the members in favor would suffice, potentially marginalizing the opinions of significant minority groups. Consensus requires that all parties work towards a common agreement, fostering an environment of cooperation and thorough dialogue. Unilateral decision-making by a single individual or public voting mechanisms are not typically in line with the collaborative aim of standards development, which seeks to achieve broad support rather than just a simple majority or one person's decision.