Measurement Canada 2024 Annual Report on Activities

Date: October 22, 2024

Table of contents

Introduction

Measurement Canada's legislative mandate, programs and services provide a foundation for measurement accuracy and fairness in the Canadian marketplace. The purchase and sale of goods based on measurement (trade measurement) occur in retail, commercial and industrial sectors nationally. The agency's mandate, programs and services protect consumers and businesses against loss due to inaccurate measurement. It also helps to promote economic growth by instilling confidence in the accuracy of hundreds of measurement-based financial transactions occurring on a daily basis. We work to ensure measurement accuracy from wholesale right through to commercial and retail transactions.

Measurement Canada is undergoing a period of renewal and transformation, as the agency works to modernize the laws and requirements governing trade measurement, the way it delivers its programs and services, and how it engages with its clients and the Canadians the agency serves.

This report summarizes Measurement Canada's activities and key accomplishments in 2023-2024 and planned priorities for the coming year.

Environmental Scan

Canadians participate in measurement-based financial transactions (trade measurement) on a daily basis. Whether to fuel vehicles, light and heat homes, sell wheat for export or weigh produce or meats at the grocery store, accurate and reliable measurement is key to a fair and competitive marketplace, business and consumer confidence that they are receiving what they paid for and to reducing loss due to inaccurate measurement.

The use of measuring devices and systems is constantly evolving and advancing, not only in traditional sectors, but also in new sectors, particularly in the green economy (e.g. low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive). Renewable energy and clean technology (e.g. electricity, hydrogen cells, thermal energy) increasingly fuel vehicles and heat residential and commercial facilities as technological advances and the supporting infrastructure grows. In addition, there is ongoing demand to ensure the protection and accurate measurement of resources such as water, timber, and land available for waste management.

Technological advancements in artificial intelligence as well as mobile technologies and Internet accessibility have increased the use of semiautomated and fully automated devices. Fully automated retail and commercial operations with no manual intervention from the receipt of the product to its measurement and shipping via driverless vehicles are becoming increasingly probable. While consumers and businesses may welcome these new business models, they will also demand a high level of confidence that devices used in these automated facilities are accurate and safeguards are in place to ensure the quick detection of inaccurate measurement.

Measurement Canada's regulated community reflects a broad spectrum of Canada's business demographic with representation from many equity deserving groups including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, racialized people and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It is important that Measurement Canada's workforce, workplace, programs and services are inclusive, accessible, and representative of the Canadian population.

Within the context of this environment and associated marketplace behaviours, Measurement Canada will continue to be the authoritative source on trade measurement, an influential contributor to business and consumer confidence in the marketplace and a professional, adaptive, and innovative organization. Laws and requirements enable and support innovation, while at the same time ensuring an appropriate level of measurement accuracy and reliability. Agency programs and services will continue to evolve and support a fair and competitive marketplace as well as inform and protect consumers.

Overview of Measurement Canada

Measurement Canada, a regulatory agency of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, has national responsibility and authority for legal metrology[1] activities in Canada and is a part of the country's national quality infrastructure. The agency is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the laws and requirements governing trade measurement in Canada.

Legislative framework, programs, and services

Measurement Canada has responsibility for administering and enforcing the:

  • Weights and Measures Act,
  • Electricity and Gas Inspection Act; and
  • Certain sections of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.

The agency is also responsible for administering and enforcing the Regulations associated with these Acts.

Programs and services delivered in support of this legislative mandate include:

  • developing and administering the laws and requirements governing trade measurement (i.e. measurement-based financial transactions), including the Acts, regulations, technical specifications, policies, procedures and compliance and enforcement requirements,
  • calibrating and certifying standards of mass, volume, electricity, and natural gas, as well as test equipment used to test and certify measuring device,
  • evaluating measuring devices and systems (e.g. scales, fuel dispensers, electricity and natural gas meters, electric vehicle charging devices) and type-approving them for use in Canada,
  • testing and certifying measuring devices used in trade measurement transactions to ensure they measure accurately, are appropriate for their intended use, and are installed and used correctly,
  • verifying the net quantity of commodities sold based on measurement,
  • investigating consumer and business complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement.
  • the accreditation, audit and oversight of authorized service providers (private sector organizations recognized to perform measuring device testing and certification),
  • taking corrective and enforcement actions to resolve inaccurate measurement and unfair business practices related to trade measurement.

Strategic vision

Measurement Canada's vision is to continue to excel as a world-class regulator that enables innovation and ensures a fair and competitive marketplace for Canadians.

The agency's strategic vision for 2021-2026 outlines our priorities in support of the achievement of this vision. As our role in support of continued measurement accuracy in the traditional and new sectors in which trade measurement occurs, the steps we are committed to taking to effectively respond to the changing needs of the Canadian marketplace may be found in our four overarching priorities:

  • Protecting Canadian consumers by ensuring the integrity and accuracy of trade measurement in Canada,
  • Increasing Canadians' awareness of the importance of trade measurement accuracy for supply chains and consumers,
  • Increasing our digital capabilities,
  • Investing in the organization, including building and advancing a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace.

Organization structure

Measurement Canada's organizational structure enables the agency to address the rapid pace of technological development and innovation, Canada's priorities related to the adoption of clean fuels, as well as the need for more digital approaches to deliver the agency's programs and services and engage with clients and Canadians.

Aligned with its strategic vision, Measurement Canada is pursuing more risk-based approaches in its inspection and audit programs, investing in digital tools, working to increase Canadians' awareness of the importance of trade measurement accuracy and modernizing the laws and requirements for trade measurement. The new organizational structure will help to provide Canadians with quick access to new measurement technologies and business approaches while ensuring they continue to receive protection against loss due to inaccurate measurement or unfair business practices.

As the agency works to lay the foundation for the modernization of the laws and requirements governing trade measurement, it has established a dedicated policy team to ensure new or amendments to existing requirements contribute to a fair, efficient and competitive Canadian marketplace, provide consumer and business protection against loss due to inaccurate measurement and encourage and facilitate access to innovative measurement technologies and approaches.

We continue to modernize the approach the laboratories use for the pre-market type approval of measurement technologies so that they are organized, equipped and responsive to the increasingly complex and digital nature of trade measurement. The national approach to post-market program and service delivery within the Weights and Measures, Energy, and Inspector General directorates provides increased agility and flexibility to respond to changes in measurement technologies and business practices and to pursue a more risk-based approach to inspections and alternative service delivery programs.

We are continuing to modernize our business applications and investing in the digital transformation needed to support improved program and service delivery and stakeholder engagement, and to realize the benefits that can be derived from a digital infrastructure that integrates data and improves the automation of our client interactions. Measurement Canada's organizational structure also allows the agency to continue to invest in the infrastructure needed for success, from increasing Canadians' awareness of the importance of trade measurement accuracy to supply chains and consumers, to investing in employee skills development and knowledge transfer, and a diverse, accessible, safe, equitable and inclusive workplace.

More information on Measurement Canada's organization structure and the areas of responsibility for each directorate may be found in Annex A.

International Arrangements and Engagement

International Organization of Legal Metrology Certification System (OIML‑CS)

Measurement Canada is a signatory of the OIML-CS and is currently listed as utilizer for the following recommendations:

Table 1: List of recommendations utilized by Measurement Canada
Recommendation Measuring Instrument Category Scheme
R 60 2000 Metrological regulation for load cells Agreement and Mutual Acceptance Arrangement
R 75 2002 Heat meters Agreement
R 76 2006 Non-automatic weighing instruments Agreement and Mutual Acceptance Arrangement

Test results from acceptable issuing participants collected under these recommendations are regarded as equivalent to those that would be obtained through testing carried out by Measurement Canada, under specific conditions. Acceptance of these test results improves the timeliness of the introduction of new measurement technologies in the Canadian marketplace and helps to reduce costs. Measurement Canada continuously explores the possibility of using other recommendations to ensure that Canadian requirements are aligned with international practices.

United States/Canada Mutual Recognition Arrangement

In April 2021, Measurement Canada renewed the United States/Canada Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with the National Council on Weights and Measures (NCWM). Under the five‑year MRA, a measuring device manufacturer can have a device tested by one of the countries and receive type approval under both jurisdictions. The following measuring devices are included in the MRA:

  • Gasoline dispensers, high-speed dispensers, and electronic registers for dispensers,
  • Electronic computing and non-computing bench and floor scales with a capacity of up to 1 000 kg (2 000 lb), weighing and load receiving elements with a capacity of up to 1 000 kg (2 000 lb), mechanical scales with a capacity of up to 10 000 kg (20 000 lb) and electronic indicators for scales (except those that are software-based).

Recognition of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories and test facilities

Measurement Canada offers two programs for the recognition of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories and test facilities:

  • Standards calibrations: Document RC-01—Conditions and Administrative Requirements for the Recognition Program of Calibration Results from CLAS Laboratories sets out the conditions and requirements to be met by ISO/IEC 17025 CLAS (Calibration Laboratory Assessment Service) laboratories to have their calibration results for mass and temperature standards recognized by Measurement Canada to be certified pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act. A CLAS laboratory is one that is certified by the National Research Council of Canada and accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. The RC-01 program is administered by the Legal Metrology and Laboratory Services Directorate.
  • Device approvals: Document RT-01—Conditions and Administrative Requirements for the Recognition of Test Results from ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Test Facilities sets out the conditions and requirements for the recognition by Measurement Canada of test results from facilities accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the testing of electricity meters previously type-approved by Measurement Canada which have been modified and resubmitted for type approval.

The RC-01 and RT-01 programs are undergoing a review to determine if changes to the program are needed.

Key Activities in 2023-2024

Electric vehicle charging devices

Canadians' confidence in accurate and reliable measurement of energy at electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) (i.e. electric vehicle [EV] charging stations) is an important factor in increased consumer EV adoption and in achieving Canada's clean growth and climate change commitments, including reducing carbon emissions. Until recently, EV customers were billed at either a flat rate or by time during a charging session and did not have access to billing based on the amount of electricity consumed during a charge.

Flat-rate and time-based billing for an EV charge do not fall within the scope of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act (Act). However, the Act requires that when electricity is sold based on the quantity of energy consumed (kilowatt-hour [kWh]), it must be measured using an approved and verified device. EV charging transactions falling within the scope of the Act provide consumers with the protections afforded by the legislation and mandatory programs and services, similar to the protections afforded to consumers fuelling fossil fuel powered vehicles.

In 2022, Measurement Canada introduced temporary dispensation programs to allow alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) EV charging devices already in use in the marketplace to bill customers using a kWh-based fee structure (i.e. to charge by the amount of electricity consumed during an EV charge) provided specified criteria are met. Participants in the programs do not need to meet type-approval or verification requirements at this time, provided they comply with the terms and condition of the applicable temporary dispensation program. As of October 2024, Measurement Canada has allowed the use of over 8 100 in-service charge ports in Canada to bill EV customers based on kWh under the temporary dispensation programs. Over 50% of these in-service charge ports are in-service DC EVSEs. The EVSE temporary dispensation programs will conclude at the start of 2030, after which any device used to bill for an EV charge by the amount of energy consumed during a charge will need to be approved and verified in accordance with regulatory and other standards and requirements.

Alternating current electric vehicle supply equipment (AC EVSE)

Measurement Canada introduced type approval specifications and test procedures for AC EVSE in 2022 and is employing a phased approach for type approval testing. As of October 2024, the agency has received three applications from manufacturers and type approval testing is currently underway.

The deadline for applications to participate in the temporary dispensation program allowing owner/operators of AC EVSE to bill customers based on a kWh fee structure without type approval or verification has been extended to December 31, 2025 (the original date was December 31, 2024).

Specifications and procedures for the field testing and verification of in-service AC EVSE billing by kWh will be published later this year, following the consultation on the draft requirements conducted in July 2024. The "What we heard" report summarizing the results of the consultation was released in October 2024.

In anticipation of the launch of the AC EVSE verification program later this year, Measurement Canada inspectors are testing the performance of in-service AC EVSE through a sampling program aligned with ISO 2859 Sampling procedures for inspections by attributes.

Direct current electric vehicle supply equipment (DC EVSE)

Measurement Canada is developing specifications for the type approval of DC EVSE and verification specifications and procedures for installed DC EVSE in consultation with stakeholders and aligned with recognized international standards. The "What We Heard" report summarizing the results of the consultation was published in early November 2024.

Owners and operators of DC EVSE installed after July 1, 2024, and who want to bill customers based on a kWh fee structure without the required type approval and verification of the devices may apply to participate in the temporary dispensation program.

In 2025, Measurement Canada inspectors will conduct performance testing on in-service DC EVSE through established marketplace monitoring programs. The data will be used to further develop verification specifications for DC EVSE.

Legislative and regulatory modernization

Measurement Canada continued its work in support of the modernization of the legislative framework governing trade measurement. No substantive changes have been made to the legislative frameworks in over 40 years and renewal of the legislation is needed to respond to the current and future needs of Canadian industry and consumers. Following the Budget 2024 announcement that the government proposes to amend the Weights and Measures Act and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, work is underway to renew the Acts. As reference, the paper used for the consultation and a summary of the consultation may be found on the Measurement Canada Consultations page.

Measurement Canada is taking a multi-pronged approach to regulatory modernization, which includes an internal regulatory review as well as participation in government-wide initiatives.

Public engagement and consultations

Public opinion research

In 2022, a survey was conducted to gather Canadians' views and opinions on consumer confidence in the accuracy of clean fuel measurement. In 2024, the survey was repeated, providing data and insights to help to continue to inform changes and approaches to support increased consumer confidence in the accuracy of clean fuel measurement and the achievement of the government's goals for consumer and business EV adoption. Environics Research surveyed 1 800 Canadians, including 1 000 EV owners and 800 Canadians who are considering the purchase of an EV in the next two years.

The 2024 survey results showed that overall confidence in the accuracy of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) charging and fuelling remains high and has increased slightly since 2022. Further analysis of the results indicates that standardization in the form of technical requirements, type approval and inspections will help to encourage consumer confidence in ZEV. At this time, many consumers and industry stakeholders think that ZEV charging and fuelling devices are regulated to specific standards similar to transactions involving the fuelling of fossil-fuel vehicles. From an industry stakeholder perspective, billing methods that are fair and equitable are top of mind, as is the implementation of standards as soon as possible and in a fashion that would not disrupt the growing ZEV charging industry. More information may be found in the final report.

Other consultations

In addition to consultations on requirements for EVSE, over the past year, Measurement Canada has consulted stakeholders and Canadians on a variety of other proposed requirements. These consultations included alternative service delivery programs for device inspection and certification and specifications for the type approval of gas metering devices including thermal mass flow meters. Information on all Measurement Canada consultations may be found on its Consultations page.

Marketplace measurement accuracy

Consumer and business confidence in the accuracy and reliability of measurement-based financial transactions occurring on a daily basis is key to a fair and competitive marketplace. Measurement Canada's legislative mandate, programs, and services, proactively institute minimum levels of measurement accuracy and performance to which all measuring devices and systems used in trade measurement transactions must comply. They also provide recourse mechanisms such as complaint investigations in those cases where inaccurate measurement or unfair business practices are alleged or found.

Nationally, approximately 330 inspectors, physical scientists, laboratory metrologists and other Measurement Canada employees test and approve new measurement technologies and calibrate and certify physical measurement standards used to test and certify the accuracy of measuring devices. They also perform inspections and other marketplace surveillance activities to prevent, detect and correct inaccurate measurement, investigate complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement, and provide audit and oversight of private sector organizations recognized to test and certify measuring devices. The 2023-2024 program and service delivery metrics may be found in Annex B.

Work continued on the creation of risk-based approaches for inspections to increase the detection and correction of measurement inaccuracy in the marketplace. The frameworks under development predict areas with high non-compliance risk using statistical models. A risk-based framework is already in use for electricity and natural gas meter verifications.

New technologies

Measurement Canada continued its work to provide access to measurement technologies involved in clean energy alternatives while ensuring consumers are protected against loss due to inaccurate measurement. A pilot inspection program to assess the performance of installed thermal energy meters is underway. The results of this pilot program will inform the next steps concerning these types of meters.

Work is also underway on the development of policies and testing methods for measuring alternative fuels such as biodiesel and blending hydrogen into natural gas networks. Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the transportation sector, facilitating a shift from conventional fuelled vehicles to vehicles that use clean renewable alternatives. Measurement Canada will continue to consult with domestic and international organizations as part of the development of requirements for mobile and stationary hydrogen dispensing technologies.

Investing in the organization

One of the keys to the agency's continued advancement and success is investment in employee skills development and knowledge transfer, and a diverse, accessible, safe, equitable and inclusive workplace representative of the population of Canada. Measurement Canada is investing in competency-based recruitment and working to eliminate barriers to the promotion of equity deserving groups, including women in STEM. The agency has also introduced a new inspector development program. The program outlines a formal progression and training to guide inspectors from entry-level to a senior inspector and includes a formal mentoring program.

Measurement Canada is also investing in program delivery infrastructure by purchasing specialized testing equipment for type approval testing of EVSE. A fleet electrification and renewal strategy was also developed and the agency purchased three electric heavy-duty trucks for inspections. The fleet electrification and renewal strategy provides a roadmap for the renewal of the fleet within the context of zero-emission vehicle market availability and the Greening Government Strategy goal of moving to zero emission vehicles by 2030.

Future Focus

Strategic vision renewal

One of Measurement Canada's priorities for 2025-2026 will be to work on the renewal of the agency's Strategic Vision for 2026-2031.

Digital metrology

Technological developments and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in many aspects of metrology, including trade measurement, are advancing rapidly. It is important for Measurement Canada to stay current with the latest industry trends and developments. Observing how other countries are addressing digitization will help to identify gaps in current Canadian requirements, and the need for the development of new or harmonized requirements with the goal of reducing barriers to the introduction of new measurement technologies and approaches. Areas where Measurement Canada continues to be involved include trade measurement (legal metrology) related software used in meters for delivering and billing, overseeing and updating software-controlled trade measurement devices, digital calibration certificates and automation of calibration functions in the laboratories.

Renewal and modernization

Measurement Canada will continue its work in support of the renewal of the legislation and regulations governing trade measurement in Canada. Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) lens will be applied to agency policies and processes to minimize the risk of introducing unintended barriers to equity deserving groups and to ensure all Canadians have equal access to programs and services and protections afforded to reduce loss due to inaccurate measurement or unfair business practices.

The agency will also explore alternate or augmented ways of delivering on its legislative mandate, programs and services including identifying potential areas for innovations and experimentation (e.g. statistical sampling for measuring device inspections, new complaint resolution mechanisms).

Authorized Service Provider program for EVSE inspections

Measurement Canada will begin exploring the development of an authorized service provider (ASP) program for EVSE inspections. Access to private organizations recognized by Measurement Canada to test and verify EVSE will provide EV charging station operators with increased flexibility and access to inspection services. As with measuring devices inspections under its other ASP programs, the agency would monitor the performance of ASPs to ensure they are certifying EVSE in accordance with established criteria.

Client-centric digital engagement

Measurement Canada will continue to invest in multi-year projects to update and modernize its systems in order to better support clients and internal business processes. Work is focussing on upgrading and replacing existing and introducing new technologies and applications to increase the efficiency of the agency's service delivery and to support enhanced client relations management, client services and interaction with authorized service providers. The new Legal Metrology and Laboratory Services type-approval and calibration client services application is expected to be launched in early 2025. This new application will increase the automation and efficiency of type approval and physical standard certification services for measuring device manufacturers and other external clients, Measurement Canada employees and authorized service providers.

Work is also expected to start on the development of a new application to report and gather data on electricity and natural gas meter inspections, including issuance of the inspection certificate and data related to meter compliance.

Employee engagement and development

Measurement Canada will continue to invest in existing and future employees through the development and evaluation of approaches, tools, and resources to enhance adult learning and the delivery of technical training, and formal coaching and mentoring programs. The agency will also continue its efforts to increase the diversity of its workforce and provide a workplace environment that is accessible, safe, equitable and inclusive.

Emerging Issues - Challenges and Opportunities

Legislation and compliance: The laws and requirements governing trade measurement transactions aim to find a balance between reducing compliance burden while ensuring an appropriate level of protection for vulnerable parties. Finding the right balance will continue to be a priority for Measurement Canada.

Relevance over time: Legal metrology programs such as Measurement Canada are considered foundational to the fair, efficient and competitive operation of a country's marketplace. However, it is also important that the rules and requirements governing trade measurement and associated programs and services meet the needs of the stakeholders and citizens that they serve. To be effective and remain relevant, they must continue to evolve to keep pace with emerging measurement technologies and changing business practices, ensure businesses and consumers receive adequate protection when participating in marketplace transactions, and reduce barriers so that all citizens can participate equally. It is also important that they stay current with how the marketplace is operating and how businesses and consumers are receiving information and making transactions in the marketplace.

Adapting to the pace of change: An increasingly rapid pace of changes in measurement sciences and technologies, the growth in the use of AI and the expansion of areas in which trade measurement occurs, particularly in the clean fuels' areas, is having a growing impact on a country's economic and social development and its capacity to meet emission reduction and climate change goals. In addition, while businesses and consumers want access to new measurement technologies and the benefits they afford, they still expect their government to continue to provide some level of protection.

Alignment with trading partners: It is important that, to the extent possible, Canada's trade measurement rules and its requirements and programs and services align with trading partner requirements through the adoption of internationally recognized model laws, mutual recognition agreements, consultations, or other such practices. These approaches contribute to an efficient and competitive marketplace by minimizing duplication of measurements, increasing confidence in measurements, reducing barriers to the introduction of new measurement technologies to Canada and decreasing the cost of Canadian companies participating in trading partner markets.

Contact Information

If you have questions or would like more information, please send an email to mcinfo-infomc@ised-isde.gc.ca

Annex A–Measurement Canada Organizational Structure and Executives

Note: Measurement Canada's organizational structure may be found at the end of this Annex.

President, Measurement Canada – delegated authority for the development, administration and enforcement of the laws and requirements governing trade measurement (Weights and Measures Act and Electricity and Gas Inspection Act) and the delivery and continuous improvement of associated programs and services.

Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Directorate – responsible for managing legislative and regulatory policy and amendments. This includes work to modernize the Acts governing trade measurement in Canada and their regulations, researching, analyzing, and developing policy at the organization level and managing public engagement and consultation processes for the agency.

Legal Metrology and Laboratory Services – responsible for evaluating and type-approving weighing and measuring devices, as well as electricity and gas meters and metering devices used in trade. It is also responsible for the calibration and certification of physical measurement standards used by Measurement Canada inspectors and authorized service providers to test and certify measuring devices installed for use in trade under an ISO 17025 quality management system. The Directorate develops, updates, and interprets pre-market requirements. The scientists participate in domestic and international technical committees and research and development related to measurement science innovations.

Weights and Measures Directorate – responsible for post-market national program and service delivery for weighing and measuring device inspection and net quantity verification programs, calibration and certification of working standards used to test and certify measuring devices, the investigation of consumer and business complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement and associated marketplace surveillance, compliance improvement and enforcement activities. The Directorate is also responsible for the assessment of authorized service provider performance,

the development and implementation of risk management frameworks and the development of post-market technical requirements, procedures and guidance.

Energy Directorate – responsible for post-market national program and service delivery for electricity and gas measuring device inspection programs, calibration and certification of working standards and measuring apparatus used to test and certify energy measuring devices, the investigation of customer and energy service provider complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement, and associated marketplace surveillance, compliance improvement and enforcement activities. The Directorate is also responsible for the assessment of authorized service provider performance, the development and implementation of risk management frameworks and the development of post-market technical requirements, procedures and guidance.

Inspector General Directorate – responsible for national alternative service delivery program and service delivery, including audits and inspections of authorized service provider activities to verify conformance with program requirements and related laws, regulations and technical standards and the administration of associated quality management systems.

Digital Office – responsible for introducing new and modernizing existing business applications and providing call centre operations support as part of increased digital, client-centric program and service delivery. The Digital Office is also responsible for providing the infrastructure and support for information management within Measurement Canada.

Business Operations – responsible for providing corporate services such as human resources, finance, strategic planning and reporting, and administrative support services. Business Operations is also responsible for the administration and support of technical training and learning services and external and internal communications, including Measurement Canada's social media and web presence.

Measurement Canada Executive Team

Measurement Canada Executive Team Anne-Marie Monteith, President, Measurement Canada Gayatri Shankarraman, Vice President, Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Benoit Desforges, Vice President, Energy Michael Jay, Director, Digital Office Nathalie Campeau, Vice President, Weights and Measures Jessica Grant, Director, Business Operations Isabelle Tremblay, Vice President, Legal Metrology and Laboratory Services John McCarty, Inspector General

Annex B–Measurement Canada by Numbers 2023-2024

Measurement Canada by Numbers 2023-2024
Long description of the image

Annex B provides information and data on 2023-2024 program and service delivery activities in four areas, namely (1) approvals, calibrations and certifications; (2) Measurement Canada inspection services; (3) authorized service providers; and (4) complaint investigation.

Approvals, calibrations and certifications

Activities include:

  • evaluating and approving prototypes of new measurement technologies and measuring devices, such as scales, gas pumps and electricity and natural gas meters, for use in Canada, and
  • calibrating and certifying physical standards of mass, volume, temperature, electricity and natural gas as well as test equipment used to test and certify the accuracy of measuring devices.

In 2023-2024, 390 prototypes of new measurement technologies and measuring devices were evaluated and approved, and 1 900 standards were calibrated and certified.

Measurement Canada inspection services

Activities include testing and certifying measuring devices used in trade measurement transactions to ensure they measure accurately, and taking corrective actions when needed.

In 2023-2024, Measurement Canada performed 1 793 electricity and gas meter inspections and 6 895 weights and measures inspections.

Electricity and gas inspectors focus their inspections on commercial sectors such as factories, condominiums and shopping centres. Measurement Canada authorized service providers perform the majority of residential electricity and natural gas meter inspections.

Weights and Measures inspectors focus their inspections on complex measuring devices and inspections in sectors where there is no mandatory recertification requirement.

Authorized service providers

Activities include the accreditation, audit and oversight of authorized service providers, which are private sector organizations recognized by Measurement Canada to perform measuring device testing and certification in Canada.

In 2023-2024:

  • 230 authorized service providers employing 711 recognized technicians performed 96 percent of the weights and measures device inspections (175, 000 inspections), and 95 percent of verification of residential electricity and natural gas meters, and
  • Measurement Canada auditors performed 208 audits of authorized service providers as part of compliance oversight.

Complaint investigations

Activities include investigation of consumer and business complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement involving scales, gas pumps, electricity and natural gas meters, and other measuring devices.

In 2023-2024, Measurement Canada received a total of 440 complaints, of which 12 percent are in progress and 5 percent were outside Measurement Canada's scope. Of the devices inspected in response to a complaint, 73 percent were found to be compliant and 10 percent were found to be non-compliant.

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Legal metrology is the application of legal requirements to measurements and measuring instruments (devices).

Return to footnote 1 referrer

 Report a problem
Date modified: