File a measurement-related complaint

Gas pumps

Consider the following before you file a complaint:

• The stated capacities of the following are only approximate:
  • your vehicle's fuel tank
  • portable containers (e.g. jerry cans)
• When fuel begins to flow from a gas pump, it is normal for a small amount of it to flow as the hose is pressurized. The register may display an amount up to 40 millilitres, but in most cases, the register does not display this small amount.
• You should direct your questions on the price of gas to the Competition Bureau.
• Provinces and territories are responsible for the quality of gas (octane level).

What you need before you start

In order to process your complaint, we will require:

• your name and contact information
• the name and address of the gas station
• the grade of gasoline purchased
• the number of the gas pump used or a description of its physical location
• the amount of fuel paid for and the quantity of fuel you would have expected to pay for
• the sales receipt, if you have it
• information on how you have attempted to resolve the matter.

Electricity or gas meters

Consider the following:

• The energy regulators of the provinces and territories are responsible for setting electricity rates and defining their application (e.g. time-of-use rates).
• Health Canada is responsible for evaluating the possible health effects associated with exposure to radiofrequency energy.
• Your electricity or gas provider may charge for removing meters from service for testing

You may consult the questions and answers on electricity meters if you have any questions.

What you need before you start

In order to process your complaint, we will require:

• a completed statement of complaint form for the appropriate billing period
• a copy of your recent utility bill(s)
• information on how you have attempted to resolve the matter

Retail food scales

Consider the following:

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets the requirements for consumer prepackaged food sold in retail stores, such as grocery stores and supermarkets. Suspected measurement errors related to consumer prepackaged food, such as inaccurate pricing or net quantity or weight declarations, should be reported to the CFIA.
• Sellers must provide pricing information for individually measured foods in metric units on signs and advertisements
• Sellers must not include the weight of the container holding individually measured foods in the weight of the food.

What you need before you start

In order to process your complaint, we will require:

• your name and contact information
• the name and address of the establishment
• a description of the scale's physical location
• information on how you have attempted to resolve the matter

Firewood

Consider the following before you file a complaint:

• The Competition Bureau is responsible for the net quantity of prepackaged firewood sold at the retail level.
• The cord (128 cubic feet) is not the only legal unit of measure (read more about how firewood is sold in Canada).

What you need before you start

In order to process your complaint, we will require:

• your name and contact information
• the name and location of the seller
• the sales receipt, if you have it
• information on how you have attempted to resolve the matter

Metric units

Consider the following:

• Metric units must be used in three trade sectors for signage and advertising:
  • retail sale of gasoline and diesel fuel
  • individually measured retail foods
  • retail home furnishings
• Canadian units of measurement can be used along with metric units (International System of Units).
• Information (including weight and volume) provided on labels of retail packaged products is the responsibility of the:
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • Competition Bureau (non-food products)
• Metric pricing information on in-store advertising must be large enough to be easily read by customers.

What you need before you start

In order to process your complaint, we will require:

• your name and contact information
• the name and address of the establishment
• information on how you have attempted to resolve the matter

Pints of draft beer

Consider the following:

• A pint contains 20 fluid ounces (568 millilitres) in Canada.
• The limit of error for 20 fluid ounces is 0.5 fluid ounces (15 millilitres).
• The foam (head) is not included in the measurement.

What you need before you start

In order to process your complaint, we will require:

• your name and contact information
• the name and address of the establishment
• information on how you have attempted to resolve the matter
• a photo of the menu or advertisement showing the quantity claimed to have been dispensed, if possible
• the sales receipt, if you have it

Other

What you need before you start

In order to process your complaint, we will require:

• your name and contact information
• the name and address of the establishment
• information on how you have attempted to resolve the matter