Message from the President
We are sharing the latest edition of our newsletter for authorized service providers (ASPs), and also wish to take this opportunity to wish you a happy new year 2025.
This biannual publication is intended to keep you informed about developments at Measurement Canada (MC) that may be of interest to you and provide information to support your work as an ASP.
In this issue, we provide updates on examination stickers, training and changes to training delivery, the Online Reporting Application (ORA) smart search function, scheduling practical evaluations, and news about electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), thermal energy meters and timber dimension measuring devices (TDMDs).
We hope this newsletter continues to be a resource for staying connected and informed on our latest developments of interest to you.
Anne-Marie Monteith
President, Measurement Canada
Work tool updates
Examination stickers
2025 examination stickers are expected to be available in February. A supplier has been found to print the stickers, which will ensure supply stability.
Please continue to use 2024 stickers until the new 2025 stickers are available. Orders for examination stickers should cover a maximum period of six months at a time. To order your stickers, please fill out our form.
ORA smart search function
In 2023, MC interviewed users to understand their satisfaction with ORA, the online inspection results reporting application. Users noted that the search function could be improved, as it sometimes required multiple searches to find the correct establishment. MC has launched an internal pilot of a smart search function in 2024. This smart search accounts for variations in words, bilingual names, hyphenated names, accented characters and common abbreviations. The smart search is being refined and is expected to be released to all users in the summer of 2025.
Recognized technician evaluation and training updates
Reminder about evaluations, follow-up inspections and product auditsfor weights and measures ASPs
Practical evaluations are required for those wishing to expand their device inspection scope, while follow-up inspections and product audits are needed at regular intervals for recognized technicians to demonstrate their continued competency. Technicians will be notified by their assigned MC regional auditor when a follow-up inspection or product audit is due, and can schedule it using the online form.
Please select the "Follow-up inspection (in presence)" option if you are a registered ASP or the "Product audit (in presence)" option if you are an accredited ASP. Submit your request no later than three (3) weeks before the desired date. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email, and MC will finalize the arrangements.
Results will be issued once the evaluation is completed. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your assigned regional auditor or your regional alternative service delivery (ASD) team:
Training for weights and measures ASPs
If you or your team are interested in training courses, we have several opportunities available. We are offering virtual refresher sessions on multi-deck scales and automatic catch weighing devices. Please contact your assigned regional auditor for dates.
The development of the introductory course on the Weights and Measures Act and regulations is progressing, with a pilot course expected to be available this spring. This course will be accessible on the ISED learning platform.
In 2024, MC introduced the use of training laptops for online exams, starting with a pilot program in Montréal. We have expanded our pilot at the Markham office and work is underway to expand to other regions. The exams, which must be completed at MC offices, are conducted on government laptops, not personal ones. Plans are also in place to expand the program to other courses, making more exams available online.
Program delivery updates
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)
Measurement Canada put in place a Temporary Dispensation Program for EVSE in October 2022. This program allows owners with installed EVSE participating in the Program and meeting specified criteria to bill for an electric vehicle (EV) charge by kilowatt-hour (kWh).
EVSE owners can apply to be included in the temporary dispensation for Level 1 and Level 2 AC EVSE used in commercial and non-commercial applications until December 31, 2025. Applications to participate in the Level 3 DC EVSE temporary dispensation program are ongoing. Further information can be found on the Temporary Dispensation Program page of MC's website.
MC continues to develop specifications and procedures for EVSE. In the spring of 2024, type-approval specifications and procedures for Level 1 and Level 2 AC EVSE were revised and requirements for Level 3 DC EVSE were added. MC conducted a public consultation in the summer of 2024 to gather stakeholder feedback on Level 3 DC EVSE specifications. In November 2024, MC published the consultation findings in its What we heard report.
Also in the summer of 2024, MC drafted provisional specifications and procedures for the inspection of AC ESVE and launched a public consultation to gather stakeholder feedback on the proposed requirements. MC published the consultation findings in its What we heard report in October 2024.
MC plans to add EVSE to the ASP program. You may want to explore the EVSE market and decide if it's the right fit for you.
For more information, please visit the Measurement Canada website.
Thermal energy meters
Since the release of the Terms and Conditions for the Approval of Thermal Energy Meters in March 2018, MC has issued 22 approvals for devices or components intended for trade applications, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of thermal energy meters in commercial and residential settings.
As part of our first examination of installed thermal energy meters, issues were identified with the meter installation and part of the equipment. MC is working with industry partners to resolve these issues and improve the regulatory framework.
Please contact your centre of expertise for more information.
Timber dimension measuring devices
The Regulatory Amendments to the Weights and Measures Regulations and the Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices (TDMDs) were published in the Canada Gazette Part II and came into force in October 2024. The specifications replace the former terms and conditions for TDMDs that have been in effect for years. These changes mean manufactures and traders must adhere to the updated specifications for the installation and certification of TDMDs.
If your clients have questions on TDMD specifications, please contact Measurement Canada.
Communications corner
Measurement Canada 2024 Annual Report on Activities
MC's annual report on the agency's 2024 activities includes advancing the accuracy of electric vehicle charging devices, updating legislative policies, and leveraging AI for improved measurement accuracy. Looking ahead, Measurement Canada will be renewing its strategic vision and embracing digital transformation. We invite you to read the report to learn more.
For any questions or assistance, John McCarty, Inspector General, is the main contact point for ASPs.