Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 147, Number 44: Regulations Amending the Weights and Measures Regulations

November 2, 2013

Statutory authority

Weights and Measures Act

Sponsoring department

Department of Industry

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Regulations.)

Executive summary

Issue: Measurement compliance rates in the Canadian marketplacehave declined since the early 1980s. Consumers and vulnerable parties believe the Government should protect and advocate their interests. There is an expectation that consumers and small businesses will be protected from unscrupulous trade practices. Business and consumer confidence in the accuracy of the quantity of goods and services bought and sold on the basis of measurement is key to a fair, efficient and competitive Canadian marketplace. Stakeholders have repeatedly recommended mandatory examination (inspection) frequencies be reinstituted under the Weights and Measures Act. During the extensive consultations conducted as part of the trade sector reviews, the vast majority of consulted stakeholders made the same recommendation.

Description: The proposed regulatory amendments are designed to reverse the decline in measurement accuracy in the Canadian marketplace by making it mandatory for retailers to have their devices examined at regular intervals. Mandatory examination frequencies are proposed in the following sectors (categories of trade): retail and downstream petroleum, mining products, grain and field crop products and services, dairy products, forestry products, retail food, and fishing products.

Cost-benefit statement: The total estimated costs associated with the examination of the devices in the eight categories of trade for the analysis period (2013 to 2023) are estimated to be $56 million. (see footnote 1) The total estimated benefits resulting from the proposed Regulations are estimated to be $629 million. (see footnote 2) This equates to an estimated net benefit of $573 million (see footnote 3) and an annualized net benefit of $81 million per year. There are also significant qualitative benefits that accrue as a result of the regulatory proposal, including reduced dispute and transaction costs, consumer protection, levelled playing field for commerce, national benefit of more accurate measurement for commodity exports, facilitation of international trade and improvement in the natural environment.

“One-for-One” Rule and small business lens: The “One-for-One” Rule does not apply, as the proposed Regulations would not increase administrative burden on business.

The proposed regulatory amendments reflect the interests of small businesses. The examination frequencies, which were established in consultation with stakeholders, were almost always reduced from the vulnerable parties’ starting point. Some vulnerable stakeholders could therefore expect examinations to occur more frequently than what is proposed in the Regulations. The proposal maintains annual examination frequencies for categories of trade where small businesses are particularly vulnerable to short measure because of the very large number of transactions between companies and measurement errors penalizing customers (small businesses). This is reflected in the results of the cost-benefit analysis, which shows the largest portion of benefits going to small businesses.

Background

The Fairness at the Pumps Act was introduced by the Government of Canada in the House of Commons in April 2010 and it received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011. The new legislation marked the most fundamental step in a longer-term process of evolution and innovation in assuring measurement accuracy for Canadians.

Many of the benefits of ensuring accuracy are “public” in nature — setting standards of accuracy and enforcing them are core functions of Government that cannot easily be delegated to the private sector. Measurement Canada is the agency responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of measurement in the Canadian marketplace.

Until the mid-1970s, Measurement Canada carried out annual periodic examinations of all devices used in trade. This approach was resource intensive and, over time, budget realities forced the Government of Canada and Measurement Canada to reduce frequencies in some areas.

In the mid-1980s, regulatory changes were introduced to change periodic examinations pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act (the Act) from an annual to a biennial basis. Mandatory periodic examinations were no longer required as of 1994.

At the same time, the need for accurate measurement continued to grow with Canada’s economy and population. Measurement Canada estimates that the number of devices used for trade measurement purposes has doubled since 1970. This increase in device population combined with much greater device complexity has lead to

  • a reduction in measurement compliance rates, which have trended down between 4% and 7% since the 1980s; and
  • the marginalization of Measurement Canada and its inability to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace.

A progressive plan was needed to address Measurement Canada’s sustainability issues.

Measurement accuracy

In introducing the Fairness at the Pumps Act, the Minister of Industry emphasized the importance of measurement and consumer protection, referring to “measures to protect Canadian consumers from inaccurate measurement when purchasing gasoline or other measured goods.” The Minister noted that the measures would “make retailers more accountable for the accuracy of their pumps and other measuring devices.”

The annual aggregate value of trade measurement transactions represents a large portion of an industrialized country’s gross national product. Legal metrology provides the following benefits to society:

  • reduced dispute and transaction costs;
  • consumer protection;
  • a level playing field;
  • limited measurement-based fraud; and
  • full national benefit for commodity exports. (see footnote 4)
A new act and a new business model for Measurement Canada

At the time of the tabling of the Fairness at the Pumps Act in April 2010, it was clear that

  • legislation governing measurement accuracy needed updating after 30 years;
  • adjustment to resource constraints had contributed to the marginalization of the role of Measurement Canada;
  • the level of measurement accuracy was declining, affecting consumers and businesses; and
  • measurement accuracy and fairness in the marketplace were becoming a public policy issue among businesses and consumers.

Issue

Measurement Canada examination data indicates that measurement compliance rates have trended down as the Agency’s presence has declined in the marketplace since the early 1980s. Of particular public concern has been the role of short measure at the gas pumps in exacerbating the impact of rising fuel prices. Consumers and vulnerable parties believe that the Government should protect and advocate their interests. The decline in measurement accuracy affects consumers and small businesses.

Objectives

The objective of the proposed Regulations is to reduce measurement errors and increase fairness in the Canadian marketplace in an efficient and innovative way. The proposed regulatory amendments introduce mandatory examination frequencies in the retail and downstream petroleum, mining products, grain and field crop products and services, dairy products, forestry products, retail food and fishing products categories of trade.

Amendments to the Weights and Measures Act included authorizing the Government to appoint non-government inspectors (authorized service providers) to perform these examinations.

Description

The Regulations would strengthen consumer protection against unfair retailer practices and improve consumer confidence in the accuracy of commercial transactions involving measurement by placing responsibility for device accuracy on retailers through mandatory examinations at regular intervals. Mandatory examination frequencies are proposed in the following categories of trade: retail and downstream petroleum, mining products, grain and field crop products and services, dairy products, forestry products, retail food, and fishing products.

Periods between device examinations

The periods between examinations would be set out in section 29 of the proposed Regulations. These periods were established following extensive consultations with stakeholders from the categories of trade concerned. These consultations were held as part of the trade sector reviews conducted by Measurement Canada between 2001 and 2011.

For example, a meter used in the trade of dairy products would need to be examined within a period of not more than one year from the last examination, at which time it was certified as being compliant. This examination may be the most recent of the following three types of examination:

  • the initial examination performed pursuant to paragraph 8(b) of the Act;
  • a periodic examination performed pursuant to new subsection 15(1) of the Act; or
  • a subsequent examination performed at the request of the owner or person in possession of the device pursuant to the new section 15.1 of the Act.

The introduction of periodic examinations would not preclude the possibility of the devices undergoing other examinations to monitor compliance with the Act and Regulations. Such examples include examinations following a complaint and as part of marketplace monitoring or performance monitoring of an authorized service provider. It is not the responsibility of the owner or the person in possession of the device in question to have it undergo such examinations or to cover any related costs. These other examinations, however, would not be taken into account in determining the date of the next periodic examination of the device in question.

Devices that do not meet the legal requirements at the time of the examination must be repaired or adjusted. The necessary repairs or adjustments must be performed immediately or within a reasonable time period so that a certificate of examination can be issued to certify the device’s compliance. Measurement Canada will continue to ensure that the monitoring of devices whose repair or adjustment was postponed will be carried out.

Introduction of examination cycles

Subparagraph 29(1)(a)(i) of the proposed Regulations would provide for the implementation of periodic examinations in five phases to avoid all the devices having to be examined at the same time. This would create pressure on the availability of examination services and, in turn, would affect the prices charged for performing the examinations.

The implementation periods would be established based on the location of the devices, determined by the first three characters of their postal code, and would apply to all devices that are located in the geographic area. The table listing those periods can be found in Part Ⅱ of Schedule I of the proposed Regulations. (see footnote 5)

The examination cycles of the devices would be introduced over a period of 24 months following the implementation of the regulatory amendments. The five phases are as follows:

  • 6 months after the proposed regulatory amendments come into force;
  • 5 months later;
  • 4 months later;
  • 3 months later; and
  • 6 months later, that is, 24 months after the proposed regulatory amendments come into force.

An extension mechanism for the time periods would be established under section 29.1 of the proposed Regulations. This mechanism would prevent traders from being penalized if, for reasons beyond their control, they are unable to meet the deadline for the next examination of their device. Measurement Canada, on behalf of the Minister, may allow traders to delay the next periodic examination if they meet the requirements set out in that section.

Examination follow-up stickers

To assist in the implementation of the examination cycles, the proposed Regulations would change the requirements respecting stickers placed on devices that are found to comply with the proposed regulatory requirements, following an examination by an inspector. The new examination stickers would indicate the month and year in which the examination was conducted and the month and year in which the next examination must be conducted. The stickers would be an important part of the examination process, as they would serve as a reminder to the trader about when the next periodic examination must take place. Further, users, whether they are the device operators or clients, would be able to see the status of the device. Such an indication would increase the confidence of the parties in the fairness of trade-related measurement. It is a key element to ensure accurate measurement for all and the fair trade of products and services.

Exclusions

The responsibility of traders to have the devices used in the eight categories of trade periodically examined would not apply to all device types. A list of devices excluded from examination cycles is therefore included in the proposed Regulations.

a. Exclusions from the application of the Act

When devices such as electricity meters, which must be verified under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, are excluded from the application of the Weights and Measures Act, none of the provisions relating to approval and examinations apply to them. The exclusion also applies to tolerances and regulatory standards of design and operation. In addition, when a trade category is excluded from the provisions of the Act, Measurement Canada does not conduct examinations in cases of dispute between the parties. Stakeholders affected by the exclusions are not vulnerable parties and have accepted that users of these devices are not subject to the provisions of the Act.

a.1 Devices used exclusively for gauging tanker ship holds and large petroleum tanks

Devices used exclusively for measurement of tanker ship holds and large tanks used in the downstream petroleum trade (e.g. trade of refined petroleum) would be excluded from the application of the Act under paragraph 3(2)(a) of the proposed Regulations. The proposed exclusion follows the downstream petroleum trade sector review.

Trade transactions in that category of trade involve the transportation of large quantities of products by tanker ships to and from marine terminals. Products may also be measured in stationary tanks and transported by other means. These trading activities are conducted under contracts of sale and through the purchase and exchange of large quantities of products among petroleum companies and refiners, and, to a limited extent, they include sales to large industrial clients. Measurement is performed before and after loading by specialized companies using American Petroleum Institute (API) guidelines. The exclusion would not apply to measurement by means of meters on the dock when loading or unloading ships.

Trading activities based on these measurements are conducted for companies with the expertise and means to confirm measurement results when necessary. Stakeholders are confident, based on past experience, that they can adequately ensure accuracy and fairness of measurement, and that they can satisfactorily resolve any complaints that may arise. Stakeholders declared that they are fully satisfied with the services rendered by companies specialized in assessing measurement and quality, and the standards they use. This type of measurement, and consequently the exclusion described above, does not apply to the retail petroleum trade.

a.2 Devices used exclusively for gauging the holds of ships in the wholesale trade of mining products

The introduction of paragraph 3(2)(b) of the proposed Regulations follows the review of the mining trade sector. The exemption relates to devices used exclusively for gauging the holds of ships in the wholesale trade of mining products. The context of these transactions is similar to that of the petroleum category of trade.

The gauging of ship holds is used primarily for exporting mining products, but it is used domestically as well. Marine custody transfers are certified by third-party testing and certification services companies. These companies determine and certify the volume loaded to and/or unloaded from ships.

b. Exemptions from approval and mandatory examination requirements

The following devices would be exempted from approval, initial examination and periodic examination requirements.

b.1 Linear static measures

It is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals to purchase static linear measures for trade applications. Very few static linear measures are approved for trade, and many device manufacturing companies have stopped manufacturing them. Measuring sticks and tape measures are included in this static measurement category.

Since it is easy for all parties involved in commercial transactions to verify the accuracy of measurements of length, paragraph 4(1)(o) of the Regulations would exempt linear static measures from the approval, initial examination and periodic examination requirements of the Act. This exemption would maintain existing practices, since Measurement Canada has not been conducting type approval evaluations or examinations of static linear measures for several years. Because of the modifications made to the Act, the proposed regulatory exemption is important to prevent traders from being required by law to have their static linear measures regularly examined by authorized service providers.

However, products and services traded on the basis of linear measurement will continue to be required to comply with the tolerances prescribed by the Regulations.

This exemption would involve the repeal of sections 107 to 119 of the Regulations, sections which regulate linear static measures.

b.2 Pipeline meters

This proposed exemption follows the downstream petroleum trade sector review. Pipeline meters and auxiliary measuring devices (e.g. temperature, pressure and density measuring equipment) used in the downstream petroleum trade would be excluded from the approval and examination requirements under paragraph 4(1)(p) of the Regulations. These pipeline meters measure refined petroleum products.

The parties involved in the transactions have the means and expertise to ensure accurate measurement and to protect their interests. There would be no vulnerable parties in the category of trade, except in cases where the client is the end user of the petroleum product (i.e. when the client uses the delivered product to change its nature). For example, if a meter is installed on a pipeline supplying a chemical fertilizer plant, or a generator is used by a public utility company to produce electricity, the device will need to be approved and examined under the requirements of the Act and the Regulations, because these clients do not necessarily have the technical expertise to protect themselves from measurement errors.

The proposed exemption would therefore only apply to clients whose activities are based on the sale, transportation or storage of petroleum products.

b.3 Devices used exclusively for weighing or measuring crude petroleum products

Crude petroleum products are found where crude petroleum is bought and sold: between the borehole (or the extraction site) and the refinery (or refining plant).

This proposed exemption follows a review of the upstream petroleum sector. It would apply to all devices usedexclusively in the trade of crude petroleum products. The parties involved in these transactions have the means and expertise to ensure accurate measurement and to protect their interests. There would be no vulnerable parties in this category of trade.

Under new paragraph 4(2)(b) of the Regulations, if a device is used for commercial purposes to measure crude petroleum entering the refinery and refined petroleum products, it is no longer used exclusivelyfor the measurement of crude petroleum products. Consequently, it would not be excluded from the approval and examination requirements, unless it were a pipeline meter under paragraph 4(1)(p).

c. Exemption from mandatory examinations

Devices used exclusivelyin the wholesale trade of gold, silver or diamonds would be exempt from mandatory examinations through the addition of section 6 of the proposed Regulations, which follows the mining trade sector review. The exemption would not apply to retail transactions; it would only apply to wholesale transactions. The parties involved in these transactions have the means and expertise to ensure accurate measurement and to protect their interests. Considering the value of gold, silver and diamonds, stakeholders ensure that calibration and monitoring of devices is carried out frequently.

There would be no vulnerable parties in these commercial transactions. Considering the nature of this type of trade, and the fact that measurement is frequently used for exporting, device calibration is often required to follow international standards. These standards are not necessarily traceable to the reference standards prescribed by the Act.

However, stakeholders have requested that measurements be made with devices approved under the Act, so these devices would not be exempted from paragraph 8(a) of the Act.

Applicable fees

Section 59 of the Regulations sets out the charges and fees for the services provided by an inspector. Proposed section 58.1 would confirm the current practice whereby only charges and fees for the services provided by inspectors employed by the federal government are governed by the fees set out in the Regulations. Authorized service providers will continue to be responsible for setting fees they require for conducting regulatory examinations of devices.

Changes to terminology and other amendments

The terminology used in the Regulations would be amended to reflect changes made to the Act in 2011 and to achieve consistency between the French and English versions of the Regulations. In particular, in the English version, the term “inspection” and variants thereof would generally be replaced by the term “examination” or one of its equivalent variants. In the French version of the Regulations, the term “vérification” and variants thereof would generally be replaced by the term “examen” or one of its variants, although sometimes by “mis à l’essai,” “essai” or one of their variants, as appropriate in the context.

Some of the amendments to the Act were designed to ensure that it takes into account the terminology of both common and civil law. The Federal Law–Civil Law Harmonization Act, No. 3 (S.C. 2011, c. 21) has already amended certain provisions of the Act with the same intent. The Regulations would be amended to reflect these changes and to accurately reflect the concepts of common and civil law. For example, the phrase “before being sold, leased or otherwise disposed of” is more accurately rendered by “before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased”; that phrase would therefore be amended accordingly in the Regulations. In particular, these amendments would facilitate the administration of the Regulations in Quebec by allowing those who enforce the Regulations to better understand and interpret them.

Editorial changes would be made to several sections to improve readability and ensure a higher level of agreement with the amendments to the Act and between the English and French versions of the Regulations. Also, some sections would be renumbered to improve the logical flow of the document.

Regulatory and non-regulatory options considered

Four options were considered:

  • Preserving the status quo, with Measurement Canada’s existing role and limited resources. This would lead to a continued erosion of measurement accuracy and fairness in the Canadian marketplace.
  • Adopting an entirely voluntary approach, which was not supported by business groups or consumers that preferred the greater certainty of a regulated approach.
  • Taking on a Government-centred role in which more government inspectors would be hired to carry out the increased examinations required to achieve measurement accuracy and ensure fairness. This would be costly and involve hiring approximately 350 new inspectors.
  • Adopting a new approach that focuses on using the resources of private sector authorized service providers (ASPs), with Measurement Canada exercising an oversight and auditing role. This is a cost-efficient way of achieving an increase in measurement accuracy and fairness.

Benefits and costs

The following tables provide an overview of the results of the cost-benefit analysis. The analysis demonstrates the difference between the incremental costs and benefits of the base case (i.e. the status quo with existing levels of measurement accuracy) and the policy case (i.e. renewed periodic examinations with extensive use of ASPs). The analysis involved assessing the total costs (government and private) against total benefits (assumed to be the value of the improvement in measurement accuracy to businesses and consumers). To calculate benefits, the analysis uses estimates by Measurement Canada on the improvement in measurement accuracy which will result for each scenario. Standard cost-benefit analysis methodology was used as per the Treasury Board’s Cost-Benefit Analysis Guide. (see footnote 6)

The analysis period begins in the fall of 2013 and the first full year of impacts would be 2014. The policy case, which forms the basis of the analysis, is Measurement Canada’s estimate of the improvement in measurement accuracy which will result from the regulatory package. Several sensitivity analyses were performed to account for the possibility that costs may increase or decrease or that improvements in measurement accuracy may be greater than or less than expected (these cases are laid out in Table 2).

The assessment showed significantly positive net benefits for each scenario. The total benefits of the proposed Regulations for the period of analysis would be $629 million in present value (PV) terms. The total costs resulting from the proposed Regulations are estimated to be $56 million in PV terms. This results in a net benefit of $573 million (PV) over the study period. Table 1 shows quantitative results for the policy case. All numbers are shown in 2011 dollars. Entries in the table are undiscounted unless otherwise indicated.

Methodology and assumptions

The analysis focuses on devices from the eight categories of trade. The most common device type of each of the five categories of trade listed below was chosen for the analysis. The devices with the lowest measurement compliance rates have been marked with an asterisk.

  • Fishing products trade — platform scales*
  • Forestry products trade — vehicle scales*
  • Mining products trade — platform scales
  • Downstream petroleum trade — bulk truck meters*
  • Retail gasoline trade — retail dispensers

In the grain and field crop products and services trade, hopper scales were chosen, as they are used to weigh very large volumes of grain.

Bulk truck meters were chosen in the dairy products trade, as they are used at dairies to measure most of the milk delivered from farms. In these transactions, farmers are the vulnerable parties, and, while compliance rates are high, the measurement errors are weighted heavily in favour of the dairies.

Point-of-sale, computing and platform scales are primarily used in the retail food trade to weigh fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. There is no apparent way to distinguish the volume of products weighed by a given type of scale; therefore, the three types of scales were chosen.

Costs

The incremental direct costs of increased periodic examinations are calculated as follows, based on estimates of the number of measuring devices used in each of the eight categories of trade and the percentage of device owners who have their devices serviced regularly by ASPs.

  • For device owners who have their devices regularly serviced by ASPs (businesses), the only incremental costs will be the cost of the certificate of compliance that the ASP will now issue.
  • For businesses without ongoing service contracts, the incremental costs will be the full cost of the mandatory periodic examinations, including the issuance of the compliance certificate.
  • Examination and certification costs per device, along with the number of devices and the proportion of device owners with and without ongoing service contracts, provide the basis for the estimation of incremental direct costs.

Benefits

The benefits analysis is based on the development of a reasonable proxy for willingness to pay for increased measurement accuracy as follows:

  • Measurement errors create transfers of income. When the measured weight or volume of product is less than the true weight or volume, and the goods in question are consumer goods, consumers benefit at the expense of traders (i.e. there is an income transfer from traders to consumers); whereas, when the measured weight or volume is higher than the true weight or volume, income is transferred from consumers to traders. In cases where one set of businesses (e.g. dairy farmers) sell goods to another set of businesses that own the measuring devices (e.g. dairies), incorrect measurement leads to income transfers between sets of businesses. If, for example, the measured volume of milk delivered to dairies is lower than the true volume, income is transferred from dairy farmers to dairies.
  • From a strictly economic point of view, transfers of income are not costs to the economy. However, both consumers and businesses value measurement accuracy and fairness; the substantial expenditure of resources on measurement in the broad economy is a clear indication of this. Businesses and individuals are willing to pay for measurement accuracy and willingness to pay is a clear measure of economic benefit.
  • For the purposes of this analysis, it is assumed that in the face of persistent uncorrected measurement errors, businesses and individuals would be willing to use economic resources to improve measurement accuracy to the point where measurement errors are reduced to a generally accepted margin. In this case, the generally accepted margin is assumed to be +1 MPE, where MPE is the maximum permissible error by which measured weights or volumes are allowed to differ from true weights or volumes under current regulations. The proxy used for willingness to pay is the size of the transfer created by measurement errors in excess of +1 MPE.

The estimated reduction in income transfers resulting from the introduction of mandatory examinations is the proxy for the reduction in economic costs associated with the new measurement regime. That estimated reduction in economic costs is the quantitative estimate of benefits.

Summary of cost-benefit analysis

A. Table 1 — Policy case in millions of 2011 Canadian dollars
Categories of trade 2013 Year 1 2014 Year 2 2015 Year 3 2017 Year 5 2022 Year 10 Total (Present Value) Annua lized Average
Benefits
Fishing products 0 0.349 0.349 0.349 0.349 2.451 0.349
Grain and field crop products and services 0 2.101 2.101 2.101 2.101 14.755 2.101
Mining products 0 5.384 5.384 5.384 5.384 37.812 5.384
Downstream petroleum 0 66.205 67.529 71.557 79.121 503.512 71.689
Dairy products 0 1.418 1.424 1.476 1.551 10.366 1.476
Retail gasoline Consumers 0 3.265 3.298 3.406 3.580 23.892 3.402
Businesses 0 2.463 2.488 2.570 2.701 18.024 2.566
Retail food Consumers 0 0.326 0.326 0.326 0.326 2.293 0.326
Businesses 0 1.228 1.228 1.228 1.228 8.626 1.228
Forestry products 0 1.115 1.115 1.115 1.115 7.828 1.115
All categories of trade Total benefits 0 83.854 85.249 89.511 97.455 629.558 89.635
Costs
Fishing products –0.265 –0.237 –0.237 –0.237 –0.237 –1.927 –0.274
Grain and field crop products and services –0.268 –0.261 –0.261 –0.261 –0.261 –2.098 –0.299
Mining products –0.041 –0.031 –0.031 –0.031 –0.031 –0.260 –0.037
Downstream petroleum –0.238 –0.225 –0.226 –0.226 –0.226 –1.822 –0.259
Dairy products –0.055 –0.052 –0.052 –0.052 –0.052 –0.422 –0.060
Retail gasoline –2.580 –2.338 –2.338 –2.333 –2.333 –18.965 –2.700
Retail food –1.495 –1.174 –1.174 –1.174 –1.174 –9.739 –1.387
Forestry products –0.628 –0.611 –0.611 –0.611 –0.611 –4.920 –0.700
All categories of trade Businesses –5.569 –4.924 –4.924 –4.924 –4.924 –40.153 –5.717
Government –2.000 –2.000 –2.000 –2.000 –2.000 –16.047 –2.285
Total costs –7.569 –6.924 –6.924 –6.924 –6.924 –56.200 –8.002
Net Present Value
Total net present value –7.569 71.897 68.412 58.884 46.021 573.358 81.633

B. Quantitative impact in non-dollars

  • There were no positive or negative impacts.

C. Qualitative impacts

Benefits described

  • Reduced disputes — lowers transaction costs, promotes expansion of economic activities; avoids the creation of multiple measurement standards — significant benefit.
  • Consumer protection against short measure and fraud — ensures fairness — significant public policy benefit.
  • Level playing field — fair traders are not put at a disadvantage relative to traders who short measure — important public policy benefit.
  • Full value for exports — accurate measurement of high volume exports for royalty collection, revenue determination — important in resource-based economy like Canada.
  • Help for small business and consumers — small businesses are disproportionately hurt by short measure — accurate measure redistributes income toward small business and consumers.
  • Expansion of international trade — expanding global economy requires measurement accuracy in accordance with internationally recognized standards.
  • Vibrant and expanding private sector providing measurement services.
Sensitivity analyses

The sensitivity analyses were carried out to reflect a number of contingencies. For example,measurement accuracy might improve more than expected, hence the doubled improvement scenario, or it might improve less, the one-half improvement scenario. Alternatively, costs may increase or decrease or expected improvements may occur less quickly than expected (phased-in).

The sensitivity analysis in Table 2 shows that net benefits remain positive in all the cases examined.

Table 2: Summary of sensitivity analysis — Present values in millions of 2011 dollars
  Policy Case Doubled Improvement One-half Improvement Increased Costs Decreased Costs Phased-in
Businesses
Business costs 40.2 40.2 40.2 50.5 30.2 40.2
Business benefits 603.4 1,206.7 310.4 603.4 603.4 567.6
Net business benefits 563.2 1,166.5 270.2 552.9 573.2 527.2
Consumers
Consumer benefits 26.2 52.4 14 26.2 26.2 24.2
Summary
Net private benefit 589.4 1,178.8 284.2 579.1 599.4 591.8
Cost to Government 16 16 16 16 16 16
Net societal benefits 573.4 1,202.9 268.2 563.1 583.4 535.6
Distribution of benefits

The distribution of benefits among stakeholders is also an important consideration in the analysis. Results show that consumers do not benefit greatly from the improvements, since so many transactions occur between businesses. Consumers receive 4% of net benefits and bear no cost.

Businesses benefit most from improved measurement accuracy: in all categories of trade, nearly 96% of benefits accrue to business. Benefits accrue most to small businesses (43.9%), followed by large businesses (36.6%) and medium-sized businesses (15%). If measurement accuracy deteriorates, small businesses will experience a disproportionate transfer of incomes when compared with bigger businesses.

“One-for-One” Rule

The “One-for-One” Rule does not apply, as the proposed Regulations would not increase administrative burden on business.

Small business lens

The views and interests of small businesses have been important influences on the evolution of the regulatory proposals. The initial option considered was to require annual device examinations in all categories of trade with the exception of retail food trade, in which biennial examinations would be required. Following consultations, it was decided to require biennial examinations in the mining products, downstream petroleum and retail petroleum trades, and five-year examinations in the retail food trade.

As initially proposed, annual examinations would be required in the fishing products, forestry products, grain and field crop products and services, and dairy products categories of trade, largely because it was seen as important by smaller businesses. The transactions involving measurement in these categories of trade occur overwhelmingly between small and large businesses (e.g. between fishers and seafood processing plants, loggers and processing mills, grain farmers and grain wholesaler/distributors and dairy farmers and dairies). An estimated 100% of grain and dairy farmers, 95% of fishers, and 85% of loggers are small businesses. These small businesses will benefit significantly from reductions in measurement errors, and annual examinations will help ensure these benefits are realized and maintained. The completed Small Business Lens Checklist can be found in Appendix A.

The table below provides estimates of the costs associated with the initial and flexible options.

Table 3: Small business lens (see footnote 7)
  Initial Option Flexible Option
Short description Annual examinations in all categories of trade, except biennial examinations in the retail food trade Annual inspections: fishing products, forestry products, grains and field crop products and services, dairy products trades; biennial inspections: mining products, downstream petroleum, retail gasoline trades; five-year inspections: retail food tradee
Number of small businesses impacted 28 750 28 750
  Annualized Average ($) Present Value ($) Annualized Average ($) Present Value ($)
Compliance costs (costs of device examinations) 4,551,563 31,990,982 2,330,521 16,380,230
Administrative costs 69,421 487,932 55,113 387,367
Total costs (all small businesses) 4,620,984 32,478,914 2,385,634 16,767,597
Total cost per small business 160.73 1,129.70 82.98 583.22
Risk considerations Estimates should be treated as being indicative rather than precise due to the processes through which they are derived (see footnote 6). Estimates should be treated as being indicative rather than precise due to the processes through which they are derived (see footnote 6).

Consultation

In the period leading up to the development of the new Act and Regulations, Measurement Canada undertook extensive consultations and met with over 3 000 stakeholders over a 10-year period from 2001 to 2011. The main consultations were conducted during the extensive trade sector review process over a 10-year period starting in 2000. A summary of the trade sector reviews can be found on Measurement Canada’s Web site: www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/h_lm00215.html.

There were also consultations with the stakeholders over a three-month period in 2008 and again in 2009 during the legislative review process leading up to the legislative amendments. Stakeholders were also consulted over a three-month period in 2011 as part of the regulatory amendment process.

Business representatives supported mandatory periodic examinations to promote a more level playing field so that honest traders would not be at a disadvantage when compared with less scrupulous competitors whose devices regularly short-changed their customers or suppliers.

In addition, business is increasingly globalized and the benefits of measurement accuracy are international in scope. During consultations, mining companies noted that mandatory periodic examinations would help to increase exports because their international customers had confidence in Canadian government certification of measuring devices.

Stakeholders, including consumers and regulated parties, in the retail and downstream petroleum, retail food, dairy products, fishing products, forestry products, grain and field crop products and services and mining products categories of trade, have recommended the reintroduction of mandatory examination requirements.

Rationale

The Act and the associated Regulations allow for both updated legislation and a new business model for Measurement Canada that seeks to maximize efficiency within the Agency’s limited budget. In this model, increased examinations will not be carried out by government employees at Measurement Canada, but rather, by ASP technicians trained and licensed by Measurement Canada. Most ASPs are expected to come from the existing private sector measurement industry and will likely integrate examinations with the services they now provide customers, thereby creating a highly efficient low-cost alternative to government inspectors.

Measurement Canada will move to an oversight role rather than directly providing examination services. This represents an opportunity for small businesses. Non-government inspectors would be responsible for certifying the accuracy of thousands of devices used in commercial transactions involving millions of dollars annually. Measurement Canada will provide training, technical guidance and direction to ensure continued consistent and uniform application of legislative requirements which directly affect retailer business costs and the level of consumer protection.

The Act and proposed Regulations will strengthen consumer protection against unfair retailer practices and improve consumer confidence in the accuracy of commercial transactions involving measurement. The Act and associated Regulations will

  • Place a greater onus on retailers to be accountable for device accuracy;
  • Improve measurement accuracy by making it mandatory for retailers to have their devices examined at regular intervals;
  • Minimize the costs of improved measurement accuracy and consumer protection by formalizing the current use of ASPs (non-government inspectors) to perform examinations; and
  • Provide greater deterrence and consumer protection by increasing court-determined fines in the Act (fines have not been changed in over 30 years).

Implementation, enforcement and service standards

The regulatory amendments will allow for the mandatory examination frequencies to be implemented using the phased-in approach explained in the “Description” section.

In order to implement mandatory examination frequencies, Measurement Canada (MC) has been building capacity by using quality assurance principles to qualify ASPs that are designated as inspectors and whose technicians are trained by MC. ASPs undergo a rigorous qualification process and are required to successfully complete mandatory training related to the examination process.

The programs for designating ASPs have been in place for a number of years. Currently, there are 115 organizations (with over 400 recognized technicians) qualified to perform examinations on behalf of Measurement Canada. Further information on criteria for designating ASPs as well as details on the organizations that can perform examinations is available on Measurement Canada’s Web site at www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/h_lm00003.html.

The system that has been set in place through the legislative amendments and the regulatory amendments will provide device owners with the flexibility to schedule examinations for periods that best suit their business model and schedules.

Measurement Canada will continue to monitor the marketplace through random marketplace monitoring examinations and focused examinations when issues are identified through investigations and analysis of compliance data.

It is anticipated that the number of examinations taking place in the marketplace will increase from the current 42 000 (approximate) per year to over 250 000 per year. This increases the likelihood that measurement errors will be detected and corrected in a timely manner.

ASPs will be responsible for conducting the mandatory examinations upon request or as a part of existing service contracts. Only government inspectors will have the authority to take enforcement actions.

As Measurement Canada’s processes for designating non-government inspectors have been in place for a number of years, service standards have been established and are regularly monitored. The programs designating non-government inspectors are also subject to regular third-party audits as Measurement Canada has acquired ISO 9001:2008 certification for the delivery of its accreditation and registration programs. In light of the increased number of examinations that will be conducted by authorized service providers, it is important to formalize their status in the proposed Regulations instead of using an administrative approach as in the past.

A comprehensive communications strategy will be used to communicate the implementation of mandatory examination frequencies. This includes products such as fact sheets and consumer FAQs that will be available on Measurement Canada’s Web site. Public notice and advertising campaigns have also been developed to ensure traders understand new legal obligations and to communicate the Government’s commitment to consumer protection.

Performance measurement and evaluation

The Minister of Industry will complete a review of the provisions and operations of the Act within five years after it receives Royal Assent.

Contact

Gilles Vinet
Vice-President
Measurement Canada
Telephone: 613-941-8918
Email: gilles.vinet@ic.gc.ca

Appendix A: Small Business Lens Checklist

1. Name of the sponsoring regulatory organization:

Industry Canada (Measurement Canada)

2. Title of the regulatory proposal:

Regulations Amending the Weights and Measurements Regulations

3. Is the checklist submitted with a RIAS for the Canada Gazette, Part Ⅰ or Part Ⅱ?

Checked checkbox Canada Gazette, Part Ⅰ    Checkbox Canada Gazette, Part Ⅱ

A. Small business regulatory design
I Communication and transparency Yes No N/A
1. Are the proposed Regulations or requirements easily understandable in everyday language? Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
The text in the proposed Regulations has been drafted to be as clear as possible. Plain language was used to ensure the Regulations are easily understood.
2. Is there a clear connection between the requirements and the purpose (or intent) of the proposed Regulations? Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
As described in the RIAS, the cost-benefit analysis and other documents used for public consultations, there are clear justifications for the proposed regulatory change.
3. Will there be an implementation plan that includes communications and compliance promotion activities, that informs small businesses of a regulatory change and guides them on how to comply with it (e.g. information sessions, sample assessments, toolkits, Web sites)? Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
As part of the implementation plan for the proposed Regulations, a communication plan has been developed. This plan includes information sessions and presentations at association meetings, public notices and an advertising campaign designed to ensure that stakeholders, including small businesses, are informed of the regulatory changes and their obligations in order to comply with the new requirements.
4. If new forms, reports or processes are introduced, are they consistent in appearance and format with other relevant government forms, reports or processes? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
No new forms are being introduced.
II Simplification and streamlining Yes No N/A
1. Will streamlined processes be put in place (e.g. through BizPaL, Canada Border Services Agency single window) to collect information from small businesses where possible? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
Small businesses will not be required to complete forms when devices are examined. Inspectors will be responsible for completing the examination certificates. Inspectors will be able to submit inspection data to Measurement Canada online.
2. Have opportunities to align with other obligations imposed on businesses by federal, provincial, municipal or international or multinational regulatory bodies been assessed? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
The Government of Canada has regulated trade measurement since 1871, and retains exclusive responsibility for legal metrology (trade measurement) under authority of section 91, subsection 17, of the Constitution Act. There is no overlap, duplication or shared responsibility with any other provincial or territorial government.
3. Has the impact of the proposed Regulations on international or interprovincial trade been assessed? Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
The proposed Regulations apply to the monitoring of measuring devices used in trade within Canada, which is solely a federal responsibility. There will therefore be no international or interprovincial impact.
4. If the data or information, other than personal information, required to comply with the proposed Regulations is already collected by another department or jurisdiction, will this information be obtained from that department or jurisdiction instead of requesting the same information from small businesses or other stakeholders? (The collection, retention, use, disclosure and disposal of personal information are all subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act. Any questions with respect to compliance with the Privacy Act should be referred to the department’s or agency’s ATIP office or legal services unit.) Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
No other department or jurisdiction collects the data or information required under the proposed Regulations.
5. Will forms be pre-populated with information or data already available to the department to reduce the time and cost necessary to complete them? (Example: When a business completes an online application for a licence, upon entering an identifier or a name, the system pre-populates the application with the applicant’s personal particulars such as contact information, date, etc. when that information is already available to the department.) Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
Small businesses will not be required to complete forms when devices are examined. Inspectors will be responsible for completing the examination certificates. Inspectors will be able to submit inspection data to Measurement Canada online.
6. Will electronic reporting and data collection be used, including electronic validation and confirmation of receipt of reports where appropriate? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
Small businesses will not be required to submit data when devices are examined. Inspectors will be responsible for completing the examination certificates. Inspectors will be able to submit inspection data to Measurement Canada online.
7. Will reporting, if required by the proposed Regulations, be aligned with generally used business processes or international standards if possible? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
The proposed Regulations do not require small businesses that use measuring devices to report to Measurement Canada.
8. If additional forms are required, can they be streamlined with existing forms that must be completed for other government information requirements? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
Examination results (examination certificates) are completed by inspectors.
III Implementation, compliance and service standards Yes No N/A
1. Has consideration been given to small businesses in remote areas, with special consideration to those that do not have access to high-speed (broadband) Internet? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
Examination frequencies will require an inspector to be on site to conduct a physical examination of devices.
2. If regulatory authorizations (e.g. licences, permits or certifications) are introduced, will service standards addressing timeliness of decision making be developed that are inclusive of complaints about poor service? Checkbox Checkbox Checked checkbox
The model that will be introduced by these Regulations will allow small businesses (device owners) the flexibility to schedule the examination when it best suits them.
3. Is there a clearly identified contact point or help desk for small businesses and other stakeholders? Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
Measurement Canada’s Web site identifies the address, phone number and email address for district offices across the country. This information allows stakeholders and small businesses to contact Measurement Canada to get information and lodge complaints.
B. Regulatory flexibility analysis and reverse onus
IV Regulatory flexibility analysis Yes No N/A
1. Does the RIAS identify at least one flexible option that has lower compliance or administrative costs for small businesses in the small business lens section? Examples of flexible options to minimize costs are as follows:
  • Longer time periods to comply with the requirements, longer transition periods or temporary exemptions;
  • Performance-based standards;
  • Partial or complete exemptions from compliance, especially for firms that have good track records (legal advice should be sought when considering such an option);
  • Reduced compliance costs;
  • Reduced fees or other charges or penalties;
  • Use of market incentives;
  • A range of options to comply with requirements, including lower-cost options;
  • Simplified and less frequent reporting obligations and inspections; and
  • Licences granted on a permanent basis or renewed less frequently.
Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
The RIAS indicates that during consultation with stakeholders the vulnerable parties requested one-year or six-month time periods for mandatory examinations. The time periods adopted were at least doubled (one year, two years or five years) in order to minimize costs. The RIAS also describes a phased-in implementation period to comply with the requirements.
2. Does the RIAS include, as part of the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Statement, quantified and monetized compliance and administrative costs for small businesses associated with the initial option assessed, as well as the flexible, lower-cost option?
  • Use the Regulatory Cost Calculator to quantify and monetize administrative and compliance costs and include the completed calculator in your submission to TBS-RAS.
Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
The RIAS contains an analysis of different options, showing quantified and monetized compliance and administrative costs. The flexibility analysis compares the costs and benefits associated with a base case to those under different conditions.
3. Does the RIAS include, as part of the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Statement, a consideration of the risks associated with the flexible option? (Minimizing administrative or compliance costs for small businesses cannot be at the expense of greater health, security or safety or create environmental risks for Canadians.) Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
The RIAS provides an analysis of the potential impacts associated with the flexible option. The conclusion is that there is very little or no impact on health, security, safety or the environment.
4. Does the RIAS include a summary of feedback provided by small businesses during consultations? Checkbox Checked checkbox Checkbox
Mandatory examination frequencies were identified in consultation with stakeholders, including vulnerable parties. Often these vulnerable parties were small businesses. For more information on these consultations (including the recommendations that came about as a result of the consultations), refer to Measurement Canada’s Web site at www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/h_lm00215.html.
V Reverse onus Yes No N/A
1. If the recommended option is not the lower-cost option for small businesses in terms of administrative or compliance costs, is a reasonable justification provided in the RIAS? Checked checkbox Checkbox Checkbox
The RIAS indicates that the lower-cost option was selected based on analysis and evaluation of the different options.

PROPOSED REGULATORY TEXT

Notice is given that the Governor in Council, pursuant to paragraphs 10(1)(d) (see footnote a), (e.1) (see footnote b), (g) (see footnote c), (i) (see footnote d), (q.1) (see footnote e), (u) and (v) of the Weights and Measures Act (see footnote f), proposes to make the annexed Regulations Amending the Weights and Measures Regulations.

Interested persons may make representations concerning the proposed Regulations within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. All such representations must cite the Canada Gazette, Part Ⅰ, and the date of publication of this notice, and be addressed to Gilles Vinet, Vice-President, Program Development Directorate, Measurement Canada, Industry Canada, Standards Building, 151 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C9 (tel.: 613-941-8918; fax: 613-952-1736; email: Gilles. Vinet@ic.gc.ca).

Ottawa, October 24, 2013

JURICA ČAPKUN
Assistant Clerk of the Privy Council

REGULATIONS AMENDING THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REGULATIONS

AMENDMENTS

1. (1) The definitions “inspection mark” and “tank” in section 2 of the Weights and Measures Regulations (see footnote 8) are repealed.

(2) The definition “acceptance limits of error” in section 2 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

“acceptance limits of error” means the limits of error that apply to a device when the performance of the device is tested

  • (a) at the time the class, type or design of that device is evaluated for approval;
  • (b) at the time the device is examined before its first use in trade;
  • (c) at the time the measuring elements of the device are overhauled or repaired following the failure of the device on examination to measure within the applicable limits of error; or
  • (d) at any time within 30 days after the time referred to in paragraph (b) or (c); (marge de tolérance à l’acceptation)

(3) Section 2 of the Regulations is amended by adding the following in alphabetical order:

“examination mark” means a mark that indicates the year in which a device was examined; (marque d’examen)

“examination sticker” means a self-adhesive label that indicates the month and year in which a device was examined and, if applicable, the month and year of the next examination required under section 15 of the Act, as determined in accordance with section 29; (étiquette d’examen)

“measuring tank” means a tank for use in trade for measuring the volume of liquid received or delivered, and includes a fixed, portable or vehicle-mounted tank; (réservoir jaugeur)

“vehicle tank” means a measuring tank that is mounted on a vehicle other than a vehicle for railway use. (réservoir sur véhicule)

2. The Regulations are amended by adding the following before the heading “EXEMPTIONS FROM THE ACT” before section 3:

INTERPRETATION

2.1 The following definitions apply in this Part and in Schedule I.

“downstream petroleum trade” means the trade of refined petroleum products and liquid alternative fuels between petroleum refineries, gas processing facilities, wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers. (commerce pétrolier aval)

“fishing products” means finfish, shellfish, marine vegetation and marine animals, including seals but no other furry marine animals, that are obtained from ocean or inland waters or aquaculture farms, and the products and by-products of their processing. (produits de la pêche)

“forestry products” means

  • (a) trees, logs and firewood;
  • (b) wood by-products other than methyl alcohol and wood resins; and
  • (c) paper, other than recycled paper in its untreated form. (produits forestiers)

“grain and field crop products and services” means

  • (a) cereal grains, oil seeds, grain corn, wheat, forage, hay, dry field peas, beans and seeds for those crops;
  • (b) feed grains and other animal foods processed by feed mills; and
  • (c) grain storage services offered in grain elevators. (grains, grandes cultures et services connexes)

“mining products” means metal and non-metal ores, refined ores and their transformed products, as well as refined precious metals and precious stones, but does not include scrap metal, products produced from the subsequent refining of precious metals and precious stones and, if used for construction, sand, gravel, stone and concrete products. (produits miniers)

“retail food trade” means the retail trade of food by retail food stores, including grocery stores, supermarkets, delicatessens, ethnic food stores, natural food stores, butcher shops, farmers’ markets, fish and seafood retailers, fruit and vegetable retailers, coffee retailers and specialty candy and nuts retailers. (commerce au détail des aliments)

“retail petroleum trade” means the retail trade of liquid refined petroleum products and liquid alternative fuels. (commerce pétrolier au détail)

3. Section 3 of the Regulations is renumbered as subsection 3(1) and is amended by adding the following:

(2) A device is exempt from the Act if it is used exclusively for

  • (a) gauging and strapping tanker ship holds or tanks that have a capacity of more than 55,000 litres and that are used in the downstream petroleum trade; or
  • (b) gauging ship holds that are used in the wholesale trade of mining products.

4. The heading before section 4 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

EXEMPTIONS FROM SECTION 8 AND SUBSECTION 15(1) OF THE ACT

5. (1) The portion of subsection 4(1) of the Regulations before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

4. (1) The following classes or types of devices are exempt from section 8 and subsection 15(1) of the Act:

(2) Paragraph 4(1)(f) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

  • (f) payment-operated machines that dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid and that do not register by a mechanical or an electrical indicator the quantity of liquid dispensed;

(3) Subsection 4(1) of the Regulations is amended by striking out “and” at the end of paragraph ( m ) and by adding the following after paragraph ( n ):

  • (o) linear static measures; and
  • (p) devices used in the downstream petroleum trade to measure liquids carried in a permanent closed piping system, either to or from a place where they are processed, treated or stored, other than to a place where the product is consumed or processed and is no longer considered a hydrocarbon.

(4) Subsection 4(2) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

(2) A device is exempt from section 8 and subsection 15(1) of the Act if it is used exclusively to weigh or measure

  • (a) standard quantity commodities; or
  • (b) crude petroleum products.

6. The heading before section 5 and sections 5 and 6 of the Regulations are replaced by the following:

EXEMPTIONS FROM PARAGRAPH 8(a) AND SUBSECTION 15(1) OF THE ACT

5. A measuring tank is exempt from paragraph 8(a) and subsection 15(1) of the Act if it conforms to applicable specifications relating to design, composition, construction and performance set out in Divisions I, V, X and XII of Part V and any additional specifications established under section 13.

EXEMPTIONS FROM PARAGRAPH 8(b) AND SUBSECTION 15(1) OF THE ACT

6. A device is exempt from paragraph 8(b) and subsection 15(1) of the Act if it is used exclusively in the wholesale trade of gold, silver or diamonds, after initial refining.

EXEMPTIONS FROM PARAGRAPH 8(b), SUBSECTION 15(1) AND PARAGRAPH 26(1)(c) OF THE ACT

6.1 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a meter register approved under section 3 of the Act that has no means, or has means that are not in use, of automatic temperature, pressure or density compensation is exempt from paragraph 8(b), subsection 15(1) and paragraph 26(1)(c) of the Act if it is installed as a replacement register on a volumetric liquid meter that has previously been examined and certified for the purposes of paragraph 8(b) of the Act.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a register that is altered to operate with automatic temperature, pressure or density compensation.

7. The heading before section 7 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

EXEMPTIONS FROM SECTION 8, SUBSECTION 15(1), SECTION 23, PARAGRAPH 24(b) AND SECTION 33 OF THE ACT

8. Subsection 7(1) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

7. (1) Subject to subsection (2), section 8, subsection 15(1), section 23, paragraph 24(b) and section 33 of the Act do not apply in respect of a trade transaction if the parties give written notice to the Minister that

  • (a) a device approved for use in trade or approved for use in the particular manner or for the particular purpose contemplated by them is not available to them for use in their intended trade transaction;
  • (b) they wish to use in their intended trade transaction a device other than one referred to in paragraph (a); and
  • (c) it would be impractical or unreasonably expensive to obtain approval for the class, type or design of device that they wish to use in their intended trade transaction or to comply with the examination requirement under paragraph 8(b) or subsection 15(1) of the Act.

9. The Regulations are amended by adding the following after section 10.1:

EXEMPTIONS FROM SUBSECTION 19(2) OF THE ACT

10.2 The following devices are exempt from subsection 19(2) of the Act:

  • (a) static measures; and
  • (b) weights that do not have lead plugs that have been marked in accordance with paragraph 30(3)(d).

10. (1) Paragraphs 15(1)(a) and (b) of the French version of the Regulations are replaced by the following:

  • a) le résultat des essais sur le fonctionnement de l’instrument dans des conditions réelles ou simulées;
  • b) les principaux dessins et les caractéristiques que doit utiliser le fabricant pour monter, mettre à l’essai et, s’il y a lieu, installer les instruments de cette catégorie, de ce type ou de ce modèle;

(2) Subsection 15(2) of the French version of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

(2) La personne qui présente une demande au titre de l’article 14 doit fournir tous les autres renseignements, résultats des essais, dessins ou caractéristiques que demande le ministre et dont il a besoin pour traiter la demande.

11. Section 16 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

16. On the request of the Minister and under any conditions that may be specified by him or her, the applicant shall make available to the Minister one or more devices of the class, type or design to which the application relates, together with any information, equipment, material and services that are required to evaluate the device for approval.

12. The portion of section 19 of the Regulations before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

19. Before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, a static measure that is of a class, type or design approved for use in trade and that is manufactured on or after January 1, 1976 shall be marked with the following information:

13. The portion of subsection 20(1) of the Regulations before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

20. (1) Before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, a weight that is of a class, type or design approved for use in trade shall be marked with the following information:

14. The portion of section 21 of the Regulations before paragraph ( a ) is replaced by the following:

21. Before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, a weighing machine (other than a weighing device to which the Specifications Relating to Non-Automatic Weighing Devices (1998) apply) or measuring machine that is of a class, type or design approved under section 3 of the Act, and any equipment or accessory attached to or used in conjunction with the machine that has or could have an effect on the accuracy of the machine and that was approved under section 3 of the Act shall be marked with the following information:

15. Sections 22 and 23 of the Regulations are replaced by the following:

22. Before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, a weighing machine or measuring machine that is of a class, type or design approved under section 3 of the Act and that is referred to in subsection 28(2) shall be marked “Not for Use in Trade until Examined” (“Ne pas utiliser dans le commerce avant l’examen”) or shall be marked with words that convey the same meaning, and those markings shall be in letters of not less than 12 mm in height and shall remain on the device until it has been examined and is found to meet the requirements of the Act and these Regulations.

23. (1) Before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, a weighing machine or measuring machine that is not of a class, type or design approved under section 3 of the Act and that is not exempt from approval under that section shall be marked “Not Legal for Trade” (“Non légal pour le commerce”) in letters of not less than 6 mm in height.

(2) A device described in paragraph 4(2)(a) shall be marked “For Prepackaging Use Only” (“Pour préemballage seulement”) in letters of not less than 6 mm in height.

16. The portion of subsection 24(1) of the Regulations before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

24. (1) Before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, a measuring tank that is of a class, type or design approved under section 3 of the Act shall be marked with the following information:

17. Section 25 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

25. Before being sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, for a use other than use in trade, a weighing machine or measuring machine that is of a class, type or design approved under section 3 of the Act shall be permanently marked “Not for Use in Trade” (“Ne pas utiliser dans le commerce”) in letters of not less than 12 mm in height.

18. The heading before section 28 and sections 28 to 31 of the Regulations are replaced by the following:

EXAMINATION OF DEVICES

28. (1) For the purposes of paragraph 26(1)(c) of the Act and subject to subsections (2) and (3), a device that is of a class, type or design approved under section 3 of the Act or that is described in section 8, other than a static measure or a device described in subsection 4(2), shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, unless

  • (a) the device is manufactured in Canada and the manufacturer has had it examined by an inspector; or
  • (b) the device is imported into Canada and the dealer who imported the device has had it examined by an inspector.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any device, the performance of which cannot be examined until the device is installed for use in trade, if the dealer

  • (a) marks the device in the manner set out in section 22;
  • (b) within five days after shipping the device, sends to the nearest Measurement Canada office a notice in writing containing
    • (i) the dealer’s name and address,
    • (ii) the name and address of the person to whom the device was sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, and
    • (iii) a description of the device, including the approval num-ber, serial number and model number.
    • (iv) the address of the place where the device is to be in-stalled; and
    (c) advises the trader that the device must be examined by an inspector before it is used in trade.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a device that is to be sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, for a use other than use in trade if the dealer

  • (a) marks the device in the manner set out in section 25; and
  • (b) within five days after selling or otherwise disposing of, or leasing, the device, sends to the nearest Measurement Canada office a notice in writing containing
    • (i) the dealer’s name and address,
    • (ii) the name and address of the person to whom the device was sold or otherwise disposed of, or leased, and
    • (iii) a description of the device, including the approval num-ber, serial number and model number.

29. (1) For the purpose of subsection 15(1) of the Act, a trader who uses or possesses for use a device set out in column I of Part Ⅰ of Schedule I, in the category of trade set out in column II, shall cause the device to be examined

  • (a) within whichever of the following periods ends later, if the device was used in or possessed for use in trade before the coming into force of this section:
    • (i) the implementation period set out in column I of Part Ⅱ of Schedule I for the geographic area set out in column II in which the device is located, counting from the day on which this section comes into force, and (ii) the period set out for the device in column III of Part I of Schedule I, counting from the most recent date before the coming into force of this section on which a certificate certi-fying compliance with the Act and these Regulations, as they then read, was issued in respect of the device; and
  • (b) within the period set out for the device in column III of Part Ⅰ of Schedule I, counting from the most recent date after the coming into force of this section on which a certificate certifying compliance with the requirements of the Act and these Regulations was issued following an examination referred to in paragraph 8(b) or section 15 or 15.1 of the Act.

(2) If a device falls under more than one item of Part Ⅰ of Schedule I, the shortest period set out in column III for those items applies for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(a)(ii) and paragraph (1)(b).

(3) For the purpose of subparagraph (1)(a)(i), if a device is moved from one geographic area to another before the expiry of the implementation period set out in column I of Part Ⅱ of Schedule I for the geographic area set out in column II from which the device is moved, the implementation period in respect of that device is, counting from the day on which this section comes into force,

  • (a) the implementation period set out in column I of Part Ⅱ of Schedule I for the geographic area set out in column II to which the device has been moved; or
  • (b) 24 months if the period referred to in paragraph (a) has already expired.

29.1 For the purpose of subsection 15(2) of the Act, the Minister may grant to a trader an extension of a period established under paragraph 29(1)(a) or (b) if

  • (a) the trader sends to the nearest Measurement Canada office a written request containing
    • (i) the trader’s name and address,
    • (ii) the address where the device is located, if different from that referred to in subparagraph (i),
    • (iii) the device’s make, model and serial number,
    • (iv) the range of the flow rate or the maximum load that may be measured by the device,
    • (v) the date of the most recent regulatory examination of the device,
    • (vi) a description of the purpose for which the device is used, sufficient to determine the category of trade in which it is used,
    • (vii) the reason for the extension request,
    • (viii) the efforts made to comply with the period, and
    • (ix) the duration of the extension being requested, not to ex-ceed one year;
  • (b) the trader establishes that circumstances beyond their control make it impossible to have the device examined within the period; and
  • (c) the trader has not previously been granted an extension of the period.

MARKING OF DEVICES

30. (1) An inspector who, for the purposes of paragraph 8(b) or 26(1)(c) of the Act, examines a device and determines that it meets the requirements of the Act and these Regulations shall mark the device or the container in which the device is stored when not in use with an examination mark in accordance with subsections (2), (3) and (4).

(2) A device referred to in subsection (1) shall be marked by means of a steel die or, if that is not possible, by means of a sticker.

(3) The examination mark shall be placed,

  • (a) in the case of a weighing or measuring machine to which a plate is permanently affixed, on the blank area referred to in subsection 18(2) or, if that is not possible, close to the plate;
  • (b) in the case of a weighing or measuring machine to which no plate is permanently affixed, on a part of the machine where it will be readily legible to a person using the machine under normal conditions of use;
  • (c) in the case of a weight that has a lead plug, on the lead plug; and
  • (d) in the case of a weight that does not have a lead plug, on any appropriate part of the weight.

(4) Despite subsection (3), if a device is so small that it cannot be marked in accordance with that subsection, the examination mark shall be placed on the container in which the device is stored when not in use.

30.1 An inspector who marks a weighing or measuring machine with an examination mark under section 30 shall also place an examination sticker on the device.

31. (1) An inspector who, under section 15 of the Act, examines a weighing or measuring machine set out in column I of Part Ⅰ of Schedule I that is or is to be used in the category of trade set out in column II, or who, under section 15.1 of the Act, examines a weighing or measuring machine that is or is to be used in trade and, in either case, determines that the machine meets the requirements of the Act and these Regulations shall mark the machine by placing on it an examination sticker.

(2) An inspector who, under paragraph 17(1)(b) or subsection 21(2) of the Act, examines a weighing or measuring machine that is or is to be used in trade and determines that it meets the requirements of the Act and these Regulations shall mark the machine by placing on it a sticker bearing the examination mark.

(3) An inspector who, under section 15 of the Act, examines a weight set out in column I of Part Ⅰ of Schedule I that has a lead plug and that is or is to be used in the category of trade set out in column II or who, under section 15.1, paragraph 17(1)(b) or subsection 21(2) of the Act, examines a weight that has a lead plug that is or is to be used in trade and, in either case, determines that the weight meets the requirements of the Act and these Regulations shall

  • (a) mark the plug with an examination mark by means of a steel die; or
  • (b) if the weight is so small that this is not possible, place an examination mark on the container in which the weight is stored when not in use.

19. The heading before section 33 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

ACCESSIBILITY AND ASSISTANCE FOR EXAMINING AND SEALING DEVICES

20. (1) Paragraph 33(1)(a) is replaced by the following:

  • (a) to examine the device, including performing a thorough visual examination of it and its components;

(2) Paragraph 33(1)(c) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

  • (c) to transport and to manoeuvre by customary means the local standards and other equipment necessary for performing the examination.

(3) Subsection 33(2) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the owner or person in possession of the device agrees

  • (a) to put at the inspector’s disposal the necessary facilities and to supply the necessary labour, test products, standards calibrated in relation to a relevant local standard and any other equipment necessary for examining and sealing the device; or
  • (b) on the request of the inspector, to remove the device to a suitable location and to supply the necessary equipment, material and services for examining and sealing the device.

21. Subsection 38(3) of the English version of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

(3) If a device described in subsection (2) has been removed from its installation and is installed again, the trader who owns the device or has it in their possession for use in trade shall, within five days after the date of the installation, make a report in writing to the nearest Measurement Canada office containing the information required by subsection (2) and the address and description of the place where the device was previously installed.

22. (1) Paragraph 39(1)(f) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

  • (f) the new address at which the machine can be examined.

(2) Subsection 39(2) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

(2) If a trader who owns or has in their possession for use in trade a measuring machine described in subsection (1) changes the address at which the machine can be examined, they shall, within five days after the date of changing the address, make a report in writing to the nearest Measurement Canada office containing the information required by paragraphs (1)(a), (b), (c), (d) and (f) and the address at which the machine could have been examined before the change of address.

23. Section 47.1 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

47.1 The statement of quantity for a commodity set out in column I of Schedule II.1 shall consist of at least one statement per parameter set out in column II.

24. (1) Subsection 52(1) of the English version of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

52. (1) The examination of any quantity of prepackaged commodities, referred to as a lot, each unit of which purports to contain the same quantity of commodity, that an inspector undertakes to determine whether the lot meets the requirements of the Act and these Regulations respecting the statement of quantity, shall be made by selecting and examining a sample from the lot.

(2) The portion of subsection 52(4) of the English version of the Regulations before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

(4) The lot from which a sample was taken and examined by an inspector does not meet the requirements of the Act and these Regulations respecting the statement of quantity if the inspector determines that

25. Subsection 54(2) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

(2) If the nominal value of a local standard is not set out in column I of the appropriate Part of Schedule IV, the tolerance for that standard shall be the amount resulting from linear interpolation between the tolerances set out in column II of that Part in respect of the nominal values set out in column I that are nearest to the nominal value of the standard.

26. The portion of item 10 of the table to subsection 56(1) of the Regulations in column I is replaced by the following:
Item

Column I

Local Standard

10. A linear static measure.............................................................................

27. The Regulations are amended by adding the following after section 58:

58.1 The fees and charges under this Part do not apply to services provided by an inspector who is not employed in the federal public administration.

28. Paragraphs 59(1)(a) to (e) of the Regulations are replaced by the following:

  • (a) examination of a device in accordance with a request referred to in section 15.1 or subsection 21(2) of the Act;
  • (b) examination of a device for the purposes of paragraph 8(b) of the Act;
  • (c) calibration of a standard, other than a standard used or intended to be used by an inspector to examine a device, at the request of the owner or person in possession of the standard;
  • (d) examination of a commodity at the request of the owner or person in possession of the commodity;
  • (e) provision of any service related to an application for the approval of a device or of a class, type or design of a device referred to in section 14; and

29. Section 63 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

63. If, in order to perform an examination, an inspector requires any equipment, material or commodity that is not customarily supplied by a Measurement Canada office and that has not been supplied by the dealer or trader for whom the examination is to be performed, the cost of purchasing or renting the necessary equipment, material or commodity and transporting it to and from the place where the examination is to be performed shall be payable in addition to the fee and charge otherwise payable for the examination.

30. Section 70 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

70. If the use of a device in any manner or for any purpose is prohibited in either the certificate issued at the time of the most recent examination performed under the Act or in the notice of approval of the device issued under section 3 of the Act or under a previous enactment, the device shall, throughout the period of its use in trade, have closely associated with it or prominently displayed on it a readily legible sign or notice setting out the manner or purpose of use that is prohibited.

31. Section 78 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

78. At the time of an examination for the purposes of paragraph 8(b) or 26(1)(c) of the Act, not more than two adjusting holes shall be provided in a single weight and at every examination there shall be lead in each adjusting hole sufficient to accept an examination mark.

32. Section 90 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

90. When not in use, a weight that, due to its small size, is not individually marked with an examination mark shall be stored in a container that bears the examination mark.

33. The headings before section 107 and sections 107 to 119 of the Regulations are repealed.

34. Subparagraph 282(3)(b)(i) of the English version of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

  • (i) so that diversion of flow is readily apparent to the purchaser or the purchaser’s agent or mandatary by automatic means such as visible valves or lights with explanatory signs that indicate which outlets are in operation,

35. Section 284 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

284. A meter, other than a slow-flow meter, shall be installed so that it has a convenient means for delivering the measured product when the meter installation is examined.

36. Sections 292 and 293 of the Regulations are replaced by the following:

292. A flow transmitter for input to an electronic data processing system may be attached to a liquid meter and the output from the data processing system used for invoicing purposes if the purchaser of the liquid being measured or their agent or mandatary is given a printed copy of the data recorded by the data processing system before they leave the trader’s premises.

293. A flow transmitter may be installed at a key-operated self-service meter installation to drive the auxiliary accumulative totalizers for individual customers if the purchaser of the liquid being measured is able to visually check the advance of their totalizer against the indication of the primary indicator at the time of delivery of the liquid.

37. Section 296 of the Regulations and the heading “Interpretation” before it are repealed.

38. Section 310 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

310. (1) A portable measuring tank shall be equipped with permanent level gauges to enable it to be levelled for examination and use.

(2) A portable measuring tank with a gauge glass shall be equipped with levelling jacks to enable it to be levelled for examination and use.

39. Sections 321 to 323 of the Regulations are replaced by the following:

321. A measuring tank shall be tested and calibrated with a liquid that has a thermal expansion coefficient, volatility and viscosity not greater than those of domestic furnace fuel oil and that will not have a corrosive effect on the tank.

322. A measuring tank shall be tested and calibrated when all necessary supports have been installed and it is resting in the position in which it is designed to be used.

323. A measuring tank, other than a vehicle tank, shall be calibrated to a valve immediately adjacent to the outlet connection on the tank.

40. (1) The portion of subsection 325(3) of the Regulations before the table is replaced by the following:

(3) Subject to subsection (5), the limits of error set out in the table to this subsection apply to all measuring tanks that are calibrated in terms of metric units of volume.

(2) The portion of subsection 325(4) of the Regulations before the table is replaced by the following:

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the limits of error set out in the table to this subsection apply to all measuring tanks that are calibrated in terms of Canadian units of volume.

41. Section 328 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

328. A fixed measuring tank shall be level when filled, as shown by the levels installed on the tank or by the levelling ledges, and, when in use, a portable measuring tank or vehicle tank shall be filled and emptied when it is as close to level conditions as possible.

42. Schedule I to the Regulations is renumbered as Schedule II.1 and is repositioned accordingly.

43. The Regulations are amended by adding, before Schedule II, the Schedule I set out in the schedule to these Regulations.

44. The Regulations are amended by replacing “tank” with “measuring tank” in the following provisions with any necessary modifications:

  • (a) paragraph 4(1)(j);
  • (b) paragraphs 24(1)(a) to (g) and subsection 24(5);
  • (c) item 1, column I, of the table to subsection 67(1);
  • (d) sections 297 to 309;
  • (e) section 324;
  • (f) subsections 325(1), (2), (5) and (6);
  • (g) section 327; and
  • (h) sections 329 and 330.

45. The Regulations are amended by replacing “inspected”, “inspection”, “inspecting” and “inspect” with “examined”, “examination”, “examining” and “examine”, respectively, in the following provisions:

  • (a) paragraph 4(1)(n);
  • (b) subsection 8(1);
  • (c) the portion of subsection 9(1) before paragraph (a) and paragraph 9(1)(b);
  • (d) section 10;
  • (e) paragraph 12(2)(f);
  • (f) subsection 18(2);
  • (g) paragraph 40(2)(c);
  • (h) the heading before section 50 and sections 50 and 51;
  • (i) the heading before section 52;
  • (j) items 1 and 2, column I, of the table to subsection 56(1);
  • (k) section 64;
  • (l) section 163;
  • (m) section 257;
  • (n) paragraph 282(3)(a);
  • (o) section 283;
  • (p) the titles of Parts Ⅰ to IV, XIII and XIV of Schedule IV; and
  • (q) paragraphs 1(c) to (e) and (g), column I, of Part Ⅱ of Schedule V.

46. The French version of the Regulations is amended by replacing “vérifié”, “vérifications” and “vérification” with “mis à l’essai”, “essais” and “essai”, respectively, in the following provisions with any necessary modifications:

  • (a) the definition “marge de tolérance en service” in section 2;
  • (b) paragraph 40(2)(h);
  • (c) paragraph 41(1)(h); and
  • (d) section 326.

47. The French version of the Regulations is amended by replacing “réservoir” and “réservoir-mesure” with “réservoir jaugeur” and by replacing “réservoirs” and “réservoirs-mesures” with “réservoirs jaugeurs” in the following provisions:

  • (a) paragraphs 4(1)(h) and (i);
  • (b) the heading before section 24;
  • (c) paragraph 24(1)(h) and subsections 24(2), (4) and (6); and
  • (d) section 32.

48. (1) The portion of subsection 33(1) before paragraph (a) of the French version of the Regulations is amended by replacing “ou le détenteur” with “de l’instrument ou la personne qui l’a en sa possession”.

(2) Paragraph 59(1)(f) of the French version of the Regulations is amended by replacing “ou du détenteur de celui-ci” with “de celui-ci ou de la personne qui l’a en sa possession”.

COMING INTO FORCE

49. These Regulations come into force on the day on which the Fairness at the Pumps Act, chapter 3 of the Statutes of Canada, 2011, comes into force.

SCHEDULE
(Section 43)

SCHEDULE I
(Sections 2.1 and 29 and subsections 31(1) and (3))

EXAMINATION PERIODS

PART I
Item

Column I

Device

Column II

Category of trade

Column III

Period

1. weighing machine wholesale trade of dairy products 2 years
2. meter wholesale trade of dairy products 1 year
3. any device downstream petroleum trade 2 years
4. any device wholesale trade of fishing products 1 year
5. weighing machine trade of forestry products 1 year
6. device other than a weighing machine used in a grain elevator licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission wholesale trade of grain and field crop products and services 2 years
7. weighing machine used in a grain elevator licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission wholesale trade of grain and field crop products and services 1 year
8. any device wholesale trade of mining products 2 years
9. any device retail food trade 5 years
10. device other than a propane meter retail petroleum trade 2 years
11. propane meter retail petroleum trade 1 year
PART II
Item

Column I

Implementation period

Column II

Geographic area by first three characters of postal code

1. 6 months A0A, A1A, A1B, A1C, A1E, A1G, A1H, A1K, A1L, A1N, A1S, A1W, A1X, A1Y, B0H, B0M, B2T, B2V, B2W, B2X, B2Y, B2Z, B3A, B3B, B3E, B3G, B4A, B4B, B4C, B4E, B4G, E1H, E1J, E2V, E4A, E4B, E4C, E4E, E4G, E4H, E4J, E4K, E4L, E4M, E4N, E4P, E4R, E4T, E4Z, E5J, E5K, E5L, E5M, E5N, E5P, E5R, E5S, E5T, E6C, G0K, G0L, G1B, G1C, G1E, G1G, G1H, G1X, G1Y, G2B, G2C, G2E, G2G, G2J, G2K, G2L, G5H, G5L, G5M, G5N, G5R, G5T, G7B, G7G, G7H, G7J, G7K, G7N, G7P, G7S, G7T, G7X, G7Y, G7Z, G8A, H0A, H1A, H1B, H1C, H1E, H1G, H1H, H1J, H1K, H1L, H1M, H1N, H1P, H1R, H1T, H1V, H1X, H1Z, H7A, J0A, J0B, J0C, J0G, J1A, J1E, J1G, J1H, J1J, J1K, J1L, J1M, J1N, J1S, J1T, J1X, J1Z, J2A, J2B, J2C, J2E, J3P, J3R, J3T, H7B, H7C, H2A, H2E, H2P, H2R, H3N, H3P, H3R, H3X, H4P, H4W, H4V, H4B, H4X, H4E, H4H, H8N, H8P, H8R, H8S, K1B, K1C, K1E, K1G, K1H, K1J, K1S, K1W, K1Y, K1Z, K2A, K2B, K2C, K2H, K2K, K4A, L0P, L0R, L3M, L4X, L4Y, L5E, L7G, L7J, L7M, L7P, L8E, L8J, L8W, L9B, L9G, L9K, L9T, M1E, M1G, M1H, M1J, M1K, M1L, M1M, M1N, M1P, M1R, M3A, M8V, M8W, M8X, M8Y, M8Z, M9A, M9B, M9C, M9N, M9P, M9R, N0A, N0B, N0E, N0J, N0K, N0L, N0M, N0N, N0P, N0R, N1A, N1M, N1P, N1T, N2A, N2B, N2E, N2K, N2N, N2P, N2R, N2T, N2V, N3B, N3C, N3E, N3L, N3W, N3Y, N4B, N4G, N4S, N4T, N4V, N4X, N4Z, N5A, N5C, N5H, N5L, N5P, N5R, N5V, N5X, N6E, N6G, N6H, N6K, N6L, N6M, N6N, N6P, N7G, N7L, N7M, N8A, N8H, N8M, N8N, N8P, N8R, N8S, N8T, N8V, N8W, N8X, N8Y, N9A, N9B, N9C, N9E, N9G, N9H, N9J, N9K, N9V, N9Y, P0H, P0J, P0K, P0M, P0N, P0S, P1A, P1B, P1C, P2N, P3A, P3B, P3C, P3E, P3G, P3L, P3N, P3P, P3Y, P4N, P4P, P4R, R2C, R2G, R2H, R2J, R2K, R2L, R2M, R2N, R2P, R2R, R2V, R2W, R2X, R2Y, R3A, R3B, R3C, R3E, R3G, R3H, R3J, R3K, R3L, R3M, R3N, R3P, R3R, R3S, R3T, R3V, R3W, R3X, R3Y, R7A, R7B, R7C, S4L, S4N, S4P, S4R, S4S, S4T, S4V, S4W, S4X, S4Y, S4Z, S7H, S7J, S7K, S7L, S7M, S7N, S7P, S7R, S7S, S7T, S7V, T1H, T1J, T1K, T1Y, T2A, T2B, T2C, T2J, T2W, T2Z, T3B, T3H, T3J, T5A, T5C, T5E, T5L, T5M, T5N, T5P, T5R, T5W, T6B, T6H, T6J, T6K, T6L, T6N, V1M, V2K, V2L, V2M, V2N, V2Y, V2Z, V3A, V3C, V3J, V3K, V3L, V3M, V3N, V3R, V3S, V3T, V3V, V3W, V3X, V4C, V4E, V4G, V4N, V4W, V6V, V6W, V6X, V6Y, V7A, V7C, V7E
2. 11 months A0B, A0H, A0L, A0M, A2A, A2B, A2H, B0R, B0W, B2G, B2H, B4V, E1A, E1B, E1C, E1E, E1G, E2E, E2G, E2H, E2J, E2K, E2L, E2M, E2N, E2P, E2R, E2S, E3A, E3B, E3C, E3E, G0A, G0R, G0S, G2A, G2M, G2N, G3A, G3E, G3G, G3H, G3J, G3K, G3L, G3Z, G4A, G5A, G5V, G6C, G6E, G6J, G6K, G6L, G6V, G6W, G6X, G6Z, G7A, G8B, G8C, G8N, H2B, H2C, H2M, H2N, H3L, H3M, H4J, H4K, H4L, H4M, H4N, H4R, H4S, H4T, H4Y, H7E, H7G, H7H, H7K, H7L, H7M, H7N, H7P, H7R, H7S, H7T, H7V, H7W, H7X, H7Y, H8T, H8Y, H8Z, H9A, H9B, H9C, H9E, H9G, H9H, H9J, H9K, H9P, H9R, H9S, H9W, H9X, J0E, J0H, J2G, J2H, J2J, J2K, J2L, J2S, J2T, K1K, K1L, K1P, K1R, K2P, K6H, K6J, K6K, K6T, K6V, L2E, L2G, L2H, L2J, L2M, L2N, L2P, L2R, L2S, L2T, L2V, L2W, L3B, L3C, L4T, L4V, L4W, L4Z, L5M, L5N, L5P, L5R, L5S, L5T, L5V, L5W, L6H, L6M, L7L, L7N, L7R, L7S, L7T, L8G, L8K, L8N, L8T, L8V, L9A, L9C, M1B, M1C, M1S, M1T, M1V, M1W, M1X, M2H, M2J, M2K, M2M, M2N, M2R, M3H, M3J, M3K, M3L, M3M, M3N, M9L, M9M, M9V, M9W, N0G, N1C, N1E, N1G, N1H, N1K, N1L, N1R, N1S, N2C, N2G, N2H, N2J, N2L, N2M, N2Z, N3H, N3P, N3R, N3S, N3T, N3V, N4N, N4W, N5W, N5Y, N5Z, N6A, N6B, N6C, N6J, N7A, P0A, P0G, P2A, P5A, P5N, P6A, P6B, P6C, P7A, P7B, P7C, P7E, P7G, P7J, P7K, R0G, R0H, R0K, R1A, R1N, R2E, R4A, R4H, R4J, R4K, R4L, R5A, R5G, R5H, R6M, R6W, S0A, S0G, S0K, S2V, S4H, S6H, S6J, S6K, S6V, S6W, S6X, S9A, T1M, T1P, T1V, T1X, T2X, T2Y, T3A, T3G, T3K, T3L, T3M, T3N, T3Z, T4A, T4B, T4C, T4H, T4V, T4X, T5S, T5T, T5V, T5X, T5Y, T5Z, T6M, T6P, T6R, T6S, T6T, T6V, T6W, T6X, T7N, T7P, T7X, T7Y, T7Z, T8A, T8B, T8C, T8E, T8G, T8H, T8L, T8N, T8R, T9A, T9C, T9E, T9G, V0R, V2J, V2T, V2X, V3B, V3E, V3H, V3Y, V4K, V4P, V4R, V4X, V5A, V5B, V5C, V5E, V5G, V5H, V5J, V5K, V5M, V5P, V5R, V5S, V5W, V5X, V6M, V6N, V6P, V7B, V9G, V9K, V9L, V9P, V9R, V9S, V9T, V9V, V9X, V9Y
3. 15 months A0E, A0J, A0N, A2N, B0J, B0T, B2N, B3H, B3J, B3K, B3L, B3M, B3N, B3P, B3R, B3S, B3T, B3V, B3Z, all postal codes beginning with the letter C, E1N, E1V, E3L, E3Z, E4S, E4V, E4W, E4X, E4Y, E5A, E5C, E5H, E6A, E6B, E6E, E6G, E6H, E6J, E6K, E6L, E7G, E7H, E7J, E7K, E7L, E7M, E7N, E7P, E9A, E9B, E9C, E9E, E9G, E9H, G0J, G0M, G0N, G0P, G0X, G0Y, G0Z, G4W, G4Z, G5C, G5J, G5X, G5Y, G5Z, G6A, G6B, G6G, G6H, G6P, G6R, G6S, G6T, G8H, G8J, G8K, G8L, G8M, G8T, G8V, G8W, G8Y, G8Z, G9A, G9B, G9C, G9H, G9N, G9P, G9R, G9T, G9X, H0M, J0J, J0L, J0N, J0P, J0R, J0S, J0V, J2N, J2W, J2X, J2Y, J3A, J3B, J3E, J3G, J3H, J3L, J3M, J3N, J3V, J3X, J4B, J4G, J4H, J4J, J4K, J4L, J4M, J4N, J4P, J4R, J4S, J4V, J4W, J4X, J4Y, J4Z, J5A, J5J, J5R, J5V, J5W, J5X, J5Y, J5Z, J6A, J6E, J6J, J6K, J6N, J6R, J6S, J6T, J6V, J6W, J6X, J6Y, J6Z, J7A, J7B, J7C, J7E, J7G, J7H, J7J, J7K, J7L, J7M, J7N, J7P, J7R, J7T, J7V, J7X, J7Y, J7Z, J8A, J8B, J8C, J8G, J8H, J8L, J8M, K0C, K0E, K0G, K1M, K1N, K1T, K1V, K2E, K2G, K2L, K2M, K2R, K2S, K2T, K2V, K4C, K7A, K7G, K7H, L0A, L0B, L0C, L0E, L0G, L0H, L0J, L0L, L0M, L0N, L0S, L1A, L1B, L1C, L1E, L1G, L1H, L1J, L1K, L1L, L1M, L1N, L1P, L1R, L1S, L1T, L1V, L1W, L1Z, L2A, L3K, L3P, L3R, L3S, L3T, L3X, L3Y, L3Z, L4B, L4G, L4J, L4K, L4L, L4M, L4N, L4P, L5A, L5B, L5C, L5G, L5H, L5J, L5K, L5L, L6G, L7B, L7C, L7E, L8H, L8L, L8M, L8P, L8R, L8S, L9H, L9L, L9N, L9P, L9R, L9S, L9V, L9W, L9Y, N0C, N0H, N4K, N4L, N7S, N7T, N7V, N7W, N7X, P0B, P0C, P0E, P0R, P0W, P0X, P0Y, P1H, P1L, P1P, P5E, P8N, P8T, P9A, P9N, R0A, R0C, R0E, R0J, R0L, R0M, R7N, S0C, S0E, S0H, S0L, S3N, S4A, S9H, T0L, T0M, T1A, T1B, T1C, T1G, T1R, T1W, T2E, T2H, T2V, T3E, T4E, T4G, T4J, T4L, T4N, T4P, T4R, T4S, T7A, T7E, T7S, T9N, T9S, T9W, T9X, V0L, V0M, V0N, V0P, V0X, V1B, V1H, V1K, V1P, V1T, V1V, V1W, V1X, V1Y, V1Z, V2G, V2P, V2R, V2S, V2V, V2W, V4A, V4B, V4L, V4M, V4S, V4T, V4V, V4Z, V6K, V6L, V6R, V6S, V6T, V7G, V7H, V7J, V7K, V7L, V7M, V7N, V8A, V8C, V8G, V9H, V9J, V9M, V9N, V9W
4. 18 months A0C, A0G, A1V, A0K (on Newfoundland Island only), B0C, B0E, B0K, B0L, B0N, B0S, B0V, B2C, B2J, B4H, B5A, E2A, E3N, E3Y, E7C, E7E, E8A, E8B, E8C, E8E, E8G, E8J, E8K, E8L, G0C, G0E, G0H, G0T, G0V, G0W, G4R, G4S, G4X, G5B, J0K, J0T, J0W, J0X, J0Z, J8N, J8P, J8R, J8T, J8V, J8X, J8Y, J8Z, J9A, J9B, J9E, J9H, J9J, J9L, K0A, K0B, K0H, K0J, K0K, K0L, K0M, K1X, K2J, K4M, K4P, K4R, K6A, K7C, K7K, K7L, K7M, K7N, K7P, K7R, K7V, K8A, K8B, K8H, K8N, K8P, K8R, K8V, K9A, K9H, K9J, K9K, K9L, K9V, L0K, L1X, L1Y, L3V, L4A, L4C, L4E, L4H, L4R, L4S, L6A, L6B, L6C, L6E, L6J, L6K, L6L, L9M, P0P, P0T, R8A, R8N, R9A, S0M, S0N, S0P, S9V, S9X, T0A, T0B, T0C, T0E, T0G, T0J, T0K, T2G, T2K, T2L, T2M, T2N, T2P, T2R, T2S, T2T, T3C, T5B, T5G, T5H, T5J, T5K, T6A, T6C, T6E, T6G, T7V, T8V, T8W, T8X, T9M, T9V, V0E, V0G, V0H, V0J, V0K, V0S, V0T, V0V, V1E, V1G, V1J, V1L, V1N, V1R, V1S, V2A, V2B, V2C, V2E, V2H, V3G, V7P, V7R, V7S, V7T, V7V, V7W, V8J, V8M, V8N, V8P, V8R, V8S, V8T, V8V, V8W, V8X, V8Y, V8Z, V9A, V9B, V9C, V9E
5. 24 months all other postal codes

[44-1-o]