Order Amending Schedule IV to the Weights and Measures Act: SOR/2021-84
Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 155, Number 9
Registration
SOR/2021-84 April 19, 2021
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT
P.C. 2021-306 April 19, 2021
His Excellency the Administrator of the Government of Canada in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Industry, pursuant to subsection 11(2) of the Weights and Measures Act footnote a, makes the annexed Order Amending Schedule IV to the Weights and Measures Act.
Order Amending Schedule IV to the Weights and Measures Act
Amendments
1 Section 1 of Schedule IV to the Weights and Measures Act footnote a is replaced by the following:
1 The national standard for length in Canada realized, through the use of any device, in compliance with the definition metre adopted by the 26e Conférence générale des poids et mesures as reported in the Comptes rendus de la 26e Conférence générale des poids et mesures published by the Bureau international des poids et mesures, and determined by the National Research Council of Canada under subparagraph 5(1)(c)(iv) of the National Research Council Act.
| Item | Standard Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | VS1163_4749 | Precision temperature scanner, Model 1586A, manufactured by Fluke Calibration, having serial number 48175028; and Platinum Resistance Thermometer, Model 5626, manufactured by Fluke Calibration, having serial number 4749 |
| Item | Standard Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | EL-1963 | Single-phase Electricity Reference Standard, Radian Xytronic Model RX-23-PQ, manufactured by Radian Research Inc., having serial number 710590 |
Coming into Force
4 This Order comes into force on the day on which it is registered.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT
(This statement is not part of the Order.)
Issues
The list of reference standards in the Weights and Measures Act requires changes to include new items for the measurement of temperature and electricity. One of the two reference standards for the measurement of temperature on the list is approximately 18 years old and is approaching the end of its useful life. The measurement of certain electrical quantities cannot be addressed by reference standards already on the list. These technical amendments will enable Measurement Canada to use current and reliable reference standards in its work, including calibrations.
Background
The Weights and Measures Act (the Act) contributes to a fair marketplace by requiring that goods and services are measured accurately in transactions based on measurement. The Act governs legal units of measurement, the use of approved and examined weighing and measuring devices that meet established legislative and regulatory requirements, and the accurate measurement of products and services traded on the basis of measurement. Schedule IV to the Act lists the reference standards for the measurement of length, mass or weight, temperature, electricity and gas in Canada.
Metrology (the science of measurement) is based on the concept of traceability, which allows the calibration of a standard or measuring apparatus to be traced to a known standard. Confidence in marketplace transactions is assured when the accuracy of measuring devices used in measurement-based market transactions are traceable to recognized reference standards.
The internationally agreed upon definition of the metre was revised in 2018 by the 26th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM). The CGPM is the primary international body for intergovernmental treaties responsible for the International System of Units. In Schedule IV to the Act, the section for measurement of length refers to the definition of the metre as passed by the 17th meeting of the CGPM.
Objective
The objective of the amendments is to support the traceability of measurements in Canada by including current and internationally agreed upon reference standards in Schedule IV to the Act.
Description and rationale
The amendments modify Schedule IV to the Act by adding one reference standard for the measurement of temperature and one reference standard for the measurement of electricity. The new reference standard for temperature is a very high accuracy and low uncertainty probe. The new reference standard for electricity will enable the measurement of electrical quantities that other reference standards cannot address.
The text in the section for measurement of length is amended to refer to the 26th meeting (instead of the 17th meeting) of the General Conference on Weights and Measures, at which the most recent definition of the metre was passed. For accuracy, this section of Schedule IV must be updated to reflect the correct international meeting.
The technical amendments to Schedule IV to the Act are required to ensure that the Act includes the most up-to-date reference standards. The changes will enable Measurement Canada to use the newly added reference standards for its work relating to temperature and electricity measurement, including calibrations.
No external consultation on the substance of these amendments has been carried out, given that stakeholders will not be impacted. These amendments do not impose any burden on the general public or any party subject to the requirements set out in the Act or its regulations.
One-for-one rule and small business lens
The one-for-one rule and the small business lens do not apply to these amendments, as there is no change in administrative costs or burden to businesses.
Contact
David Spicer
Vice President
Measurement Canada
Telephone: 343‑548‑6985
Email: david.spicer@canada.ca