Services		CFTM		Approvals		Electricity		Volume
Sector Review		Authorized Service  Providers		Consumer Page		Natural Gas		Mass

2000-12-04 Impact of trade sector reviews on accredited organizations

PDF Format [23 Kb]

In order to better accomplish our mission of ensuring equitable and accurate measurement of goods and services, Measurement Canada is conducting trade sector reviews. Through these reviews, Measurement Canada will identify trade sectors where direct intervention is necessary to ensure the accurate measurement of goods and services and other sectors where less intervention is possible with reasonable risk to the parties involved in the measurement transaction. This will allow Measurement Canada to focus its limited resources on those areas where the return to the Canadian taxpayer is greatest.

As a result of the trade sector reviews, it is possible that current levels of intervention, such as measuring instrument (e.g. scales, gasoline dispensers, electricity and natural gas meters) approval or inspection, may no longer be required in some sectors. It is also possible that additional intervention levels may be established in certain sectors where Measurement Canada has presently little or no involvement. In addition, for trade sectors where the inspection of measuring instruments is a required intervention, it is possible that alternate service delivery mechanisms other than accreditation may be employed.

Using criteria established in consultation with KPMG Management Consultants, Measurement Canada has ranked 39 sectors dependant on trade measurement as having high, medium or low potential for intervention. These rankings serve as the starting point for Measurement Canada's in-depth consultation with stakeholders in the various sectors. It is these in-depth consultations and resulting recommendations that are referred to as "trade sector reviews". The reviews will assist in determining the types of interventions that are required to ensure equitable and accurate measurement from the perspective of stakeholders, and particularly from the perspective of vulnerable parties. The trade sector reviews also involve recommending alternate service delivery mechanisms for the selected intervention activities. In other words, Measurement Canada will develop partnerships with public and private organizations that demonstrate capability to deliver services, while maintaining oversight of measurement accuracy and equity in the marketplace.

It is important that you are aware of the possible outcomes that could result from the trade sector reviews and their impact on your business. Measurement Canada has begun to meet with key stakeholders in two trade sectors (electricity and downstream petroleum). It is anticipated that the level of intervention for these trade sectors will be identified by July 2001. The recommended level of intervention is expected to be implemented by January 2003 (e.g. time is required to make any necessary changes to legislated requirements, identify potential partners or service delivery agents, etc.).

Other sectors being reviewed over the next two to three years include the retail food sector, the retail gasoline sector and the water utilities industry. Measurement Canada will continue to identify upcoming trade sector reviews on an on-going basis.

As a stakeholder in the trade sector reviews, you are encouraged to actively participate in the consultations. For information regarding Measurement Canada's trade sector reviews, including the latest discussion papers and reports, please refer to the Sector Reviews's.

Any enquiries with respect to this notice should be directed to the following Measurement Canada representatives: 

Ms. Sonia Roussy
Vice-President, Intervention Strategies
Measurement Canada
Tel.: (613) 952-4285
Fax: (613) 952-1736
E-mail: roussy.sonia@ic.gc.ca

Mr. Gilles Vinet
Vice President Program Development
Measurement Canada
Tel.: (613) 941-8918
Fax: (613) 952-1736
E-mail: vinet.gilles@ic.gc.ca

Alan E. Johnston
President, Measurement Canada