The Weights and Measures Act and Regulations set the rules of the Canadian marketplace with respect to the purchase and sale of measured products and services. The Act and Regulations apply to:
The Weights and Measures Act requires that:
The Weights and Measures Regulations specify the accuracy performance requirements for measuring devices, commodities, services, and measurement standards, measuring device installation and usage requirements, and the fees and charges associated with measuring device approval and certification.
Owners and operators are legally responsible for ensuring their measuring devices measure accurately. In order to satisfy this requirement, owners and operators should make sure that their measuring devices:
The accuracy of a measuring device should be checked on a regular basis and staff using the device should be trained on its proper operation and use. In addition, a Measurement Canada inspector or a Measurement Canada authorized service provider may visit a business to test and certify the accuracy of your measuring device. If the measuring device is found to be measuring inaccurately, repairs will be needed. Depending on the measurement error identified, the defective device may be required to be taken out of service until the necessary repairs are made.
On occasion, businesses or consumers may suspect that they are not receiving accurate measurement. The two parties to a measurement transaction are encouraged to try and resolve the dispute between themselves. However, if this approach does not resolve the matter, either party may submit a complaint to Measurement Canada's local district office. Measurement Canada will perform a complaint inspection and advise the complainant of the results. As a general practice, Measurement Canada does not divulge the name of the person who made the complaint inspection request.
Measurement Canada does not release the degree of the measurement error to the complainant; nor does it negotiate, on behalf of the complainant, any reimbursement due to inaccurate measurement. If noncompliance with the legislation is determined, Measurement Canada directs the person responsible to take corrective action within a specified period of time.
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this section is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. For particular questions, the users are invited to contact their lawyer. For additional information, see contact(s) listed below.
New Brunswick Contact(s):
Answering service
Measurement Canada
Saint John, New Brunswick
Telephone: 506-636-4591
Web site:
http://mc.ic.gc.ca