Yes, Mr. Chair.
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It is always a pleasure to see you. Your approach is just as balanced as usual.
Last week, we were to hear from a witness, a representative from Option consommateurs. Unfortunately, because of all kinds of problems, the meeting did not take place and therefore she did not come.
I did, however, have the pleasure of meeting her. She wanted to say that she had participated in the process—you began this process a few years ago in order to review all of the aspects—and that people had ample opportunity to express their views.
In a nutshell, if I were to summarize her conclusion, I would say that they are in favour of Bill C-14, particularly those clauses requiring merchants to ensure that their measurement instruments are in compliance on a regular basis according to the schedule established by the minister. They also agree with using outside service providers, providing that they meet transparent criteria and that their work is periodically inspected by Measurement Canada.
Hence, these conclusions contain two aspects tied to inspections. In her presentation, she told us that in certain places—such as in the United States, apparently—annual inspections are conducted. The frequency of inspections will be established in the regulations. It would appear that these regulations may be calling for more frequent inspections.
What is your position on that matter? Do you feel that there is a real need to have inspections carried out more frequently, on an annual basis?