Industry committee  We considered all of the options in order to try and determine which model was the best. We looked at what has been done in other countries. Our conclusion is that the model proposed in the bill is the best one. If we were to hire more inspectors to carry out this work, if that were possible, we would need at least 300 inspectors.

Industry committee  Our priority is always accurate measurement, and this is in the interest of the consumer. It is for the merchant as well, but it is for the consumer, because the consumer is the vulnerable party in the transaction. In fact, our aim is to ensure that the devices are accurate. We have recently seen in the marketplace that there are an awful lot of devices that do not respect the legal tolerances with regard to accuracy.

Industry committee  Well, we cannot be 100% sure, but our data clearly show that the vast majority of the infractions with regard to accuracy are due to wear and tear, or negligence, such as companies not having their devices calibrated over the years. Is that fraud, or is that...? I think there's a lot of negligence and there's a lot of wear and tear.

Industry committee  It is certainly more difficult with regard to the accuracy of these measuring devices because they have to work when it is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. This requires more regular calibration and maintenance work.

Industry committee  I will answer that question. It is the same tolerance level internationally: 0.05% for gas pumps. When the tolerance calculations are done, several factors come into play. There are financial factors, but there are also technical factors, because there is the matter of measurement uncertainty.

Industry committee  It is because that legal device is inspected and certified at the gas pump. Therefore, in the case of a problem with the console in the wicket, the legal device is the one that the consumer saw. This is why we require that the price be indicated in that way. In the case of a conflict inside, it has to be clear that it is the gas pump outside that provides the legal measurement to be used in the transaction.

Industry committee  No. As far as I know, it does not happen often.

Industry committee  It is covered by the legislation. That is a sector for which we have carried out consultations. It is a sector that we are presently studying. If Measurement Canada ever deemed it necessary to regulate water meters, then the regulations would have to be amended. It would not be necessary to change the law to cover water meters, but the regulations would have to be amended.

Industry committee  In our case, when we talk about complaints, we are always talking about complaints made to Measurement Canada by consumers who are of the belief that specific devices are inaccurate. We then investigate. In the context of our work, obviously, if we discover or have strong suspicions that there is fraud going on, then we will inform the police.

Industry committee  In the case of extreme fraud, in the past, we called upon the Sûreté du Québec. We have, in a few cases, worked with the Sûreté du Québec. At Measurement Canada, when we talk about complaints, these are always consumer complaints and not complaints made to the police. However, complaints to the police are a possibility.

Industry committee  With regard to electric meters and gas meters, such as those used in the case of Gaz Métro or Hydro Quebec, the law is clear. It is their responsibility to ensure that the meters are accurate. However, the system is such that an initial inspection of all meters is done, and then there are periodic inspections.

Industry committee  No. By authorized service providers, recognized organizations...

Industry committee  Yes, but in this case, Hydro Quebec is an organization that is accredited by Measurement Canada to carry out device certification and inspection. Therefore, they will verify their meters and fulfil all of our requirements. We do a follow-up on their quality assurance system. We also do an annual follow-up of their operations' audits — they must provide us with information on the results they have obtained.

Industry committee  We only intervene in those cases where there is a dispute, an objection made by a consumer. But usually we do not, no. Hydro Quebec is accredited by us to carry out inspections on our behalf. It must follow all of our rules and execute the inspections in accordance with the frequency set out in the law.

Industry committee  At present, water meters are exempted from inspection under the Weights and Measures Regulations. They are covered by the law, but the regulations provide an exemption for water meters. This exception dates quite far back.