Canada’s Dual Measurement System: Official Metric with Imperial Residues

Canada, a vast and diverse country, employs a dual measurement system where the metric system serves as the official standard. However, the imperial system still holds a place in everyday life, particularly in contexts like individual measurements and certain industries. This article delves into the intricacies of this dual system, its historical roots, and its practical applications in Canada.

Official Metric System

Officially, the metric system is the only system used in Canada across various sectors such as science, medicine, and government regulations. This system is widely adopted in everyday life, including highway speeds and distances (kilometers), gasoline prices (liters), and weather reports (Celsius).

Practical Applications of Metric System

Highway speeds: measured in kilometers per hour (km/h)

Highway distances: given in kilometers (km) or miles (mn)

Car speedometers: primarily use km/h

Gasoline: sold by the liter (L)

Food prices: often measured in metric units (100g, 500g, 500ml, 1L etc.)

Weather reports: temperatures in Celsius, rain in millimeters (mm), snow in centimeters (cm), barometric pressure in kilopascals (kPa), and wind speed in kilometers per hour (km/h)

Imperial System Residues

While the metric system is the official standard, the imperial system still finds its place, especially in everyday life and certain industries.

Common Uses of Imperial System

People’s heights and weights: often measured in feet (ft) and inches (in), pounds (lbs), and stones (st)

Cooking recipes and temperatures: commonly measured in degrees Fahrenheit (F)

Household thermostats: often have dual settings, with default Fahrenheit for larger markets

Historical Context

The transition to the metric system in Canada began in 1973 but was slow and met with resistance from some older generations (commonly referred to as 'boomers'). While some businesses continued to use dual measurements to cater to these individuals, the Canadian education system has remained steadfast in teaching the metric system to future generations.

Resistance and Transition

Many older Canadians found the metric system challenging, especially with temperature conversion. Celsius (°C) was initially difficult to grasp, whereas Fahrenheit (°F) felt more familiar. The resistance led to some businesses using both systems, causing a prolonged period of dual measurement usage.

Current Status

Over time, the younger generations have adapted to the metric system. However, given the demographic shift, it may take several generations of funerals for the imperial system to fully fade away. The U.S. customary units, owned by the imperial system, persist in certain industries due to trade relations with the United States.

Conclusion

While the metric system is the official measurement system in Canada, the imperial system's legacy continues to influence everyday life. The dual system stands as a unique feature of Canadian measurement culture, reflecting the country's blend of British and American heritage. As technology and global trade continue to evolve, the dominance of the metric system is expected to increase, phased out imperial units gradually.