http://news.sympatico.ca/home/conte...en_harper_to_phase_out_metric_system/0210c062
Stephen Harper to phase out metric system
by Sympatico.ca Staff
The Canadian Government will phase out the metric system if all goes according to plan, sources say.
Beginning later this year, select Canadian regions will officially switch over to the imperial system, which already holds considerable strength south of the border.
The move is purportedly designed to enhance Canada-U.S. business relations which have declined in light of the recent economic crisis. Compounding the problem is Canada's strong dollar, which has also wreaked havoc on Canadian exporters.
"The metric system is certainly holding us back in some cases," said one anonymous senior business analyst.
"The amount of time spent converting our units into American units adds an extra layer of work for many cross-border transactions. We're starting to see cases where companies are re-thinking Canadian partnerships."
In order to make the transformation as smooth as possible, there would likely be a phased approach.
Beginning late 2011, select Canadian regions will measure all weights in pounds as opposed to kilograms.
By early 2012, these same regions will begin to use miles instead of kilometres, and gallons instead of litres to enable more U.S.-friendly gas prices.
By the end of 2012, test regions will have switched from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Analysts suggest the initial costs of the switch in the test communities may be in the millions. While it is still unclear how the costs will be covered, party officials say they have not ruled out additional corporate taxation.
Stephen Harper to phase out metric system
by Sympatico.ca Staff
The Canadian Government will phase out the metric system if all goes according to plan, sources say.
Beginning later this year, select Canadian regions will officially switch over to the imperial system, which already holds considerable strength south of the border.
The move is purportedly designed to enhance Canada-U.S. business relations which have declined in light of the recent economic crisis. Compounding the problem is Canada's strong dollar, which has also wreaked havoc on Canadian exporters.
"The metric system is certainly holding us back in some cases," said one anonymous senior business analyst.
"The amount of time spent converting our units into American units adds an extra layer of work for many cross-border transactions. We're starting to see cases where companies are re-thinking Canadian partnerships."
In order to make the transformation as smooth as possible, there would likely be a phased approach.
Beginning late 2011, select Canadian regions will measure all weights in pounds as opposed to kilograms.
By early 2012, these same regions will begin to use miles instead of kilometres, and gallons instead of litres to enable more U.S.-friendly gas prices.
By the end of 2012, test regions will have switched from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Analysts suggest the initial costs of the switch in the test communities may be in the millions. While it is still unclear how the costs will be covered, party officials say they have not ruled out additional corporate taxation.
