The Consumers Council of Canada submitted a position paper to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, on Bill C-14 “The Fairness at the Pumps Act.”
In general, the Council approved of the government’s intent to provide greater protection for Canadian consumers from inaccurate measurements at gas pumps and other metering devices through
1. Administrative monetary penalties and increased maximum fines,
2. A new fine for repeat offences,
3. Mandatory inspection frequencies, and
4. The appointment of non-government inspectors trained to conduct these mandatory inspections.
The Council remained concerned about the level of fines and whether they are sufficient to be effective and whether ultimate implementation of the Act would lead to adequate resources for enforcement.