The year 1975 marked a significant shift in Canada’s measurement system, as the country began its transition to the metric system, starting with temperature reporting. This move, initiated by Environment Canada’s adoption of Celsius, was intended to be the first step in a comprehensive national conversion, aligning Canada with the majority of the world and promoting international trade. However, the initial public reaction was mixed, ranging from confusion to outright hostility. Many Canadians, accustomed to Fahrenheit, struggled to interpret the new Celsius temperatures, and the coincidental arrival of a severe storm in the Maritimes fueled resentment, with some blaming the metric system for the inclement weather. Despite these initial challenges, the Canadian media gradually adapted, incorporating both Celsius and Fahrenheit in their reports before eventually transitioning entirely to Celsius by 1977. This initial success with Celsius fostered optimism about the broader metric conversion.
The impetus for Canada’s metrication originated in the early 1970s when various industries advocated for the change, viewing the Imperial system as an impediment to global commerce. The government, under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, responded by establishing the Metric Commission in 1971, tasked with overseeing the transition. The commission’s plan included converting road signs to kilometers by 1977 and gas pumps to liters by 1979. Similar initiatives were underway in the United States, although their adoption was voluntary. However, the Canadian metrication process faced significant political opposition, particularly from Conservative members of Parliament who launched campaigns against the change, organizing petitions, and even opening a “freedom to measure” gas station that offered both gallons and liters. This resistance, coupled with the unfortunate incident of the “Gimli Glider” in 1983, attributed partly to a metric-Imperial conversion error, contributed to waning public support for metrication.
Stevenson Gossage, the head of the Metric Commission, remained a steadfast advocate for the metric system until his death in 2001. He believed the transition was crucial for Canada’s economic competitiveness, viewing the Imperial system as an obstacle in international trade. His son, Jonathan Gossage, echoed these sentiments, asserting that metrication was the “right way to go” and criticizing opponents for their lack of foresight. He acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new measurement system, particularly for those less adept at mental arithmetic, but emphasized the long-term benefits for future generations who would grow up with metric as their primary system. Despite the initial momentum and Gossage’s unwavering belief in metrication, the Canadian conversion effort ultimately faltered.
The shift in political climate in the early 1980s marked a turning point for metrication efforts. In the United States, President Ronald Reagan dismantled the metric program, citing cost-cutting measures. Following this example, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and his Conservative government disbanded the Metric Commission, rendering the conversion voluntary. This policy reversal effectively stalled the comprehensive adoption of the metric system, leaving Canada with a hybrid system of measurement, a testament to an incomplete transition. The legacy of this unfinished revolution is evident in everyday life, where Canadians navigate a blend of metric and Imperial units.
The current state of measurement in Canada reflects the complex history of metrication efforts. While some sectors fully embraced the metric system, others retained Imperial units, creating a patchwork system that persists to this day. The clothing industry, for example, continues to use inches, while gas is sold in liters. Food packaging displays both grams and pounds, and construction materials are often measured in Imperial units. This mix of systems necessitates constant conversions, a testament to the incomplete transition. Individuals like Jody Groenendyk, a quilter, and Liam Brownrigg, a woodworker, highlight the practical challenges of working within this hybrid system. Groenendyk relies primarily on Imperial units due to industry standards and the ease of dividing measurements, while Brownrigg regularly converts client dimensions from metric to Imperial.
Despite the challenges, both individuals acknowledge the adaptability of Canadians and their ability to function within this mixed system. While a return to mandatory metrication would undoubtedly present initial difficulties, they believe it is ultimately achievable. This sentiment captures the prevailing perspective on the metric system in Canada – a recognition of its benefits, coupled with a pragmatic acceptance of the current hybrid reality. The 50th anniversary of Environment Canada’s adoption of Celsius in 2025 offers an opportunity to reflect on the journey of metrication in Canada – a journey marked by initial enthusiasm, political resistance, and ultimately, an incomplete transition that continues to shape the country’s measurement landscape. The question remains whether Canada will one day revisit the path towards full metrication or continue navigating its current blend of systems.
