Do you remember when Canada adopted the metric system?
Implementation of Système International in the 1970s was fraught with challenges, protests
Recently, I came across this YouTube video from the Ontario Archives about Canada adopting the metric system, or Système International as it was know to some then.
For me, as a youngster then, the adoption was easy and made sense. I recall learning all about the metric system in elementary school. SI (the International System of Units) was logical, as all units have base 10 and are easily converted from one to another. But I can just imagine the challenge for many who were accustomed to the old, convoluted system of measurements that traced its routes to Britain. I can even recall a leadership contest for the federal Conservatives (back then called the Progressive Conservative Party) in which one candidate’s sole platform was that he would repeal the metric system.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the history of the metric system “was fraught with political interference and public resistance.” John A. MacDonald legalized the metric system in 1871. But it wasn’t until the 1960s that there was a push to adopt a standardized measurement system due to advancing technology and expanding worldwide trade.
A 1970 federal government white paper entitled “White Paper on Metric Conversion in Canada” set out the process to adopt a “single, coherent measurement system.” A year later, the Weights and Measures act was amended to recognize SI. The Consumer Packaging and Labelling act was also updated to require metric units on goods labels.
The broader rollout began in 1973, followed by a public awareness campaign and education efforts in schools. In 1977, roadside signs began to be replaced with metric versions for speed limits and distances. In January 1979, gasoline pumps began dispensing fuel in litres.
The continuation of national conversion was stopped by Joe Clark’s Conservative government in 1979, resuming in 1982 under the Liberals of Pierre Trudeau. Brian Mulroney’s Conservative government, elected in 1984, committed to the metric system, though they revoked its “required use” in some areas.
The metric system traces its roots back to the late 1700s with the goal of a “single universal measuring system.” Over the ensuring years, the system evolved.
In 1889, the Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures (English translation: General Conference on Weights and Measures) was established and met for the first time. The metric system (SI) we know today was agreed to at the 11th meeting of the conference, in 1960.
For more background, check out these references:
Do you remember the so-called Gimli glider incident? In 1983, an Air Canada plane ran out of fuel and was forced to make an emergency glider landing at a small airfield in Manitoba. It was late learned that the problem stemmed from a fuelling issue due to metric conversion, where the plane was filled with just half the intended fuel prior to takeoff from Montreal.
Take note of the name of the pilot. He should be a familiar face to some here in Glengarry.