In Canada, NRC-INMS is responsible for primary standards of physical measurements as formally established by the Weights and Measures Act and the National Research Council Act. As an adherent to the Convention du Mètre, Canada realizes its units of measurement through NRC in accordance with the International System of Units (SI) definitions adopted by the General Conference of Weights and Measures. The Institute's activities focus on supporting the Canadian metrology industry by realizing, maintaining, and improving basic standards; by providing consultative and calibration services; by playing a leading role in measurement science activities such as conferences, boards, and committees; and, by participating in metrology training programs.

The physical metrology programs develop, maintain, improve, and disseminate standards for the base quantities of mass, length, time, electricity, temperature and luminous intensity as well as a number of derived measurement standards. The chemical metrology program develops and maintains world-class capabilities in selected areas of organic and inorganic trace analysis, and provides certified reference materials.

The wide range of activities at NRC-INMS can be arranged into three overarching programs:

• Development of Measurement Standards
• Dissemination of Measurement Science
• Support for the Canadian National Measurement System

Development of Measurement Standards

The DEVELOPMENT OF MEASUREMENT STANDARDS program comprises research activities that enable NRC-INMS to maintain primary measurement standards that are the best possible realizations of the Système international d’unités (SI), the internationally accepted system of units of measurement.

The physical metrology programs develop, maintain, improve, and disseminate standards for the base quantities of mass, length, time, electricity, temperature and luminous intensity as well as a number of derived measurement standards. The chemical metrology program develops and maintains world-class capabilities in selected areas of organic and inorganic trace analysis, and for the provision of certified reference materials.

Metrologists work in eleven core areas of metrology. In addition to these traditional areas of measurement standards development, our research supports nanotechnology by focusing on three areas of metrology for nanotechnology.

Dissemination of Measurement Science

The DISSEMINATION OF MEASUREMENT SCIENCE program includes: calibration and measurement services; certified reference material distribution; the Calibration Laboratory Assessment Service (CLAS); and education, training and outreach activities

NRC metrologists are a part of integrated solutions to 21 century challenges and provide a wide variety of services that underpin the accuracy of millions of measurements made annually in public and private sector testing laboratories

• NRC Official Time
• Calibration and Measurement Services
• Certified Reference Materials
• Chemical Analysis
• Accreditation Services
• Education, training and outreach

Support for the Canadian National Measurement System

The SUPPORT FOR THE CANADIAN NATIONAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM program anchors and maintains the foundations of measurement, metrology, and standards development and dissemination relevant to our public and private sector stakeholders.

• Weights and Measures Act
• Quality Management Systems
• Participation in the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement
• Representation in International Metrology Organizations
• Outreach and Coordination with Canadian Partners
• NRC Measurement Science Initiative