I agree that the equal prominence is cumbersome! Like I said in a previous
message I see a NAFTA space with packaging labels in English, French,
Spanish, Portughese similar to the ones in Europe today and of course,
metric only labeling. 

Europeans seem to be at peace with the order of languages. Of course, here,
it will take some work on each side of the borders but in the end I am sure
it will benefit everyone.

Besides, we are already using dual language signs: I just came from Disney
World yesterday and I noticed that both Airports Orlando and Newark have all
the "stories" on walls both in English and Spanish. However, instead of a
note that designates the bathroom as Women/Mujeres have an international
adopted logo that graphically represents a woman and everybody will be
happy. Plus, in addition to this adopt MULTIPLE language signs when you
really need to tell people something, and you can put French, Spanish,
Portughese, German etc. After all, they are International Airports.

Also: The problem with the paint cans is not just a label. These cans have
lithographed sides so, the company has to have dual inventory of empty cans
and full cans, empty and full cardboard cases etc. Plus, there is double
handling in the computer entries and paperwork. A paper label on a can looks
unprofessional and no major company uses them. 

I see a metric only, multiple language labelling as a reasonable and
progressive solution that matches very well the North American
multiculturalism.

A.

-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday 20 March 2001 14:05
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [USMA:11687] RE: What...


Adrien Jadic wrote in USMA 11687:

>Our company prefers to have double stock for Canadian paint cans and
>domestic paint cans rather than switch to metric only labeling. And I
>believe that even if metric only was already accepted in all states we
would
>still do this to please the customer.


There is another reason why separate labels are needed for the Canadian
market.  It is that products for Canada need labels that give equal
prominence to French and English.  That is a much more costly requirement
than that for metric on labels.

Joseph B. Reid
17 Glebe Road West
Toronto    M5P 1C8                       Tel. 416 486-6071

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