CSA is the equivalent of UL or CE or any other agency that makes sure that electrical equipment/devices are built correctly. i.e. looks for proper grounding, bonding, proper size fuse, proper wire size etc..

The "Inspector" referred above is probably from ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) i.e. the guy that would inspect any electrical renovations, new installations, alterations. Keep in mind that ESA is were you apply for electrical permits and once deficiencies (if any) are corrected gives the energisation permit.

His mandate is to make sure that equipment is CSA approved and installed as per the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Pretty well anything electrical in Ontario as to be CSA approved.

When equipment is not CSA approved as an alternative you can bring in a different division of ESA called Field Evaluation for a "Special Inspection" for the fee mentioned above. Once requirements are satisfied he puts his own sticker on it which is equivalent of CSA approval.

Think twice before you tell this guy to buzz off. Although rare he has the authority to get you disconnected from the grid if he feels your installation is unsafe. (It's like when a cop asks you to step out of the car, yes you can tell him to buzz off but...)

Surely in a industrialized country like the USA you have all of the same rules and regulations that you "should" abide by but just different names.

Just my long winded $0.02 but I deal with this on a daily basis.