According to Goedjn :

What you are talking about is a duplex receptacle, with the two
plugs separated. I was under the impression that that arrangement
was REQUIRED, in Canada.

WAS required. Because of new GFI requirements, and the cost of
dual GFI breakers, Canadian codes now permit 20A counter outlets
much like the US does as an acceptable alternative.

Split receptacles are pretty common in older US homes too.
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.