Chris Friesen writes:
RBM wrote:

Yes, but a standard household outlet is actually a *duplex* receptacle,
so it counts as two receptacles for the purpose of that rule. Thus, a
single 15A duplex receptacle can be put on a 20A circuit.

If you were putting a single receptacle outlet (which is fairly rare in
a residential scenario) then yes, it would make sense to use a 20A one.

A side question: why is the Canadian standard practice for kitchen
outlets to use split duplex outlets (upper outlet on opposite phase from
lower outlet) with 3-wire wire and 2-pole 15 amp breaker, while the US
standard practice seems to be a single 20 A circuit feeding both halves
of the outlet?

Each has advantages compared to the other.

Dave