Modernizing Meter Rules and Inspections

This bill modernizes Canada’s metrology framework, enabling flexible approvals and third‑party services that can reduce costs and delays while maintaining accuracy and safety. The expanded discretion for directions and inspector powers needs transparent guardrails, but with light‑touch oversight the net effect should support productivity and fair, secure commerce.

• Positive: third‑party calibration/verification, sampling, temporary/indefinite permissions, repealed regulatory parts, and 10‑year reviews reduce bottlenecks and support innovation.
• Risks: broad non‑regulatory “directions” could introduce uncertainty; publish all directions with clear rationale, impact analysis, and reasonable notice periods.
• Efficiency: commit to public service standards (timelines for approvals, permissions, and disputes) and annual performance reporting.
• Fairness and safety: maintain warrant protections, publish metrics on meter accuracy and enforcement outcomes, and require risk‑based use of compliance orders.
• Due process: create a simple, time‑limited independent appeal for major orders and for the president’s “final” decisions, without adding heavy bureaucracy.
• Cost discipline: publish fee schedules, ensure cost‑recovery only, and consider small‑business caps or credits.
• Competitiveness: align technical requirements with international standards to ease cross‑border energy and goods trade.