Liquid Meter Testing and Communication Updates

Summary#

This is a proposed change, published on July 4, 2026, that would update the Weights and Measures Regulations and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations. The main practical effects would be allowing larger test volumes when checking certain liquid meters and removing old paper- and location-based rules for communications with Measurement Canada. Interested people can comment for 30 days (until August 3, 2026).

What it does#

• Raise the maximum known test quantity used when proving positive displacement liquid meters of size 65 mm (2½ inches) or smaller from 900 L to 1 500 L. The same limits of error would still apply.
• Let inspectors and third-party testers use appropriately sized volumetric provers (for example, 1 000 L or up to 1 500 L) instead of being limited to smaller provers.
• Replace specific paper- and place-based requirements (like where to send documents or the use of registered mail) with technology-neutral language so communications with Measurement Canada can be electronic or otherwise modern.
• Make minor fixes and clarifications, such as correcting French wording, updating references to current Treasury Board guidelines, and aligning English and French texts.
• If approved, the amendments would come into force on the day they are registered.

Who's affected#

• Measurement Canada, which runs inspections and approval processes.
• Authorized Service Providers (ASPs) — the accredited third parties that inspect and certify meters — who would be able to use larger provers.
• Businesses that buy, sell or move liquids using positive displacement meters (traders), and the companies that own or install those meters.
• Manufacturers and sellers of meters and prover equipment.
• Utilities and contractors covered by the Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations, and a wide range of businesses covered by the Weights and Measures Regulations — from small retailers to large industrial users.
• Small businesses that interact with Measurement Canada (the source says only a few small businesses will be directly affected).

Why it matters#

• Faster and simpler inspections: inspectors and ASPs could test some modern meters in one visit using an appropriately sized prover, avoiding workarounds (like restricting flow or renting different equipment).
• Cost and time savings: fewer repeat inspections, less need for expensive alternate testing equipment, and lower administrative effort when communications can be electronic.
• Better fit for modern meters: the change recognizes that newer meters can produce larger volumes in one minute, so testing rules match current technology.
• Modernized government interactions: removing prescriptive paper/location rules aligns the regulations with existing Measurement Canada practices and with how businesses already communicate (online or by email).
• The government says the overall cost impact should be low and that the amendments would help maintain measurement accuracy and oversight.