Regulatory Affairs

The CPA recently attended an information session on Transport Canada’s Client Information Database (CID) revisions. The most significant change to the database requirements is that Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) participants will not be required to report on the CID database. Information entered into the ERAP database will have a space for a CID number, which is proposed to link the two databases for participants in the ERAP program.

Promoting safe practices in the propane industry is a top priority for the CPA. Hence, the CPA responded to two articles provided in Northern Star Communication's Mar-Apr 2020 issue of Propane Canada that provided false/misleading information. The magazine has since issued corrections for both stories.

On May 5, a few CPA members and staff met virtually with Environment and Climate Change Canada. After lengthy discussion about the CPA's concerns with the current language in the E2 regulations, the meeting ended on what seemed to be an understanding of the changes the industry needed to ensure propane is promoted as a clean viable option for use as an alternative fuel choice.

With the exemption for seasonal load restrictions set to expire on June 30, a more permanent, province-wide remedy for reduced load restrictions faced by propane businesses is required. The CPA has recently made inroads on two fronts to ensure this issue remains top-of-mind for provincial representatives and industry partners.

The CPA has received the new equivalency certificate SU 13263 that allows CPA members to attach riveted plates onto TC Series-4 containers once they have been requalified. The equivalency certificate was issued on January 31, 2020 and is available on the CPA website.

The deadline of July 1, 2020 is fast approaching. Get your trainees to create their profile and obtain their TRAINEE/STUDENT ID#. If you don’t have a trainee ID#, you will have to continue filling in the Training Session Summary Sheet and you will have to enter the name and company name of the trainee. Save time. Get your trainees to create their profile.

The CPA/PTI made important changes to PTI manuals in May of 2020. The updated versions will be made available immediately for your next order. 

Keep informed with up-to-date information by visiting our COVID-19 website.

The federal government has announced changes to extend time periods for temporary layoffs to allow employers more time to recall laid-off employees. 

The Government of Canada has launched a new Personal Protective Equipment Supply Web Hub to bring together information for organizations buying and selling PPE. The hub connects Canadian organizations with federal, provincial, and private sector resources.

B.C. is entering Phase 3 of its four-phase restart plan, with British Columbians allowed to travel within the province.

Alberta will reinstate environmental reporting on July 15, four weeks earlier than planned “now that the public health emergency is no longer in effect.” Reporting had been suspended earlier this spring on account of health and staffing concerns related to the virus.

On June 23, 2020, Manitoba introduced the Manitoba Job Restart Program, which will provide direct payments to help qualified Manitobans return to work. The program will provide one initial payment of $500, plus three additional bi-weekly payments for $500 each, for a total of $2,000 over six weeks.

While Ontario has extended its declaration of emergency again – now to July 15 – it is allowing more businesses and services to open.

All zones in New Brunswick – except Zone 5 (Campbellton region) – have moved to the second phase of the Yellow level, with Public Health measures and guidelines continuing to be followed. 

Prince Edward Island is further relaxing restrictions as Phase 4 begins on Friday, June 26.

As of June 18, 2020:

• Outdoor playgrounds can reopen
• Family household bubbles are replaced with a 10-person gathering limit without social distancing
• Gathering limit increased to 50 people for indoor and outdoor gatherings with social distancing

The CPA has created a number of valuable resources to support members during the pandemic, including specific information for trainers.

The CSA Group has launched an online platform that allows registered users free access to Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) safety standards published by CSA Group referenced in federal TDG regulations. Users can now log into Communities of Interest and register to find the TDG View Access site here.

• BC Committee - April 23 Meeting
• Saskatchewan Committee - September 18 Meeting
• Auto Propane Committee - April 30 Meeting
• Manitoba Committee - February 12 Meeting
• Alberta Committee - March 19 Meeting
• Ontario Committee - April 21 Meeting
• Transportation Committee - March 3 Meeting
• Regulatory Affairs Committee - March 10 Meeting
• Atlantic Committee - April 28 Meeting

Meeting summaries can be found in your Document Library in your online member profile. Click here to log in to your member profile. 

Date: September 10, 2020
Time: TBD
To join the Committee, please contact Sherri Clair.

Date: September 15, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm ET
To join the Committee, please contact Rob Loenhart.

Date: September 22, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm ET
To join the Committee, please contact Rob Loenhart.

During these challenging times, the Canadian Propane Association’s top priority is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our propane community and have cancelled many of our events and in-person regional committee meetings. Please monitor our Events web page for up-to-date information on event status.

Date: September 10-12, 2020

Location: Red Deer, AB

More information here.

Date: September 15, 2020

Location: Langley, BC

NEW Date: November 30 - December 2, 2020

Location: Calgary, AB

More information here.