Propane Can be a Game Changer on a Level Playing Field

On October 11 and 12, CPA President and CEO Nathalie St-Pierre and Vice President of Government Relations Allan Murphy attended the Generation Energy conference in Winnipeg, MB hosted by Canada’s Natural Resources Minister, the Hon. Jim Carr.

In a post conference submission, St-Pierre provided feedback to senior officials at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) that focused on key areas where the propane industry can be a game changer in the effort to address climate change while creating jobs without the huge capital investments required for other alternative fuels. Those areas include: rural and residential sectors, remote and Indigenous communities, transportation, as well as manufacturing and exports.

While St-Pierre agreed with Minister Carr’s description of the conference as a "treasure chest of creativity and good ideas," she also noted that work needs to continue with an enhanced focus on short- and medium-term, in addition to long-term solutions that were discussed during the conference. 

In a letter to NRCan officials that accompanied CPA’s submission, St-Pierre said governments need to do a better job of including propane in policy development. "We often find that policy makers make choices that favour natural gas or electricity. This, despite the fact that natural gas or clean electricity may not always be available. And all too often, clean-burning, safe, affordable and readily available propane is not even considered. We think this is a serious missed opportunity."

The lack of a holistic approach by governments is reflected in the views of Canadians. According to a recent Nanos poll for the University of Ottawa, Canadians are more likely to have a negative than positive opinion about energy decision-making. From the CPA’s perspective, St. Pierre indicated that "we believe part of the reason for this is lack of real energy choices." 

The CPA will build on the efforts at the Generation Energy conference and will continue to offer solutions to governments at all levels and to demand a level playing field. The Association's objective is to show that propane can be a game changer for Canada through measures and programs that benefit taxpayers and the environment, while expanding the footprint of clean-burning propane across Canada.

The CPA submission to Generation Energy is available on the Grid.