AB: Bill 19 – Act to Protect Gas and Convenience Store Workers
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As of June 1, the Alberta Government has put Bill 19 into effect and the new measures are designed to reduce or eliminate gas and dash incidents that have been occurring in Alberta. Customer are now required to prepay for fuel purchases at any retail fuelling location, including propane for vehicles and cylinders.
The issue of prepaying for fuel for cylinders has become a customer inconvenience and was raised at the last CPA Alberta Committee meeting on June 21. At the members request, the CPA contacted the minister’s office and the Department of Labour to determine if any exemptions to the new regulations could be allowed for gases measured and sold by weight. While both acknowledged the inconvenience for customers, they stated that no exemptions were being considered at this time. The government suggested that retailers create standing accounts with individuals using their services to fill their propane cylinders, set up remote pay systems or use two-way radios so that the filler could communicate with the cashier to have the transaction completed more efficiently.
The CPA will continue to monitor the effects of these new regulations on its members and pressure the government for more convenient solutions. Members are encouraged to forward any questions or concerns to Director, Government Relations (West) Darren Cunningham at darrencunningham@propane.ca.
