ON: 2019 Inaugural Ontario Committee Meeting

The CPA’s revitalised Ontario Committee held its first meeting on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. Assisted by CPA staff, committee Chair Greg Thibodeau and Vice-Chair Daryl Patjas convened the meeting in Cambridge, welcoming 36 members.

 

The committee will serve to inform Ontario members about provincial matters and the CPA’s strategies and actions to address emerging issues, as well as provide a forum for innovative ideas to be shared to advance propane businesses in Ontario.

 

At the meeting, Vice-President of Government Relations Allan Murphy updated the group on the status of priority national issues the CPA is pursuing as well as CPA’s engagement efforts with the Ford government, including minister meetings and submissions made in response to the Ontario government’s environment plan, as well as their red tape and regulatory burden reduction strategies. Members were also briefed on proposed changes to bylaws in the City of Toronto which, if approved, could affect the storage and sale of propane.

 

Discussions were also held concerning the Ford government’s announcement of funding for the construction of an LNG Plant in Nipigon that could put at risk the propane industry in Northern Ontario. Members were assured that this issue will be raised at CPA’s upcoming Ontario Lobby Day in Toronto on February 20.

 

Melanie Levac, VP, Regulatory Affairs, provided a comprehensive review of the regulatory challenges currently facing industry nationally and provincially. On the national front, the CPA is keeping watch over changes to CSA codes and standards and expected revisions to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulations. Members were reminded that these regulatory changes can have a real impact on industry and member compliance is imperative.

 

Committee meetings will be held biannually; ideally in the winter and fall at rotating locations to accommodate as many Ontario members as possible, while the Ontario Seminar will continue to be held annually.