CPA to launch new councils that will help increase value for members

In early 2021, the CPA will be establishing two new councils that will assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities to improve member engagement which will provide increased value for CPA members.

The new councils, the Retail Council and the Producer/Wholesaler/Transport Council will serve in support of the CPA Board of Director’s External Affairs Committee and will draw on the knowledge and capacity of members to support the development, promotion and the interests of Canada’s propane industry in these two specific areas. 

The enhanced focus of these councils will be to develop a more coordinated and cohesive approach to government relations and to advocate for and respond to policy decisions of governments at all levels. This initiative builds on the establishment of the Chair-to-Chair meetings that review the activities of the Board of Directors with provincial/ regional committee Chairs.

As members know, when it comes to energy policy choices in Canada, one size does not fit all. There are areas of the country (rural, remote and Indigenous communities) where propane is naturally best positioned as an alternative to carbon-intense fuels such as gasoline, diesel and heating oil. However, the capacity for propane to be marketed as a low-emission fuel option, in areas such as transportation or in provinces that depend on coal and oil for electricity production, is very important as well.

The Retail Council can serve as a strategy forum for government relations discussions and developing common marketing strategies that will connect the industry to governments and consumers to increase propane sales.

Countries around the world are increasingly focused on the reduction of their respective carbon footprint. Canada is no different and, in some ways, wants to be seen as leader in that regard. This provides our industry with opportunities and challenges.

The councils will look for opportunities to:

• Increase exports;
• Advance technological developments, such as:
  • producing polypropylene or low carbon propane options such as blending with renewable dimethyl ether; and
• Advance discussions about the development and commercialization of renewable propane.

All of these opportunities can result in the expansion of propane production in Canada. Conversely, challenges remain for the transportation of propane via pipeline, rail and road both within Canada and into the United States. The Producer/Wholesaler/Transport Council can provide an important forum for discussing these types of issues.

The CPA is committed to enhancing value to our producers, retailers, wholesalers, transporters as well as those members who supply manufactured goods to the propane industry. The CPA believes that these new councils will help support those priorities.

The CPA will provide more details for members regarding the establishment of the Retail Council and the Producer/Wholesaler/Transport Council early in the new year. For more information, contact VP Government Relations Allan Murphy at allanmurphy@propane.ca.