On June 8, the Ontario Government released its Climate Change Action Plan (2016-2020). While there will be numerous challenges presented by the province’s evolving energy landscape, the plan provides valuable opportunities for the propane industry to play an important role in Ontario’s proposed move to a low-carbon economy.

 

The CPA issued a press release in response to the Climate Change Action Plan, in which Andrea Labelle, CPA Executive Director said, "We believe that propane is an important element in Ontario’s low-carbon future. Propane is a cost-effective, low-emission source of energy that supports the livelihood of thousands of Ontarians and generates billions of dollars for the local economy. The Canadian Propane Association and its members look forward to continuing to work with the Ontario Government to provide access to clean, efficient and affordable energy for consumers."

The opportunities presented by the Climate Change Action Plan include:

 

• A new Green Commercial Vehicle Program will be set up to provide incentives to eligible businesses that want to buy low-carbon commercial vehicles and technologies to reduce emissions.
• The province intends to build a network of low-emission fuelling stations, which will dispense low or zero carbon fuels.
• A Global Centre for Low Carbon Mobility will be set up to advise the government on low-carbon transportation, and to direct funding for research, development and low-carbon manufacturing.

• Ontario intends to support the transition to low-carbon, indoor agricultural facilities, such as greenhouses and grain dryers, through retrofits to existing structures.

• Ontario will act on opportunities to make government operations carbon neutral, by reducing greenhouse gas pollution across facilities, operations and procurement.

• Targeted programs will be available to help households in rural and northern communities, including remote First Nation communities, reduce the costs of heating and cooling their homes.  
• Ontario intends to help homeowners purchase and install low-carbon energy technologies, which will include an increased benefit for low-income households and vulnerable communities.

The CPA continues to work hard on members’ behalf to ensure that propane is a key player in each of these opportunities. Industry members should also take this opportunity to reach out to their elected officials to discuss propane’s environmental and economic advantages.

 

Members are also encouraged to continue conversations with customers about the environmental benefits of propane versus traditional fuels, and the local impact and value that propane businesses contribute to their communities.

 

The CPA is available to support members wherever possible. Members that require outreach resources, such as key talking points for meetings with elected officials, please contact Peter Maddox, Regional Manager, Ontario and Director, Marketing at petermaddox@propane.ca.