CPA Urges Government to Ensure Propane Gets to Churchill
In June, the CPA wrote to Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister to express members’ concerns about the shutdown of the Hudson Bay Railway due to flooding conditions. The Association encouraged the Government to work with other stakeholders and do everything in its power to ensure the Hudson Bay Railway is restored as soon as possible.
The Manitoba Government has proposed the idea of Manitoba Hydro expanding its infrastructure in Churchill to compensate for the uncertain availability of propane. The CPA believes this is, at best, a band-aid solution and will not address the issue of the people in Churchill accessing goods, including propane.
Since neither the province nor the federal government have shown much inclination in taking a leadership role to address this issue, the Association has been looking for ways to ensure the railway is reopened in time for the winter season, and may have a solution. The CPA has proposed the idea of infrastructure funding and have led an initial outreach to the Town of Churchill, the province of Manitoba and Omnitrax. Churchill and Omnitrax are interested by the possibility. The province is reflecting on it. The CPA has a meeting scheduled with the Office of James Carr, Natural Resources Canada, to share this idea and garner support.
The CPA hopes the Manitoba Government will see infrastructure funding as a win-win solution and move forward with repairing the line. If they do not respond positively, the Association will consider a more public approach to push for the rail line to be repaired before winter.
The Association is hoping to lead a meeting in Winnipeg with all concerned. In the meantime, bilateral discussions will continue. Vice-President of Government Relations Allan Murphy is leading this issue. For any questions or comments, please contact Allan at allanmurphy@propane.ca.