ON: Important issues raised at committee meeting

On September 12, the CPA held its second Ontario Committee meeting of 2019 in Barrie. 

Updates to the over 30 attendees included the CPA strategic direction, federal government activities, the release of the PROPANE advantage document, regulatory affairs, and new CPA member marketing tools.

The following issues were raised during the meeting:

• Environment Canada’s Environmental Emergency Regulations, 2019 came into force on August 24, 2019. Schedule 1 of the Regulations includes 249 substances that pose “an acute hazard to the environment or to human health should an accidental release occur.” Propane facilities with large amounts of propane on site are required to have E2 emergency plans to manage these risks under the Canada Environmental Protection Act,1994. In Ontario, these facilities are regulated by the provincial Technical Standards and Safety Authority; their Risk and Safety Management Plan requirements are very stringent, making these federal inspections duplicative and unnecessary. CPA Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs and Safety Rebecca Keeler will work with the federal government on this topic.
• The inequity created by federal and provincial policy has resulted in a proliferation of compressed and liquid natural gas, which is not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as propane. Ontario Government Relations Director Marcelline Riddell will continue engaging with Ontario government officials to advance the case for a level playing field for propane.
• Member engagement to support CPA activities on seasonal load restrictions. The CPA has recommended to the Ministry of Transportation to increase the weight per axle to 6,700 kg for three-axle trucks as an option to address the current outmoded limits on transporting propane during restricted load periods. The CPA has created a template letter for members to send to their local representatives to seek support for this recommendation and will be emailing it to members shortly.