UPDATE - ON: Minister’s roundtable on pandemic economic response includes measures to support propane providers

CPA has learned that, as result of the last minister’s roundtable on pandemic economic measures held in June, the government’s report to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs identified three measures to support propane providers.

The roundtable is part of the government’s effort to address the economic impacts of COVID-19, where ministers consulted sectoral stakeholders throughout the summer on mitigation measures. During the last meeting, propane representatives addressed Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Lisa Thompson, and provided several suggestions to assist the sector in the immediate, medium and longer term.

Minister Thompson’s Stakeholder Relations Advisor, Thomas Staples, relayed to CPA’s Ontario Government Relations Director, Marcelline Riddell that the report incorporates:

• Removing the 4.3 cent/L tax on propane to ensure a level playing field with other non-taxable alternative fuel sources in Ontario, while also removing a regulatory burden for the propane industry;
• Allowing and encouraging the government to procure vehicles that run on propane; and
• Immediately adopting CSA 2020 codes to provide regulatory clarity to the propane industry.

The House resumed for the fall sitting on September 14, 2020. The session will comprise tabling of a fall economic statement, usually in November, where members may expect recommendations for the sector to be referenced, and a debate on the premier’s post-emergency report, required within 120 days of the state of emergency end.

Members will continue to be advised of government support measures for the propane sector to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19.