Over the past few years, the CPA has made significant strides in its efforts to ensure there is a greater understanding at government levels of the increasingly important role propane can play as part of Canada’s energy portfolio.

The CPA was elated to hear PEI Premier Dennis King's intention to put propane buses into service as early as next year that he announced at the CPA's Atlantic Seminar and golf tournament. The CPA issued a news release, Low-emission propane school buses could be on PEI roads by next year, to show support for PEI Premier Dennis Kings’ plans. 

The Prince Edward Island government has released its annual operating budget for 2019-20. Of interest is the government’s plan to advance its Climate Action Plan, Climate Adaptation Plan and Energy Strategies by providing $10 million in incentives for fuel switching in existing homes and businesses.

On July 2, 2019, Ontario’s Court of Appeal upheld the federal government’s ability to mandate a federal carbon price ruling in a four-to-one judgement that Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act is constitutional and that a “collective national response” is needed to reduce GHG emissions.

Enbridge will charge its customers (other than exempt entities and large Output-Based Pricing System emitters) a carbon tax of  3.91 cents/m³ in 2019. This is a pass through of the federal carbon tax on the volume of fuel consumed by the customer. Enbridge expects this to total about $361 million in 2019 (April to December).

A June 25 meeting between CPA members and the ON Ministry of Transportation (MTO) was very successful, with MTO staff being directed to move the needle on developing a harmonized, updated policy on reduced load periods for all sectors and municipalities. They have recognized that the Highway Traffic Act section hasn’t changed since 1975, but the industry has.

As a result of Premier Ford’s cabinet shuffle at the end of June, several key ministers for the propane industry were impacted. (Click here for the news release and for additional information, refer to the TSA Analysis: 2019 Ontario Cabinet Shuffle.)

In response to the Ontario government’s announcement to simplify training requirements for drivers refuelling propane vehicles, CBC radio reached out to the CPA for comment on the amendments: Le gouvernement Ford veut attirer des constructeurs automobiles en Ontario (in French).

Ottawa says the federal carbon tax will be imposed on Alberta starting January 1, 2019 after the Alberta government passed legislation to terminate the provincial carbon tax.

Each year, through the generous support of the International Association of Young Gassers, the CPA is pleased to provide member employees and their families with the opportunity to financially assist an individual pursuing post-secondary education.

CPA held its 2019 Atlantic Seminar and Golf Tournament at Rodd Crowbush Resort in Morell, PE on June 12-13. Approximately 40 delegates attended, making it one of the most successful CPA events in Atlantic Canada. The CPA was pleased to have the Honourable Dennis King, Premier & President of Executive Council for PE, as a key speaker.

On May 30, the Saskatchewan Committee met for their annual general meeting and golf tournament in Saskatoon. Members discussed the status of the merging of SaskPower Gas inspections and Technical Safety Saskatchewan, Transport Canada’s concerns with tanks on skid, Environmental Emergency Regulations that come into effect August 24, 2019, and PTI module updates.

The Manitoba Propane Committee held their meeting and annual golf tournament June 19-20 in Hecla. Discussions included CPA’s efforts to obtain exemptions for propane for agricultural uses and home heating, the process to ratify the common Canadian CRN number, updates on PTI training modules, and more.

The CPA Alberta Committee met on June 26 in Red Deer. Items of discussion included the January 1, 2020 implementation of the federal carbon tax on Alberta, CPA’s efforts with Environment and Climate Change Canada on obtaining exemptions for propane for agricultural uses and home heating, the ratification of the common Canadian CRN number, and more.

The Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC) and the California Air Ressources Board (CARB) announced that the next joint carbon market auction will be held on August 20, 2019.

 

 

 

Core Fuels and Red Cap Propane hosted grand opening of new full-service location

This high-yielding TSX stock has returned 35% so far this year - and more sizzling gains are likely ahead

FortisBC maintains low costs for natural gas and propane customers

Industries Granby and Pro-Par are developing the means to pursue their growth

A documentary explores the hidden face of green energies (in French)

 

 

Over the past months, both Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published changes to federal regulations.