A key activity for the CPA is advocacy and the Association is taking full advantage of the upcoming federal election to promote the ‘propane advantage’ with federal parties. The CPA has developed an information package called the Propane Advantage that has been sent to the major political parties.
The World LPG Association is creating another annual global awareness campaign to raise the profile of propane, similar to the very successful #LPGDay held in June. The focus of this campaign is to promote auto propane/autogas and the main event will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019.
After seeking member input, the CPA filed comments on Environment Canada’s Proposed Regulatory Approach for the Clean Fuel Standard late August to ensure propane is a credit generating mechanism in the regulations.
Federal Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi and Alberta’s Associate Minister of Natural Gas Dale Nally addressing Alberta members of the CPA last Friday in Red Deer shows a recognition that propane has an important role to play in Canada’s policy development.
Newly re-elected Premier of Manitoba Brian Pallister called the Progressive Conservatives’ victory a step forward for the province and a renewed mandate from voters to continue their program of cost-cutting and tax reductions.
On July 10, 2019, the CPA participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by newly appointed Minister of Government and Consumer Services Lisa Thompson in Toronto. The new Board of the TSSA was represented along with TSSA executives and staff as well as Ministry staff.
Last August, CPA held another meeting with Stewardship Ontario staff to provide input into the second phase of the Municipal and Special Hazardous Waste program wind-up plan. Focused on financial options for the wind-up, CPA communicated industry’s preference for surplus funds to be used to fund any new program established and pressed for data on the precise amount of surplus funds.
Board Chair Dan Kelly, Budget Propane Manager Jacco Bos, and CPA Ontario Regional Director Marcelline Riddell met with Ministry of Transportation policy (MTO) staff this summer to propose viable options to manage the upcoming seasonal load restrictions. MTO staff were onside with industry concerns and receptive to the data and mitigation options industry offered. The CPA and members will continue working with the ministry on this important issue.
Authorities having jurisdiction in the Atlantic provinces are planning to harmonize safety regulations to reduce administrative burden. The premiers are accelerating the process and are looking to implement harmonized regulations by 2020. The CPA will take part in the consultation sessions expected to start this fall 2019.
As part of the regulatory harmonization initiative in Atlantic Canada (see story above), in August of this year, the CPA submitted a letter to the Harmonization Committee regarding training requirements at cardlock/keylock facilities, with the intent of eliminating the training requirements for persons refuelling propane vehicles. This was achieved in Ontario, and the CPA’s goal is to continue this process in Atlantic Canada.
The CPA issued the news release, Weather Emergency Advice for Propane Users, encouraging propane users in Atlantic Canada to take safety precautions to keep themselves and their families safe during the difficult conditions. The CPA’s Flood Safety Tips include preparing for a flood when warnings are issued as well as what to do after a flood has occurred and it is safe to return to your home.
Over the last several months, the CPA/ Propane Training Institute has been communicating about the improvements made to our training material and processes. CPA/PTI continues to focus on key priorities and we are making steady progress. Check out the CPA website and learn about new courses and improved descriptions!
The Canadian Propane Association is pleased to welcome Royden Boudreau as the new vice-chair for the Atlantic Committee. He will be attending the October 17 meeting in his new role.
As the CPA has been communicating over the past few months, a new Customer Relationship Management solution is being implemented that will enable the Association to offer better services to members.
The CPA has updated the auto propane page of its website to make it more visible and easier to find information. Auto propane information can now be accessed by clicking on the ‘Low-Emission Auto Propane’ square on the front page where it will take you to the main page that has been streamlined for more efficient access to information.
The CPA thanks you for joining the over 400 members who represent the propane industry across Canada. For a full list of members, check out the member list on our website.
The Government of New Brunswick is pleased to announce the publication of the video: Propane school buses. You can watch the video by clicking on the picture below or by visiting their Youtube channel.