The Canadian Propane Association (CPA) will be participating in the Clean Fuel Standard Technical Working Group. To assist in the development of the Clean Fuel Standard, the Technical Working Group, which consists of a small group of experts, will provide technical advice and data related to the regulatory design. The Group will meet monthly until May, and periodically after that date. Smaller subsets of working group members may meet in technical subgroups to discuss particular issues, and other experts may be identified to participate. The CPA will provide more information in the March edition of the Public Affairs newsletter.
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On February 27, the Federal Government tabled its 2018-19 federal budget. The budget themes focused on science and economic innovation, Indigenous services, tax benefits targeted at middle class workers and their families, and gender equality. Beyond the continued funding of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the introduction of the new Canadian Energy Regulator, there was not much specific to the energy sector.
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In May 2017, the Federal Government released a Technical Paper that outlined how the federal carbon tax will be implemented, including how the levy will be applied to fossil fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, and propane.
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On February 6, 2018, the CPA, represented by Jean-Francois Duguay, Director, Government Relations, Atlantic and Quebec, attended a conference that discussed a new Arctic Policy Framework for Canada. The session, held in Ottawa, featured roundtable discussions with participants from across Canada.
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 The introduction of new technologies such as Smart Meters by NB Power and SaskPower should not be at the detriment of the propane industry and its customers. According to the CPA, provincial regulatory authorities across Canada should require that utility providers install smart meters that are not deemed as a source of ignition. Furthermore, regulatory authorities must ensure that future propane installations can be placed within three feet of any meters, smart or not. The CPA has submitted written arguments and requested intervener status.
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The CPA continues to meet with senior officials to ensure that propane is included in the Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP). Propane is a low-emission, affordable, and safe alternative fuel that is available now and has the necessary refuelling infrastructure already in place. Propane was included in the 2008-2010 version of the program and should continue to be included in the current GCVP. The government has also based its decisions off misleading and inaccurate data, and has yet to provide a compelling case for why propane has been excluded. CPA staff have met with the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ontario Premier’s Office and are in the process of scheduling follow-up meetings.
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On February 13, the CBC, through its reporter Jean Laroche, published a story titled ‘A propane tank is a bomb’. According to the CPA, the CBC has demonstrated irresponsible journalism by publishing a sensationalist and misleading headline that reinforced Nova-Scotia Utility and Review Board member Dawna Ring’s negligent statement.
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For the CPA, government relations and advocacy are important components of the activities the association undertakes on behalf of its members from coast to coast. The association works hard at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels to ensure that the voice of the CPA membership is heard and that energy policies being developed include the participation of the propane industry. The CPA is pleased to share its first Public Affairs Report with members on The Grid.
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The CPA is pleased to welcome Hando Kang as the new Director, Government Relations, Ontario. Hando started on Monday, February 26, 2018 and is looking forward to working with CPA members in Ontario, and developing and maintaining relationships with all levels of government, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders.
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The CPA would like to remind all members that 2018 membership fees were due on December 30, 2017. We would like to thank all members who have already paid their dues. If your account remains outstanding, please contact Igor Minic at igorminic@propane.ca or 613-683-2272.
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The results of the February 21 greenhouse gas emission units auction held jointly between Québec, the California Air Resources Board, and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change are now available. It was the first auction to be held by the three partners since Ontario’s linkage to the Québec-Carlifornia market, in force since January 1, 2018.
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In 2016, the province of Nova Scotia endorsed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which included a commitment to establish a cap and trade program. As part of this process, Nova Scotia passed amendments to the Environment Act in October 2017 to enable the government to establish the cap and trade program and create supporting regulations.
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On January 26, 2018, MaXfield Group Inc. and Pro-Par Inc. joined forces under the TerraVest Capital Inc. umbrella. The companies are well-known in the industry for the manufacturing of processing, storage and transportation equipment for propane, anhydrous ammonia and oil and gas markets. Each company will preserve its know-how and expertise while working together to meet the needs of customers.
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Atlantic Committee Meeting
March 29, 2018
June 5, 2018
June 5-7, 2018
June 20-21, 2018
Sept. 6-8, 2018
Sept. 11, 2018
Sept. 26-27, 2018
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The Leo Sichewski Memorial Bursary allows ERAC responders, Plan Participants, employees, and family members of the previously mentioned, to access up to up to $2,000 for enrollment in a certificate, diploma or degree program in safety, emergency management or first responder training.
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Emergency Response Assistance Canada is holding its first Dangerous Goods Emergency Management Conference on October 1-3, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Sign up for a reminder when registration opens or contact info@erac.org for more information.
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