The Canadian Propane Association wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.  The CPA offices, including the Propane Training Institute, will be closed from December 24, 2016 to January 2, 2017. As always, the Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC) Activation Line will still be available 24/7 throughout the closure.
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CPA’s recent win before the Ontario Energy Board is a major victory for CPA members and the propane industry. The CPA and some members participated in the generic proceeding to address natural gas expansion into unserved areas. The association argued that utilities should not be allowed to make existing ratepayers responsible for costs associated with expanding into new areas.
Facilitating a favourable business environment for the propane industry is a key mandate for the CPA. Unfair expansion of natural gas could have devastating effects on the propane industry and for the thousands of people that it employs. While this decision is focused in Ontario, what happens in one province or sector often has a rippling effect across the country – from producers to wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and manufacturers.
This issue is also being fought across the border, with the U.S. National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) working with state gas associations to fight subsidized natural gas expansion. The association and its members are seeing significant wins from North Dakota and West Virginia to New Mexico. However, the NPGA expects the trend to continue in the push for natural gas expansion in "unserved and underserved" areas and will be ramping up their efforts in the new year.
Both Canadian and U.S. propane associations must remain diligent in 2017 to ensure a level playing field that does not include infrastructure subsidies or market distorting cost-recovery practices.
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The development of Reliable Propane is a national initiative aimed at improving risk management performance by all CPA member companies and elevating public perception about the safety and responsibility of the industry.
The Reliable Propane initiative encourages members to: 
- Comply with regulatory requirements
- Systematically manage safety and risk
- Promote a strong safety culture within their organization
- "Do the right thing"
As work progresses on this initiative, we are pleased to announce the official Reliable Propane logo that will be used in printed and digital materials.
If you have questions about Reliable Propane, please contact Mélanie Levac, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs and Project Manager, Reliable Propane at 613-799-0935 or melanielevac@propane.ca.
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The CPA encourages members to reach out to their elected officials, participate in public forum discussions, converse with customers, and write submissions advocating for propane’s environmental and economical advantages.The CPA is pleased to share the following 'Letter to the Editor' printed in the Brunswick News December 14, written by Chris Snow, Propane & Natural Gas Specialist with Eastern Gas Services, Inc. and Vice-Chair of the CPA Atlantic Committee.
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Nova Scotia has reached a climate change agreement in principle with the federal government that will build upon its position as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nova Scotia currently leads all other provinces in cutting GHGs and has already reached the federal 2030 reduction target.
The province will introduce a cap and trade scheme in 2018 that allows it to continue building a system that reduces GHGs. The agreement also allows Nova Scotia to continue operating its coal-fired plants at some capacity beyond 2030, when the federal government hopes to have nearly all coal plants closed. For more information on the agreement, read the Nova Scotia Reaches Climate Change Agreement news release or visit Climate Change Nova Scotia.
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The Workplace Hazardous Materials Bureau (within Health Canada) has released the full Technical Guidance on the Requirements of the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) – WHMIS 2015 Supplier Requirements. This release comprises Phase 1 content (classification principles, hazard communication and Confidential Business Information) as well as Phase 2 content (physical hazard and health hazard classification content) in a consolidated guidance document.
Health Canada’s website at WHMIS.gc.ca has been updated to reflect the availability of the Technical Guidance. A PDF copy can be requested on the Health Canada website.
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Transport Canada (TC) is currently conducting consultation on proposed amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations. The TDG Regulations are updated on a regular basis to ensure public safety and address issues related to interpretation and application of the regulations that have been identified by various stakeholders through previous consultations and ongoing correspondence. Deadline to submit comments is February 22, 2017. For more information on the proposed amendments, CPA members click here.
Transport Canada is also seeking public input to provide additional details and greater clarity on its proposed amendments to training requirements found in Part 6 (Training) of the TDG Regulations. Transport Canada asks that you review its proposed approach available online at www.letstalktransportation.ca/part6, and provide feedback through the tools available at this link. The deadline for participating in this online forum is February 28, 2017.
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Alberta Municipal Affairs issued Gas Safety Variance VAR-GAS-01-16 in November 2016. Construction sites are often challenged by limited space on site for proper installation and servicing of propane storage tanks, vaporizers and fuel emergency shutdown systems. This limited space may result in unsafe conditions such as tripping hazards in varying conditions. The intent of the B149.2-15 Propane Storage and Handling Code change was to ensure the activation device was located at a reasonably safe place, in the event of an unplanned release of propane fuel or a fire at the vaporizer.
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Under the Climate Leadership Implementation Act, the Alberta government imposed a carbon levy to all sales and imports of fuel, subject to certain exemptions. The levy, which comes into effect on January 1, 2017, will affect propane as it relates to heating and transportation. The specific rates depend on the type of fuel, but all are set on the basis of $20 per tonne of CO 2 in 2017, rising to $30 per tonne in 2018. For additional information regarding the carbon levy, please visit the Alberta Treasury Board and Finance website.
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The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) has adopted new amendments to the Gasfitter Trade Regulations and modified training requirements to align with the national standards of the Red Seal Program, which has designated the occupation of Gasfitter as two Red Seal trades: Gasfitter – Class A and Gasfitter – Class B. The Red Seal Program is the Canadian standard of excellence for skilled trades and sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespersons across Canada. The trade regulations have been published in the Nova Scotia Royal Gazette Part II Regulations under the Regulations Act.
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CPA and ERAC renewal letters were sent out at the end of November 2016.
We would like to thank members for their continued support for, and
investment in, a successful and thriving propane industry.
Understanding
the current difficult economic environment, the CPA has worked hard to
limit increases in membership fees. There were no fee increases in 2015;
however, the board approved an assessment increase for 2016. This
increase is required for the CPA to continue advocating for the propane
industry in an increasingly complex environment and ensuring that propane
is front and center in important environment and energy government policies.
Members
often say that advocacy and lobbying have no impact or relevance to
their business. Advocacy and lobbying ensures there is a propane
industry for members to operate in, regardless of membership category.
Whether you are a producer, retailer, transporter or sell products to
the propane industry – it all comes back to a healthy policy environment
– an environment the CPA works diligently to ensure is
conducive for members to maintain and build their businesses.
CPA
membership provides many other benefits as well, including: advocacy and
lobbying services for regulatory matters, access to emergency response
services, discounts on training, industry research, regulatory updates,
equivalency certificates, member communications, affinity partner
benefits, discounts to events and free membership to participate in CPA
regional and national committees.
We look forward to working with members in the new year to continue championing the propane industry in Canada.
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After
decades of dedicated service in the propane industry, Marlene Pettit
retired from her position as Training Administrator for the CPA's
Propane Training Institute (PTI) in November 2016. Marlene was
instrumental in developing and implementing the PTI trainer
certification processes, which she managed with care. She will be
remembered for providing a personal touch in her services and always
making trainers feel valued. The CPA, and on behalf of members, thanks
Marlene and congratulates her on a job well done.
The PTI team
has adjusted responsibilities to continue providing exemplary service to
members and trainers. Sophie Leger has assumed Marlene’s work in
ensuring trainers remain current and well supported by taking on all
trainer administration tasks. Nicole Rutherford and Paulette Walters
carry forward with their roles in advancing improvements to process
orders, records, and certificates. PTI looks forward to continue serving
you in 2017.
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The Canadian Propane Association is pleased to announce a new award for its annual CPA Awards Program. The PTI Training Award celebrates engaging and inspiring trainers who are best in their class and achieve a level of excellence in the classroom. This award replaces the CPA Service Award.
CPA's award program also offers a Lifetime Industry Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant or consistent outstanding service contributions to the CPA, as well as the CPA Student Scholarship Award. The scholarship award, sponsored by the International Association of Young Gassers, Inc.,
provides financial assistance to recipients planning a career in
post-secondary education at a Canadian vocational or trade school,
community college or university and is offered to immediate family of employees of CPA member companies.
CPA members are encouraged to nominate commendable colleagues and associates by submitting a nomination form no later than March 1 of each year. Award details are available on the CPA website.
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The CPA reminds members they will receive a $200 discount off their annual membership fees for referring an organization/individual that joins the CPA. There is a maximum of $400 dollars/two referrals per member, per year. Contact James Daniels, Manager, Member Services at jamesdaniels@propane.ca for details.
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The CPA is pleased to offer member companies the official CPA logo for use in marketing and promotional materials.
This logo can be used by current CPA members on member company websites, brochures, magazine ads, and any other material to indicate they are a member of the Association. It is available in both English and French, and can be downloaded from The Grid.
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The Propane Training Institute has updated its 100-09 Propane Tank and Pressure Relief Valve Inspection Program (version 2.1). It has been formally recognized by BC Safety Authority in meeting the requirements in
relation to section 7.1.1 of the CSA B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling
code. As such, PTI certified instructors delivering the program to this
new standard will be issuing a certificate that meets the training
expectations for tank inspectors in BC.
The version 2.1 program includes an updated student workbook along with a new PowerPoint presentation and facilitator’s guide to assist trainers in delivering a consistent and effective program that prepares individuals to perform thorough inspections of propane tanks and PRVs.
For a list of all PTI courses, click here.
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What if the unthinkable happened today? That worst-case scenario. The
reason your company has an emergency response assistance plan (ERAP). Is your
company ready? Determine your organization’s level of readiness in
response to an ERAP activation.
Enroll in ERAC’s Plan Participant Readiness and Review Program (free for
ERAC Plan Participants). This program is a new tool to determine your
organization’s level of readiness in response to an ERAP activation.
The Plan Participant Readiness and Review program is designed to:
- Improve your operational response readiness and highlight the importance of
ERAPs, including your organization’s role and ERAC’s role, capabilities
and responsibilities
- Determine your organization’s readiness through the program’s assessment questionnaire
- Offer tailored ERAP awareness training with ERAC
- Follow up with Plan participants through a survey
Learn more about the Plan Participant Readiness and Review Program by contacting Don Merriam, Operations Manager, LPG or visit our website at www.erac.org.
Stay
in touch with ERAC! Sign Up to receive ERAC's quarterly newsletter and
get interesting news and updates delivered directly to your inbox.
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National Energy Board LPG Underground Inventory Report:
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In Ontario, will the TSSA process level 1 Risk and Safety Management Plans (RSMPs) that are not reviewed and signed by the local fire service?
Yes, so long as the local fire service has been provided an opportunity to review the plan and visit the site. However, this opportunity to comment and visit the site must be confirmed by a letter, an affidavit, courier receipt, etc., confirming that the local fire service was given an opportunity to review the RSMP and visit the site.
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Congratulations to Jim Bellwood of Highlands Propane who has been elected Vice-Chair of the CPA Transportation Committee. A call for nominations for the position was issued at the end of November. The CPA thanks Charles Beck, Bluewave Energy Ltd., a division of Parkland Fuel Corporation, who was also nominated. The committee looks forward to working with Jim in his new position.
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Get involved and make your voice heard! The three national CPA committees and six regional committees always need volunteers.
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