Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking stakeholder input to support development of the recently announced Clean Fuel Standard. In its discussion paper released on February 24, the ECCC says the Clean Fuel Standard will be a modern, flexible, performance-based approach that would incent the use of a broad range of lower carbon fuels, alternative energy sources, and technologies such as electricity, hydrogen, and renewable fuels, including renewable natural gas. It would address a broad suite of fuels, including gaseous, solid and liquid fuels, and would go beyond transportation fuels to include those used in industry, homes and buildings. The Clean Fuel Standard is intended to reduce 30 megatonnes of annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 to contribute to Canada’s overall GHG mitigation target of 30 per cent emissions below 2005 levels by 2030.
The Canadian Propane Association (CPA) is actively involved on this file and is promoting propane as a low carbon fuel. CPA staff attended a stakeholder workshop in early March, met with ECCC staff responsible for the Standard, and will be submitting feedback on the discussion paper. The discussion paper can be viewed at the CEPA 1999 Environmental Registry.
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The CPA met with key members of Alberta’s Department of Energy at the beginning of March to promote low emission, low cost propane and its ability to help the province reach its greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Propane is currently playing a significant role in the government’s Petrochemical Diversification Program. The government says its recent approval of the two new petrochemical projects of Pembina Pipeline Corporation and Inter Pipeline, which together will process about 45,000 barrels of propane per day, will add jobs, diversify the energy industry and create lasting benefits for Alberta’s economy.
Discussions also focused on auto propane as a viable alternative fuel source, particularly for school and transit buses, police cars, courier vans, taxis and other high mileage fleets. UPS, Canada Post and FedEx, school bus operators in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, as well as the London Police and New Westminster Police have all switched to propane autogas for its environmental advantages and quick return on investment. The CPA stressed the propane industry’s commitment to infrastructure development, provided the government is committed to changing the culture of auto propane through promotional campaigns and tax incentives.
It was agreed that increased propane demand is good for Alberta. The CPA looks forward to continued meetings with the Alberta government, advocating for propane and providing ideas for policy makers to realize the value and opportunities to be gained from its increased utilization.
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Industry participation in the CPA's call to action on the Ontario Government Natural Gas Grant Program has been exceptional. Dozens of propane companies sent letters to the Premier, Ministers, and their local MPPs and MPs, outlining their concern about the $100 million grant program.
In a letter of response sent to the CPA and those members who participated, the Minister of Infrastructure has signalled the government’s ongoing, somewhat illogical support of the natural gas grant program. However, our efforts have caught the attention of the government and MPPs; they understand that we are concerned and that our industry plays an essential economic role in this province.
The CPA encourages members to keep up the conversation. There has never been a more important time for the propane industry to be heard and input from local businesses, who create many jobs, carries a lot of weight with elected officials. Please continue to promote the propane message to politicians and other key community stakeholders via personal phone calls, meetings and letters. Resources to help CPA member advocacy efforts are available on The Grid.
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The CPA recently made a submission to the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The standard is intended to assist Ontario’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
In its brief, the CPA requested:
- The RFS recognize propane as a low-carbon transportation fuel
- The use of propane in vehicles and investment in low-carbon transportation projects be eligible for RFS compliance purposes
- Investments by fleet operators and fuel distributors in propane vehicles and infrastructure be encouraged through rebates, tax breaks, program credits and other forms of government support.
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The Nova Scotia government is seeking feedback from stakeholders on key elements of a new cap and trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (for more information , CPA Members please view CPA Bulletin 64-2016: Nova Scotia Reaches Climate Change Agreement). The government has released a Discussion Paper outlining high level design options for the program, along with specific questions on components. It is available until March 31, 2017.
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The following opinion was written by Blair Qualey, President and Chief Executive Officer at New Car Dealers Association of BC and printed in the Prince George Citizen, February 22 and Vancouver Sun, February 24, 2017.
Previous next businesses, governments, and individuals in Canada are always searching for more economical and environmental solutions to power everyday life. When it comes to automotive choices, the rapidly expanding electric vehicle sector is one option, but some consumers are also looking at alternative fuels such as auto propane. As gas prices continue to fluctuate, powering business or government fleet vehicles with auto propane is becoming increasingly popular because of its clean and reliable properties. What used to be seen by many as a way to power a Zamboni is now a viable option for fuelling their fleet.
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Ontario’s Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) is holding a
series of one-day, propane industry workshops in several locations
throughout May and June. The workshops focus on propane regulation,
including the legal framework, risk and safety management plans,
technical requirements, latest changes in codes, and common field issues
associated with propane. For more information or to register, visit the
TSSA website.
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The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health were proposing to add two liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) (petroleum gases, liquefied, CAS11 RN 68476-85-7, and petroleum gases, liquefied, sweetened, CAS RN 68476-86-8) to Schedule 1 (List of Toxic Substances) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada conducted a joint scientific assessment for the two LPGs and published a notice summarizing the scientific considerations of the final screening assessment for these substances in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on February 25, 2017.
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SaskPower Gas Inspections issued Bulletin 01-2017: Propane Vaporizer Emergency Shutdown Systems in February. 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 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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Regulations Amending the Weights and Measures Regulations (Miscellaneous Program) were published in the Canada Gazette Part
II on February 22, 2017. The Weights and Measures Act and Regulations
govern legal units of measurement, the use of approved and examined
weighing and measuring machines that meet established technical
requirements, and the accurate measurement of products and services
traded on the basis of measure. The purpose of the minor amendments is
to correct inconsistencies between the English and French versions of
the Weights and Measures Regulations and to clarify certain sections. These amendments do
not alter the intent of the Regulations or impose new restrictions or
burdens on individuals or industry.
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2017 CPA Renewal Packages were sent to all primary contacts on November 25, 2016. If you did not receive your renewal package, please contact James Daniels, Manager, Member Services at jamesdaniels@propane.ca or 613-683-2275 to receive a copy of your invoice. Thank you for your continued support for, and investment in, a successful and thriving propane industry.
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The CPA is pleased to announce a new award for its annual CPA Awards Program. The PTI Trainer of the Year 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. This 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 31, 2017. Award details are available on the CPA website.
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 The CPA is excited to announce the release of our new website. The new site offers a fresh modern look, streamlined content and easier navigation. We hope you check it out – it’s located at the same URL address: http://propane.ca.
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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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Each year, more and more dangerous goods are moved across Canada by road, rail, water and air. These shipments range from industrial chemicals to manufactured goods and, while indispensable to our modern way of life, they can pose a threat to public safety if not handled safely.
Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Directorate is the focal point for Canada’s national program to promote public safety during the transportation of dangerous goods.
To promote public safety, the TDG Directorate has enhanced its Safety Awareness Program and is reaching out to targeted audiences such as First Responders, communities/municipalities and the general public . The TDG Directorate prepared safety awareness kits, containing safety awareness material that could be of help. These kits can be viewed on Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Safety Awareness Materials and FAQ webpage.
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Alberta Seminar & Kandlelighters Golf Tournament
September 12, 2017
BC Seminar & Golf Tournament
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