ON - CPA makes inroads on permanent solution for seasonal load restrictions

On April 17, 2020, as part of the Ontario government’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister of Transportation issued a regulation under Highway Traffic Act 1990 (O. Reg.160/20) exempting certain commodities from reduced load period weight restrictions in the province’s south.

Propane was included as a fuel to which this exemption applies. The regulation was effective until June 30, 2020.

With the exemption having expired, a more permanent, province-wide remedy to reduced load restrictions faced by propane businesses is required. The CPA has recently made inroads on two fronts to ensure this issue remains top-of-mind for provincial representatives and industry partners.

First, on June 3, 2020, during an industry consultation session with Minister of Government and Consumer Services, the Hon. Lisa Thompson, propane business leaders offered the permanent removal of seasonal load restrictions for propane as an essential fuel year-round. This initiative was identified as one of long-standing importance and strategic significance to assist rural and remote communities in their recovery from the economic impacts of the global shut-down.

The CPA’s follow-up letter to Minister Thompson from the June 3 meeting was also sent to Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney to signal that this issue remains a high priority and that the CPA would be following up with her office.

More recently, Ontario Government Relations Director, Marcelline Riddell, has connected with her counterpart at the influential agricultural organization, Grain Farmers of Ontario, to discuss a strategic alliance on this issue and other issues of common interest.

Members will continue to be apprised of new developments on this issue. Please contact marcellineriddell@propane.ca for more information.