In January 2021, Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) notified Propane Advisory Council (PAC) members of further plans to pilot test the merger of all fuels advisory councils into a single forum comprising propane, natural gas and liquid fuels representatives. The TSSA positions this initiative in the context of a "broad review of their councils and stakeholder engagement mechanisms" and a way to "adequately support the major business transformation initiatives underway at TSSA”. The TSSA is also planning to hold a joint meeting for boilers and pressure vessels and operating engineers in the spring of 2021.
PAC members have expressed concern, supported by the CPA, that this merger could result in issues specific to the propane sector being left unaddressed and/or diluted under the proposed forum.
The initial meeting of the joint fuels council is scheduled for March 11, 2021. PAC Chair Dave Karn has assembled a comprehensive list of agenda items that are outstanding and require attention for discussion at this meeting.
CPA Government Relations Director Marcelline Riddell is planning a meeting with all PAC members in advance of the March 11 Fuels Forum to discuss priority issues and solidify industry positions. The meeting will be scheduled once materials are ready and members have an opportunity to thoroughly review the contents.
If members have TSSA issues that they would like to see raised at this forum, please send them to Riddell at marcellineriddell@propane.ca.