On December 5 in Calgary, CPA SVP, Government Relations Allan Murphy met with the Conservative Party’s Opposition Leader’s Economic Growth Council—a key caucus committee chaired by Calgary MP Greg McLean. Established by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, the Council is conducting a nationwide consultation to gather stakeholder input and develop policy recommendations, with an interim report expected by the end of January.

Murphy outlined propane’s essential role in powering communities across Canada—particularly in rural, Indigenous, and remote regions—and highlighted areas where government policy reform is needed to ensure a more level playing field for Canadians seeking propane. The CPA will continue engaging with all political parties on the practical role propane can play in meeting Canadians’ energy needs.

On November 26, CN presented its 2025–2026 winter plan to the CPA Rail Task Group, including updates on labour stability, propane volumes, and outlook. Highlights included:

• Labour agreements: Teamsters (conductors and engineers) valid through December 2026; Unifor agreements (yard and track forces) also expire December 2026—aligned with expected CPKC timelines.
• Propane volumes: In 2024, CN moved 102,000 carloads of propane, the first time exceeding 100,000, representing 22% growth since 2019. (NGL accounts for about 25% of CN’s petroleum and chemicals business.)
• Growth outlook: Continued upside expected as new fractionation and export capacity comes online in Alberta and B.C.
• Regional strength: Growth anticipated in New England, the U.S. Midwest, Ontario/Quebec, and the Maritimes (estimated 3–6% CAGR).

For the presentation deck and summary notes, contact VP Government Relations West Katie Kachur.

At the October 22 meeting with Premier Eby, the CPA raised concerns about the provincial Motor Fuel Tax, noting the complexity, administrative burden and added costs it creates for British Columbians. The CPA also encouraged the Premier to review the current rate, following Ontario’s example last spring.

The BC Committee will continue engaging with the province on this important file. The Alberta and Saskatchewan Committees are also continuing to advocate for changes to their respective fuel tax regimes.

To view CPA’s most recent submissions, please visit:

• CPA-Submission-November-14-Premier-Eby.pdf
•  CPA-Submission-November-14-Minister-Horner.pdf

For questions, contact VP Government Relations West Katie Kachur.

B.C. is preparing to revise its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales requirements, with Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix stating in late November that the province will introduce legislation next spring to modify the current targets. Dix cited shifting market conditions and softening electric vehicle sales across North America, including in B.C., as reasons for the planned changes.

While the province awaits findings from an independent review of the government’s climate plan, Dix said B.C. intends to work with the federal government on an updated target that he hopes could be implemented nationally. In the meantime, the province is expected to move ahead with regulatory changes that expand the types of vehicles that count toward compliance and provide manufacturers credit for actions such as lowering vehicle prices, offering low- or no-cost financing, and supporting charging infrastructure. The province also confirmed it will not reinstate its previous EV rebate program—which provided up to $4,000 off select models and was paused in May—stating that any rebates should be a federal responsibility.

B.C. was the first jurisdiction in the world to legislate ZEV sales targets six years ago, and accelerated those requirements two years ago, including a mandate that 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2035.

For questions, contact VP Government Relations West Katie Kachur.

The long-anticipated final report from the independent CleanBC review panel has been released: CleanBC-Independent-Review-Final-Report-November-2025.pdf.

While propane is not specifically referenced, several recommendations are relevant to the broader fuels and gas landscape, including:

• Expanding production of clean, made-in-B.C. biofuels and renewable natural gas to meet continued demand for liquid fuels in internal combustion vehicles, marine, rail, and aviation.
• Supporting a growing supply of renewable and low-carbon gas, recognizing the ongoing role of the utility gas system within B.C.’s energy mix.
• Advancing diesel reduction in remote First Nation communities in partnership with communities and BC Hydro, including establishing a feasible 2030 target to drive investment in lower-emission alternatives (including renewable diesel).

For questions, contact VP Government Relations West Katie Kachur.

On November 27, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining a new partnership focused on lowering emissions, enabling resource development, and strengthening Canada’s economic competitiveness. To read the MOU visit: Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding | Prime Minister of Canada

Key elements of note for CPA members include:

• A statement that Canada will not implement an oil and gas emissions cap.
• Immediate suspension of the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) in Alberta pending a new carbon-pricing agreement.
• Proposed amendments to the Competition Act to remove certain “greenwashing” provisions cited as creating investment uncertainty.
• A commitment to good-faith consultations with Alberta on federal measures that could affect Alberta industry and shared economic objectives.

The above recommendations are in alignment with CPA’s federal advocacy objectives and offer strong signals for the Canadian energy sector, including propane.

For questions, contact VP Government Relations West Katie Kachur.

On November 25–26, 2025, CPA was pleased to attend and sponsor the Ontario Federation of Agriculture annual general meeting. The event provided an opportunity to connect with OFA members and highlight the important role propane plays in Ontario agriculture.

The CPA appreciates the opportunity to participate and sponsor the OFA’s AGM. Special thanks to CPA Board Member Pat McLean (Red Cap Propane/Core Fuels) and CPA Member Collin Palmer (McDougall Energy) for joining CPA’s Vice-President, Government Relations (Ontario and Manitoba).

Ahead of the October 14 election, CPA’s SVP Government Relations Allan Murphy discussed expanded propane use with then–PC Leader Tony Wakeham, who said he would review the CPA’s affordability recommendations if elected.

A key proposal is the CPA’s Lower Emission Energy Retrofit Program (LEERP) to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians transition from heating oil to propane—potentially paired with electric heat pumps to further improve household energy affordability. The CPA will meet with Newfoundland and Labrador Energy Minister Lloyd Parrott in late January to discuss the proposal.

A new Butane-Propane News feature looks at how renewable propane is beginning to enter the Canadian market, and what it will take to scale up domestic supply. The piece highlights recent Canadian momentum (including early renewable propane and renewable dimethyl ether activity) and emphasizes that sustained, predictable policy support and incentives will be key to moving from pilots to commercial production. Read the story: Unlocking Canada’s renewable propane potential

The November 2025 Canadian Energy Reliability Council newsletter highlights winter reliability updates, including 2025–2026 assessments from the Canadian Gas Association and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). It also notes approvals for the Yellowhead Pipeline (Alberta) and Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion (B.C.) for their reliability benefits, summarizes recent outage trends, and provides an update on NERC’s GridEx VIII resilience exercise, which saw increased participation.

Read newsletter

This policy paper from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute explores how Canada can reduce its reliance on the U.S. by expanding energy trade with Indo-Pacific partners and positioning itself as a long-term energy security partner. Building on insights from CGAI’s Canada’s Next Chapter in the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum, it reviews new export infrastructure (including RIPET, LNG Canada, and the Trans Mountain expansion), examines the scale of Indo-Pacific energy demand, and argues that oil, natural gas, LPG, LNG, and nuclear technology should be central to Canada’s export diversification strategy.

Read report