Newsletter May 2024

In the past few months, the CPA has officially joined Energy Connections Canada and Canadian Association for Energy Contractors. While the CPA often engages with like-minded associations and coalitions to amplify advocacy, the formalizing of these relationships solidifies the intentions of working together for the Canadian energy sector. The CPA will continue to assess further opportunities. For questions, please reach out to Katie Kachur, VP Government Relations West. 

On May 2, CPA President and CEO Shannon Watt wrote to federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan to advise him that propane is a critical energy choice for Canadians from coast to coast and that timely delivery must not be interrupted. 

She expressed CPA members’ concern regarding the possible disruption of scheduled rail transportation of propane should an impasse occur in negotiations between both CN and CPKC and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.  

Watt reminded the minister that railway transportation plays a crucial role in Canada’s propane industry, supporting countless Canadians who rely on propane daily for their homes, businesses, farms, and fleets. This demand extends well beyond the winter heating season, highlighting the need for a continuous and reliable supply of propane to sustain these activities year-round. 

The timely delivery of affordable and low-emission propane is essential to the health and safety of individuals across Canada, with community hospitals, senior facilities, food production, emergency measures services and schools depending on propane.  

The Minister noted the importance of propane, food, and water treatment materials etc. for health and safety purposes when he referred the issue to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) for consideration. The reference to the CIRB delayed a strike or lockout beyond May 22.  

Once the CIRB makes a ruling, the 72-hour strike notice can go into effect, unless the parties come to an agreement. 

View the CPA in the News section on the website to read press coverage on this issue.  

The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant (CGHG) has ended. However, starting in 2025-26, the government will be launching the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program that will support the direct installation of energy efficiency retrofits for Canadian households with low- to median-incomes. Like the CGHG, the new initiative and will be co-delivered with provincial and territorial partners.  

The CPA has made it clear to the federal government and the provinces that omitting propane from the CGHG as a more affordable and cleaner replacement for heating oil was a mistake.   

The CPA will be meeting with Minister Wilkinson’s office on May 28 to discuss how propane can play an important role in the new program. The issue will also be raised in meetings with provincial ministers that began on May 23 in Nova Scotia. 

On March 13, 2024, the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB)  announced its first proposed Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS). These proposed standards, CSDS 1 and CSDS 2, match global benchmarks set by the International Sustainability Standards Board and are used in many European countries.   

The CPA has a few concerns with these proposed standards: 

– Lack of representation and consultation: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are not well represented on the CSSB and haven’t been consulted enough. This leads to standards that don’t consider the challenges SMEs face, making it harder for them to comply.

– Resource constraints: SMEs often have limited resources. Detailed sustainability reporting and verification can add significant burden to their already busy operations.

– Complexity of standards: The standards are complex and require expertise to understand and implement. SMEs may not have the knowledge or resources to navigate these complexities, leading to non-compliance or the need for expensive external help.

– Financial implications: The cost of reporting and compliance can be high for SMEs, including hiring additional staff or consultants, and the time spent on understanding and implementing the standards.

– Potential for competitive disadvantage: If the standards are more suited to larger corporations, SMEs might struggle to meet them, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.

– One-size-fits-all approach: The standards may not suit the diverse nature of SMEs. Different industries and business sizes have varying impacts on sustainability that should be considered.

The CSSB has posted the standards on their website with surveys for feedback. They are open for comments until June 10, 2024. For more information on the proposals and surveys, visit the CSSB website or reach out to Katie Kachur, VP Government Relations West. 

On May 13, the B.C. Government announced an expanded heat pump program. It stated that, “Funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Energy and Natural Resources Canada will be used to provide grants for residents to switch their home heating systems from oil, propane, or natural gas to cleaner heating and cooling options”. The CPA will continue to engage with both provincial and federal governments about the limitations of heat pumps and the role propane can play in reducing emissions while ensuring reliable and affordable energy. For more information on the program, please visit the governmentwebsite.

On April 25, Bill Tieleman, the founder of BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy (BC CADE), presented to the BC Committee, outlining the coalition’s focus. BC CADE believes British Columbians need affordable energy that fits their budgets, dependable energy for heating homes and running businesses, and a choice of energy sources.  

Coalition members are worried that the Zero Carbon Step Code regulations will ban renewable natural gas, natural gas, and hydrogen in new buildings and believe this will increase energy costs and force a reliance  on electricity.  

The CPA supports this view as it aligns with our message of “energy choice.” For more information, visit the BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy. 

Emissions Reductions Alberta (ERA) has launched the 2024 Industrial Transformation Challenge, a $50 million funding competition. This competition is for technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve Alberta’s industrial and natural resource sectors’ economic competitiveness.  

The 2024 Industrial Transformation Challenge focuses on projects like scale-up, pilot, demonstration, and first-of-kind commercial projects across various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, oil and gas, and other natural resource sectors.  

The 2024 Industrial Transformation Challenge supports continuous investment in technologies including but not limited to:  

– Breakthrough industrial process improvements

– Fuel switching and electrification

– Thermal energy storage

– Emissions solutions in agriculture and forestry

– Critical minerals extraction

– Advanced energy materials

– Elimination of methane emissions

 The application deadline is Friday, June 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. MDT (UTC-6h). An informational webinar will be held on Monday, May 27, from 10-11 a.m. MDT (UTC-6h). For more information, please visit ERA 2024 Industrial Transformation Challenge  or reach out to Katie Kachur, VP Government Relations West. 

Municipalities across Alberta can now apply to the Community Energy Conservation Program for energy-efficient upgrades to municipally owned buildings. This will help communities save energy, lower costs, and reduce emissions. Up to $500,000 is available per municipality, including community-related organizations. The funding can be used for buildings like recreation centers, libraries, community halls, transit centers, fire halls, and wastewater treatment facilities.  

Communities can apply for funding to conduct energy audits of existing facilities and for projects like upgrading insulation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and lighting. 

Applications are now open and will close in March 2026, or when funding is fully allocated, whichever comes first. For more information, visit Municipal Climate Change Action Centre.  

On April 25, CPA member Blair Overby and Ontario VP Chris Crawford collaborated with members from the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) to discuss  theimportance of propane to the agriculture sector with Manitoba’s Minister of Agriculture Ron Kostyshyn. The discussion also covered the Decarbonization Roadmap Report and highlighted how renewable propane can help Canada reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be an energy source for the future. 

On May 3, CPA’s Ontario VP Chris Crawford and CPA member Floyd Running met with Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge. During the meeting, the CPA discussed the Decarbonization Roadmap Report and the importance of propane as an energy source for rural and remote communities. The discussion also included the CPA’s recent Ontario Pre-Budget Submission, which proposed eliminating the 4.3 cent/litre fuel tax on auto propane, creating a rural propane retrofit program, and investing in biofuel research and development. 

On Wednesday, May 15, we celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions in the propane industry.

🏆Propane Training Institute Trainer of the Year – Reginald Adamson from FSN Safety Training was recognized for his engaging teaching methods. With over 40 years of experience, Reg’s dedication to safety and training has impacted countless propane professionals.  

🏆 Innovation Award – two winners this year!

Marshall Excelsior Company for their groundbreaking Excela-Wynd Hose Reel. This innovative technology is revolutionizing efficiency and safety in the industry.  

Ebsray, a PSG brand for their state-of-the-art R75/R77 Pumps, bringing exceptional performance to propane delivery.  

🏆 Health and Safety Award – Dan Granger, President of SLEEGERS Engineered Products Inc. was honoured for his exceptional leadership in improving workplace safety. Dan implemented a robust Hearing Conservation Program that has significantly enhanced employee safety and compliance.

🏆 Lifetime Industry Achievement Award – Joe Adams was awarded the Lifetime Industry Achievement award for his remarkable contributions over three decades. His profound knowledge and significant contributions to the propane industry have left an indelible mark of innovation and excellence in the sector. His legacy in the propane industry is truly inspiring. Congratulations, Joe, on this well-deserved honour!

We are immensely proud of all the winners for their dedication, innovation, and leadership. Congratulations to all!

A big thank you to Parkland for sponsoring the gala reception. And special thanks to the evening’s exceptional Master of Ceremonies, Liam Maguire.Liam’s engaging presence and remarkable knowledge of Canada’s hockey greats made the evening truly memorable.  

Click here to view the gala photos.